What type of files must be kept secure due to state and federal privacy laws?

The correct answer is that all types of files—personnel files, hiring files, and disciplinary files—must be kept secure due to state and federal privacy laws. These laws are designed to protect the personal information of individuals, ensuring that sensitive data is handled with care and confidentiality.

Personnel files often contain a wealth of personal information, including social security numbers, employment history, performance reviews, and medical records, all of which are protected under various privacy regulations. Hiring files typically include resumes, background checks, and reference information, which also contain sensitive information that must be safeguarded against unauthorized access. Disciplinary files can document employee misconduct, specific disciplinary actions taken, and related sensitive information, requiring the same level of protection to maintain confidentiality.

Overall, the requirement to keep these files secure is part of broader privacy protection measures aimed at safeguarding individual rights and ensuring responsible handling of personal data by organizations. Each type of file plays a critical role in maintaining employee privacy, which is why the answer encompasses all three categories.