Data security is a broad term that covers many tools techniques, practices, and technologies to safeguard digital data from unauthorized access, theft, and loss throughout its life. This includes physical security of storage and hardware devices, logical security for software applications, and the organization’s policies and procedures. Effective data security strategies are critical for maintaining trust in business, complying with regulations and to avoid costly data breaches.
Data security can be classified into:
Authentication is the process of precisely authenticating a user before granting access to sensitive information or systems. Authentication involves verifying an individual’s identity with methods like passwords PINs, security tokens, security pins swipe cards and biometrics.
Encryption is a process that converts information into a cryptic format that is only deciphered by a key. It protects data from cybercriminals, even if intercepted in transit. This is commonly used to safeguard personal information like credit card numbers and financial data.
Backup and recovery: This process creates and stores copies of data to ensure that it is retrieved in the event of system failure, disaster or corruption. A consistent backup strategy will reduce the chance of losing important data.
Data resiliency: The ability to continue operations with no interruption in the event of power outages or natural catastrophe. This is achieved by the combination of processes such as data masking, encryption, redaction and centralized management tools.
