What does confidentiality refer to in the context of data management?

Confidentiality in data management is primarily about protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and ensuring that only individuals who have the proper clearance or need to know can access specific data. This concept is crucial in various fields, including healthcare, where patient privacy is paramount.

When confidentiality is maintained, it safeguards personal and organizational data against fraud, breaches, and misuse, thereby fostering trust in data management practices. This principle is foundational in compliance with regulations like HIPAA in healthcare, which establishes strict guidelines on who can access patient information and under what circumstances.

The other choices do not specifically address the core concept of confidentiality. For example, ensuring data integrity relates to maintaining the accuracy and consistency of the data, while accessibility pertains to making data available to users, which contradicts the essence of confidentiality. Archiving data securely focuses on how data is stored rather than who has the right to access it. Thus, confidentiality distinctly emphasizes controlled access to data, confirming that only authorized personnel can view or use sensitive information.