How to Identify a Document As Confidential

Sensitive documents are classified as confidential.

Confidential documents contain sensitive information such as personal information, business secrets and professional information. Confidential documents are not publicly available and they are protected by law from misuse and improper disclosure. Confidential documents usually contain signs and paragraphs identifying them as confidential.

Instructions

1. Check the document's folder for the sign "Confidential." The confidential sign is normally printed or stamped over the folder in red. If the folder contains the red confidential mark, you should not disclose any information contained in the document.

2. Check the document itself for the "Confidential" mark if you do not have the folder. The red confidential mark is generally stamped over the front and back of the paper containing the confidential information.

3. Read the last paragraph of the document you believe is confidential. If the last paragraph contains a confidentiality warning or a disclosure, it is a confidential document.

4. Read the paragraph in an email underneath the sender's signature. An email is an electronic document which can also be classified as confidential. A warning from the sender may be displayed at the bottom of the email notifying you that the contents of the email are confidential and that you need to keep sensitive information private.

5. Ask your manager or superior for confirmation if the document does not contain any signs or warnings of confidentiality.

Tips & Warnings

• Documents containing personal information, bank statements, trade secrets and agreements are confidential documents regardless of whether they have a confidential mark or not.

References

• IP/IT Update: Confidential Information
• Swaab Attorneys: Confidential Information