Which practice helps prevent data leakage when handling sensitive information?

• A. Access control, need-to-know, secure handling, and proper disposal
• B. Sharing passwords with colleagues
• C. Leaving devices unlocked
• D. Posting sensitive data in public channels

Answer: (B)

Preventing data leakage comes down to limiting who can see sensitive information and how it’s handled throughout its life. Implementing access controls plus a need-to-know approach ensures only authorized people access data and only to the extent necessary for their role. Secure handling covers safe storage, encrypted or protected transmission, and careful processing of information. Proper disposal makes sure that once data is no longer needed, it’s destroyed securely so nothing can be recovered. When these practices are in place, the risk of accidental or intentional data exposure is greatly reduced. Actions like sharing passwords, leaving devices unlocked, or posting sensitive data in public channels violate authentication, physical and digital security, and proper data governance, which is exactly why they undermine data protection.