Why is sensitive data important?

Summary of the Article: The Importance of Sensitive Data Protection

Sensitive data is important, confidential information that requires a higher level of data security to prevent unauthorized access from hackers or malware. Data deemed sensitive is typically protected from outside parties and should be inaccessible unless granted permission.

However, if sensitive data falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to fraud, identity theft, or similar harms. Given the cost of a security breach—losing your customers’ trust and perhaps even defending yourself against a lawsuit—safeguarding personal information is just plain good business.

Attacks that gain access into a system and are left to rummage around in unauthorized areas undetected can cause an immense amount of damage, sacrificing the integrity of an organization.

Sensitive data, or special category data, according to GDPR is any data that reveals a subject’s information. Sensitive data examples include racial or ethnic origin, political beliefs, and religious beliefs.

Sensitive Data Intelligence enables organizations to understand their data risk profile, identify emerging risk areas promptly, and implement necessary controls before data is exposed in case of a security incident.

Researchers have a duty to consider carefully the risks and consequences associated with their research. Research that is classed as ‘sensitive’ carries with it particular risks that need to be managed, with particular consideration being given to the potential consequences of these risks.

Here are some benefits of data protection: 1) Protects valuable data, 2) Staying ahead of the competition, 3) Reduced costs of development, 4) Protect against hackers, 5) Meeting current standards (PCI DSS, HIPAA), and 6) Preventing your website from going down.

Data protection safeguards information from loss through backup and recovery. Data security refers specifically to measures taken to protect the integrity of the data itself against manipulation and malware. It provides defense from internal and external threats. Data privacy refers to controlling access to the data.

Encryption is the most important form of protection for sensitive data. Encryption is the process of converting data into a code that can only be read by authorized parties. This technology is a critical component of data protection, as it can help prevent data theft or unauthorized access.

Top 9 practices to manage sensitive data: 1) Organization and risk assessment, 2) Access management, 3) Backups, 4) Encryption and pseudonymization, 5) Adoption of anti-malware practices, 6) Creation of incident response plans, 7) Addressing third-party related risks, and 8) Deploying dedicated data security software.

Personal devices holding sensitive data should be kept in a secured location and protected with strong passwords. Data should be encrypted while in transit and at rest. Regular data backups and access logs should be maintained. Employees should receive proper training on handling sensitive data and follow strict data handling procedures.