Final answer:
External users have limited access to sensitive data, may be bound by confidentiality agreements, and are governed by strict data protection regulations like HIPAA and GDPR, which contribute to reducing the risk of a confidentiality breach.
Step-by-step explanation:
Data used by external users does not inherently remove the risk of breach of confidentiality, but various measures are put in place to mitigate such risks. One of the primary reasons external users pose a lesser risk is that they typically have limited access to sensitive information. For example, within the healthcare industry, regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) set strict standards for the protection of patient information, ensuring that those who have access to such data must adhere to these regulations or face severe penalties.
Confidentiality agreements also play a significant role in the protection of sensitive data. External users, such as contractors or partners, are often bound by legal contracts that require them to maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information they access as part of their business relationship.
Moreover, the growing threat of cyber data breaches has caused many organizations and governments to strengthen their data protection policies. This includes the adoption of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, which provides comprehensive protection of personal data for individuals within the EU.
Businesses and organizations that deal with sensitive information often employ a range of cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access to data. This is essential in today's digital age where data breaches can lead to significant financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal consequences. Therefore, while external users can potentially breach confidentiality, stringent measures, both legal and technological, are in place to reduce this risk.