Data Security: Explanation, Types, and Why it Matters

Apr 16
15:36

2020

Alice Wright

Alice Wright

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Data security should be of the utmost priority for any of the businesses. The whole working and reputation of the business rely upon the safety of data on the server.

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The protection of digital data from destructive forces and the prevention of unauthorized user access such as cyberattacks or data breaches is called data security. Simply put,Data Security: Explanation, Types, and Why it Matters Articles it includes both the practice and the technology of protecting useful and sensitive company and customer data. The data can comprise personal or financial information. 

Even though there are various data security challenges, several data security systems are also in existence. The latter are efficient enough to keep the data safe from unauthorized accesses and attacks.

Different types of Data Security

  • Authentication: 

With time, the standard process of authentication has upgraded. It revolves around multiple ways to grant access such as biometrics, swipe cards, and security tokens. The easiest way right now is the use of single sign-on technology. This can be used to authenticate the user to access multiple applications, systems, and platforms. This process works with one security token. 

To protect against data breaches, the recommendation or advice revolves around the usage of authentication along with authorization. The reason is simple - it boosts the data security. Even in case of verification, the credentials of the user are matched to the details stored inside the database. 

  • Access Control: 

The process of authentication and authorization is called access control. Discretionary access control allows entry to data. It is based on the identification of users or groups.

The role-based access control allows access based on organizational role and users can be allowed to access only specific information. Mandatory access control allows a system administrator to solely control access to all information. 

  • Backups & Recovery:

In the event of data corruption, data breach, system failure, or a disaster, data security should be the priority. What it needs is proper planning to save files from being lost.

The daily backup has been considered one of the important aspects of data security. With the backup, a copy of the data should be stored on the cloud or a disk. This can act as an added advantage, where the data can be recovered if it is lost or accidentally deleted from the main system.

  • Encryption: 

With the use of an algorithm, called a cipher, the data encryption software improves data security. It mainly does the work by encrypting the files. An encryption key is used to turn normal text into encrypted ciphertext. The ciphered data is unreadable to an unauthorized user. This is due to the factor that without the authorized key, data cannot be decrypted. 

  • Data Masking: 

The software of data masking hides the data by masking letters and numbers with proxy characters. The data remains there behind the masking and can only be changed back to its original form with an authorized user.

Why is Data Security Important?

The most valuable asset for a business is the information and data. Both hold the key to the success and growth of the company. The priority of a business should be to protect the data from unauthorized access. The good news is that there are a number of ways to do it. 

The data security challenges like system failure, theft, virus, theft and more can be the reason for the data breach. The involvement of the internet comes with the risk of data breaching. It can lead to the tampering or destruction of data. That is why the data security on cloud needs expertise management from the provider. 

The protection of data not only saves the file but also the long-term credibility of the provider. The main focus lies in safeguarding the reputation built over the years that can be destroyed in a matter of seconds.  

Conclusion

Data security should be of top priority for any of the businesses. The entire working and reputation of the firm depend upon how safe the data is on the server. The key steps that help to ensure data security lies on:

Implementation of authentication control

  • Access control
  • Backups and recovery
  • Encryption
  • Data masking 
  • More of such ways to secure the data

These data security features ensure the protection of the data during:

  • System failure
  • Theft
  • Virus
  • Data breaching
  • Data loss
  • Disaster/ accident

When it comes to data security on cloud, concepts like the implementation of multi-factor authentication and setting strict permissions become important. 

While choosing a cloud hosting service, the security of the provider should be explored broadly. This should always be seen as a precautionary aspect as the complete data goes directly into the hands of third parties. Remember, reliability, trust, and security of the service provider should be atop of every SMBs’ priority list.