Identifying confidential data in a data item by comparing the data item to similar data items from alternative sources

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program product to identify confidential information in a document. To examine a document for inclusion of confidential information, the document is compared against documents having similar structure and content from one or more other sources. When comparing documents (of similar structure and content) from different sources, confidential information is then made to stand out by searching for terms (from the sources) that are not shared between or among them. In contrast, common words or terms that are shared across the sources are ignored as likely being non-confidential information; what remains as not shared may then be classified as confidential information and protected accordingly (e.g., by omission, redaction, substitution or the like). Using this technique, non-confidential information may be safely segmented from confidential information in a dynamic, automated manner.