The Importance of Data Protection

Data protection refers to processes, practices and technologies that ensure data is available at any time, irrespective of whether it is corrupted or lost. This covers everything from traditional backups of data, solid-state drives, cloud storage and other high-availability methods to security measures that keep information safe from access by unauthorised users.

Data protection also includes laws and regulations that govern how personal information is collected and used as well as stored. GDPR is an example that imposes fines on non-compliance and sets minimum standards that member states must adhere to. GDPR compliance requires detailed documentation of how and why certain types of data are collected and the names of the individuals who collected the data and the purpose of each process. The GDPR also demands that data is accurate and not kept longer than necessary. All personally identifiable information is to be stored in a secure manner.

The amount of data businesses manage is growing, and it is becoming increasingly important to protect it. Unhandled data can result in penalties, reputational damage, and other financial burdens. 79% of consumers trust businesses more when they focus on security of their data, and than 80% of them would not consider doing any business with a firm which has suffered a security breach.

It is possible to protect sensitive data without using technology however the best way to do this is to protect sensitive data by encrypting it prior to sharing. Additionally all physical devices and storage should be properly identified and secured (e.g. external drives, USBs, printed files and documentation) to avoid their loss or unauthorised access. Finally, when it comes time to discard data, make sure it is completely removed from all systems and backups.

https://datachatroom.com/data-room-software-transforming-security-standards-for-modern-businesses/