Which type of data includes trade secrets and intellectual property that would seriously affect the business if disclosed?

The correct answer is the classification of data that includes trade secrets and intellectual property as confidential data. This type of data is characterized by its need for strict protection from unauthorized access or disclosure because its exposure could lead to significant financial loss, competitive disadvantage, or legal repercussions for a business. Confidential data encompasses information that a company considers proprietary, such as formulas, designs, processes, and internal procedures.

In contrast, private data generally pertains to personal information about individuals, which, while sensitive, does not inherently relate to business operations or competitive standing in the same way as trade secrets or intellectual property do. Sensitive data can also encompass various types of information that require protection, but it is not as narrowly defined as confidential data. Public data, on the other hand, is information that is openly available to the public and does not require protection. Therefore, when discussing data that is crucial for a business’s integrity and survival, confidential data is the appropriate classification.