Data privacy and security
1. Data privacy and security
Hi there! Both data privacy and data security are crucial for data ethics. Let's find out more!2. Aren't they the same?
Data privacy and security are often used interchangeably because one complements the other. Data privacy focuses on data protection, the rights of an individual related to their information, and the ethical and legal implications of breaching the rights. Data privacy requires technical and organizational measures to protect personal data, and these measures are otherwise known as data security measures. Data security is an essential element of data privacy, but it covers all data, not just personal data, so it can be considered as information security. The three crucial components of information security are confidentiality, integrity, and data availability.3. Confidentiality
The confidentiality aspect of data security is about preventing unauthorized access to data. Companies can maintain confidentiality through technical measures like firewalls, and encryption, setting up secure connections to employees who work from home, installing device security, and setting up access controls so that only the right people can access the relevant folders or files. In addition to the technical measures, there is a need to have awareness campaigns and training on confidentiality best practices to create a culture of data security, to prevent unauthorized access, also known as a data breach.4. Data breaches
Data breaches can happen due to insufficient technology measures and unwanted user behavior. That includes the loss or theft of unprotected or unencrypted devices. It could also happen because a disgruntled employee wants to frustrate their employers or an industrial spy is trying to compromise company data. It could also be due to a lack of security culture and awareness where someone accidentally opens a malicious link. Even with the best measures data breaches do happen. Whatever the cause, companies need to actively prevent and mitigate breaches of confidentiality by updating their technological measures, enhancing cyber security practices, and by having a clear incident response plan, and training their employees on data security matters.5. Integrity
Integrity is an essential aspect of data security because this element covers the trustworthiness of data. We must ensure that the data is accurate and not tampered with or accidentally modified. Companies need to set up change management or version control systems to log and document all the changes made to the dataset to ensure its integrity. Additionally, it's crucial to validate the datasets for errors, duplicates, and inaccuracies.6. Availability
Data availability means that you can access data whenever you need it. Data may sometimes be unavailable due to power failures or system outages. Companies must ensure robust backup and recovery systems to access data without loss. That includes securing physical and cloud backups to ensure data is always accessible. Data availability is essential for organizations offering data-dependent services to function smoothly and not negatively impact operations and customer service. It's important to remember that data ethics is not just about privacy and personal data but also studies the impact of data products and data-dependent services in our lives.7. Backup anyone?
The impact of the unavailability of data can be massive. In early 2023, thousands of flights were grounded in the United States. Don't worry. It was not due to terrorism. It was caused by a computer outage and a corrupted data file that forced the aviation authorities to halt all departures nationwide. A corrupted data file and the unavailability of an efficient backup system to recover it blocked an entire nation's flight schedules. This shows how companies' data practices impact individuals and entire societies and economies as a whole. Yet another example why data ethics are so crucial!8. Let's practice!
Great, now let's test your new skills!Create Your Free Account
or
By continuing, you accept our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy and that your data is stored in the USA.