Which practice best protects client privacy when sharing information?

• A. Use secure systems
• B. Share with non-need-to-know
• C. Email sensitive data in plain text
• D. Publish client data publicly

Answer: (A)

Protecting client privacy when sharing information relies on making sure access is limited to those who need it and that the data is transmitted and stored securely. Using secure systems achieves this by enforcing authentication, encryption, and access controls, so only authorized individuals can view the information and actions are tracked for accountability. This reduces the risk of interception, leaks, or misuse during sharing.

Sharing with people who do not have a legitimate need to know breaks confidentiality and can violate privacy protections. Emailing sensitive data in plain text leaves it vulnerable to interception, misdelivery, or exposure. Publishing client data publicly is an outright breach of privacy and undermines trust and professional obligations.

In practice, secure systems include protected portals, encrypted communications, strong authentication (like two-factor methods), role-based access, and audit trails, all of which help maintain client privacy when information must be shared.