What does "unauthorized disclosure" refer to in terms of sensitive information?

The term "unauthorized disclosure" specifically refers to the sharing of classified or sensitive information with individuals who do not have the proper authorization to receive such information. This concept is critical in the context of information security and privacy, as it relates to the protection of sensitive data that could harm national security, organizational integrity, or an individual's privacy if disclosed inappropriately.

When classified or sensitive information is shared outside of the established channels or with people lacking the requisite security clearances, it poses a risk of compromise and exploitation of that information. This violation not only undermines the trust placed in systems designed to protect sensitive data but can also have serious legal and operational repercussions.

The other options highlight scenarios that do not necessarily align with the definition of unauthorized disclosure. For instance, sharing classified information with authorized personnel is a secure practice, while the public release of unclassified information and dissemination to the media do not involve unauthorized recipients, as these actions are either permissible or within the bounds of public access laws. Therefore, the correct interpretation of unauthorized disclosure indeed centers on the dissemination of sensitive information to those lacking the appropriate authorization.