It is acceptable for an employee to reveal ________.

• A. confidential information
• B. private information
• C. trade secrets
• D. None of the above

Answer: (D)

Keeping sensitive information secure is central to information security. Confidential information includes internal company data, customer records, and business methods; private information covers individuals’ personal data; trade secrets protect proprietary methods, formulas, or processes. Revealing any of these without explicit authorization breaches policy, can violate laws, and risks harm to the organization and individuals. In normal circumstances, none of these categories should be disclosed. Only disclosures are allowed when there is proper authorization, need-to-know, or a legal requirement with a formal process. Because there is no acceptable reason to reveal any of these categories in ordinary scenarios, the option stating none of the above is the best answer.