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Data Privacy vs Data Security: What's the Difference

Feb 28, 2023 3:31:55 PM

Data Security vs Data Privacy | Cite Tech

Data privacy and data security are two essential concepts that have become increasingly important in today's digital world as organizations collect and store more data than ever before.

It is crucial to have a robust data protection strategy to safeguard confidential information and ensure smooth business operations. However, many people often misunderstand these two terms and use them interchangeably. In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between data privacy and data security.

Wanting to know more about protecting your data against cybersecurity threats? Check out our blog by clicking below. 

How to Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats | Cite Tech

Understanding Data Privacy

Data privacy pertains to the set of regulations and practices that ensure responsible handling of data, encompassing the methods of data collection, processing, storage, and dissemination.

Any organization that collects and stores data or engages in global business must adhere to several privacy regulations, which include General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and other applicable privacy laws.

Safeguard Personal and Consumer Privacy 

The purpose of these regulations is to safeguard and advance personal and consumer privacy. They endow individuals with the right to access information regarding what data is being collected, the reasons for its collection, and the means by which it is processed.

As data privacy regulations continue to expand on a global scale and become increasingly intricate, privacy requirements are also evolving and can become a challenge to keep up with, especially with new trends such as IoT. Failure to comply with these laws can result in substantial consequences for your business. For example, in 2019, Google was fined $57 million under the European Union’s GDPR law.

The Importance of Data Privacy 

The right to data privacy refers to an individual's ability to manage who can access their personal information and how their data is utilized, shielding it from being traded or shared with third parties.

When companies gather customer data, it is their obligation to safeguard and maintain the confidentiality of their patrons' sensitive data. Failure to create a privacy policy or adhere to privacy laws may result in severe consequences, including legal action and financial damage.

Understanding Data Security

Data security involves safeguarding information from unauthorized access, data corruption, and data loss through a combination of techniques, data management practices, and technologies that act as protective measures against both internal and external threats.

Essential to Protect Data from Cyber Threats

It encompasses an organization's practices concerning data collection, storage, and accessibility, dictating who has permission to access the information. A thorough data security approach is crucial to prevent data breaches, maintain business continuity, and protect your company's data from cyber incidents, like ransomware or other malware.

The Importance of Data Security

Clive Robert Humby's term "Data is the new oil," coined in 2006, holds true in today's fiercely competitive business landscape. Ensuring data security is crucial for the smooth business operation and success of a business eventually impacting revenue. Failure to protect your organization's confidential data can have serious consequences without a cybersecurity plan in place. It can tarnish your brand's reputation, result in regulatory penalties, or even lead to the shutdown of your business.

The accelerating pace, with the help of artificial intelligence, at which cyberattacks are proliferating has compelled businesses of all sizes to prioritize data security. It is predicted that organizations' spending on cybersecurity and engineers will reach $123 billion in 2020.

IT Security Management 

Depending on the industry, purpose, or geographical location, your company can implement security compliance frameworks and international standards such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

These frameworks offer guidance and best practices for information security, aiding you in assessing IT security measures, managing risks, responding to security incidents, and enhancing your information security management system.

Learn more about the importance of a data security policy here.

The Difference Between Data Privacy and Data Security

Data privacy and data security are two distinct yet closely related concepts, both essential for establishing a comprehensive data protection strategy. While achieving data security doesn't guarantee data privacy and vice versa, understanding the difference between the two terms is crucial in developing effective strategies to prevent data breaches and maintain legal compliance.

To illustrate the difference between these concepts, let's consider a hypothetical scenario. Suppose you own a laptop where you store personal information. To prevent unauthorized access, you put a sticker on the laptop cover that reads 'Do Not Touch.' However, to add an extra layer of security, you also secured the laptop with a password.

Here, two things are noteworthy. First, the 'Do Not Touch' sticker is intended to prevent people from accessing your laptop, thereby safeguarding your privacy. Second, the password ensures that no one can access your data without your authorization, thereby protecting your data from unauthorized access.

Secure Your Data with Cite Technology Solutions

Maintaining data privacy and security while complying with various laws presents unique challenges for businesses. However, your business doesn't need to face these challenges alone. 

At Cite Technology Solutions, our team of advisors can help secure data for both small and mid-sized organizations! Contact us to learn more about achieving and maintaining compliance for data privacy and security.

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About CITE Technology

Cite Technology Solutions strives to provide the very best in IT solutions.  

We provide comprehensive IT solutions for small and mid-sized organizations with complex needs. Offering 24/7 Tech Support, Remote Support, PACS Deployment, and Cloud Storage. We specialize in data management, medical imaging, HL7 interfacing, and HIPAA compliance.

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