Data security is a broad umbrella term that encompasses a range of tools, techniques and practices that protect digital information from unauthorized access and corruption and theft throughout its cycle. This includes the physical security of hardware and storage devices and software for logical security applications, and the policies of the organization and procedures. Robust data security strategies are vital for maintaining confidence in the business, adhering to regulations and keeping data breaches from becoming costly.
Data security can be described in terms of:
Authentication is the process of precisely identifying users prior to giving access to sensitive information or systems. Authentication is the process of confirming the identity of an individual using methods like passwords, PINs and swipe cards.
Encryption is a process that converts information into a cryptic format that is only deciphered by a key. It safeguards information from cybercriminals, even if intercepted in transit. This is commonly used to safeguard personal information like credit card numbers and financial information.
Backup and recovery is the process of creating and conserving copies of data to ensure that the data can be retrieved if there is an outage or natural disaster, or even a corruption of data. A regular backup and recovery plan reduces the risk of losing valuable data.
Data resiliency: The ability to carry on operations without interruption in the event of power outages or natural disaster. This is achieved by the use of processes such as data masking, encryption redaction, and central management tools.
