Data protection refers the process, practices and technologies which ensure that data is available whenever it is needed, regardless whether it’s corrupted or lost. This includes everything from data backups to solid-state drives and cloud storage, and other forms of high availability. It also includes security measures that protect data from being accessed by unauthorised users.
Data protection refers to laws and regulations that govern the collection, use and storage of personal information. GDPR is a prime example that imposes fines on non-compliance and establishes minimum standards that all member states must adhere to. GDPR compliance demands detailed documentation on what and why certain types of data are collected, along with names of the people who gathered them and the purpose behind each step. The GDPR also demands that data is accurate and not kept longer than necessary. Any personal information must be protected by a secure system.
The volume of data that businesses manage is growing, and that’s why it’s important to secure it. Unhandled data can result in penalties, reputational damage, and other financial burdens. Moreover, 79% of consumers say that they trust businesses more when they prioritise security of data, and over 80% would stop doing business with a company who was the victim of a security breach.
It is possible to secure sensitive data without utilizing technology However, the best method is to encrypt all sensitive information prior sharing. Additionally physical devices and storage should be appropriately labeled and secured (e.g. external drives and USBs, printed files, and documentation) to avoid their loss or unauthorized access. When it’s time to dispose of data, make sure that it’s been fully removed from backups and systems.
