What steps should be taken to ensure confidentiality when sharing investigation results with a client?

When sharing investigation results with a client, securely delivering the report only to the client is crucial for maintaining confidentiality. This approach ensures that sensitive information is not exposed to unauthorized individuals who might unintentionally or intentionally disseminate it. Using secure methods for delivery, such as encrypted emails or secure file transfer protocols, adds an additional layer of protection, safeguarding the integrity of the investigation's results.

This practice also demonstrates professionalism and respect for the client's privacy, reinforcing trust in the investigator-client relationship. By controlling access to the report, the investigator can prevent data leaks and maintain the confidentiality that is often vital in sensitive investigations.

Other methods, such as sharing results with the entire team, discussing findings publicly, or placing the report in a shared folder, can compromise confidentiality and should be avoided to ensure that the information is only accessible to those who are authorized and need to know.