Confidentiality / Sensitivity
Different meaningsConfidentiality concerns authorised access and disclosure; sensitivity is the broader judgement about how much protection information needs.
Confidentiality
Use when
You mean protecting information from access or disclosure that is not authorised.
Example
“Limit the case file to approved recipients to preserve confidentiality.”
Sensitivity
Use when
You mean the importance of information and the level of protection it needs.
Example
“Assess the document's sensitivity before choosing its handling controls.”
Quick check
sensitive therefore confidential, confidentiality level when sensitivity is meant, non-confidential therefore non-sensitive
Usage note
Information may be sensitive because disclosure, alteration, loss or unavailability would cause harm. Do not use confidential as a general synonym for sensitive.