“Data Privacy” and “Data Security”: How often have you interchangeably used these terms, assuming they are synonymous? What if we refuted your opinion? Yes, although used interchangeably, Data Privacy and Data Security are fundamentally distinct in more ways than one.
Interested to know the details? Keep reading!
Before we explore the details, here’s a touch-and-go definition of both terms that clearly state the fundamental distinctions between the two terms:
Data-related security and privacy are different terms.
What are the Differences & Why are they Important?
Data has evolved- and how! From being a minuscule dot in the digital universe to completely engulfing it, data has become omnipresent and omnipotent. These attributes reinforce the necessity to safeguard data 24/7.
In today’s business world, data is the oil that fuels organizations. Therefore, as long as it is concerned, several data-related issues can shake the very core of an organization, namely:
Any of the above-mentioned issues can massively dent your organization’s revenue and reputation. Moreover, customers may become wary of sharing their information with an organization incapable of protecting their data. This loss of customer trust will likely result in customer loyalty and the loss of brand following.
These are just a few reasons why data privacy and security are equally crucial for any business- big or small.
Defining Data Privacy
Data privacy involves the regulated processing and utilization of customers’ personal data and enabling them to have more control over the information they share.
Privacy is a universal aspect that’s common to everyone. It is every individual’s right to stay free of intrusion into the personal aspects of their life. It is a fundamental concept of dignity that everyone deserves, irrespective of race, gender, sex, or religion. In short, the right to privacy is accepted across cultures and has served as the cornerstone of many civilizations for centuries.
This is why, companies have enormous responsibilities when it comes to data privacy. They must notify customers about data collection, access to data, etc. The organization should also ensure absolute transparency about the use of personal data and limit its use to its intended purpose.
In this context, data privacy is not only about “privacy” per se. It also includes aspects such as:
Further, organizations that collect data are responsible for conditioning risk assessments for two prime purposes:
Defining Data Security
The concept of data security involves the efforts taken to protect data from unauthorized access, cyber theft, and corruption throughout each stage- from the creation of data, storing, usage, and sharing to archiving and deleting it.
There are many ways to secure digital data.
Firstly, organizations can physically protect all the peripherals that store the data with fundamental security measures like locked rooms and cabinets or restricting access to the premises. Secondly, to ensure holistic and robust security, businesses must invest in digital security measures like:
The third measure involves the implementation of solid security policies and procedures that are reviewed and upgraded periodically.
Essentially, there is no such thing as enough security. Organizations are free to take measures to stay abreast of data security and compliance. Having the most stringent strategies will help protect your data and remain vigilant to insider threats, intentional or unintentional human error, and cybercrime.
Now that we have clearly explained what data security and privacy mean, let's move on to those minute but crucial aspects that demarcate the two.
| Data Privacy | Data Security |
|---|---|
| Ensures proper use of personal data and enables people to control how their data is accessed, used, or shared. | Implements strategies, controls, and procedures to protect data from malicious use and unauthorized access. |
| Considers what type of data is important. | Focuses on policy enforcement. |
| Involves the overall distribution, collection, processing, and use of data. | Establishes security measures and data-related compliance. |
| Governs aspects like data usage, acquisition, retention, deletion, and storage. | It is fundamental to maintaining data privacy. |
| Obtains prerequisites from data security. | Establishes restricted and authorized access to personal information. |
| Can implement measures to prevent websites, browsers, companies, and internet service providers from tracking your data and browsing history. | Protects any compromise of data security by malicious insider threats and external attackers. |
Uses data security tools like:
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Uses data privacy tools like:
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Investing in data security and privacy is never a waste of time, money, or resources. In this ever-changing digital landscape, it pays to stay current with the best data security and privacy practices.
Data Privacy Best Practices
Data Security Best Practices
At the end of the day, data security and privacy should be ingrained in every data process that you take up. There is simply no room for compromise regarding securing data and remaining compliant with privacy regulations.
And, when it comes to hyperfast, hyper-secure data integration, Trueloader is the name to trust. Call us to learn how we can help with your data integration.
