🔐 What is Data Security and Privacy?
Data Security
The protection of digital data from unauthorized access, corruption, or theft throughout its
lifecycle.
Data Privacy
The right of individuals to control how their personal information is collected, used, and shared.
They often go hand-in-hand, but security focuses on protection, while privacy focuses on
control and ethical use.
🎯 Why Are They Important?
Protect sensitive information (financial, personal, business)
📉 Avoid data breaches and financial losses
⚖️Comply with laws and regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
🤝 Build trust with customers and users
💼 Protect brand reputation and operational integrity
🧰 Key Principles
🔐 Data Security Principles
1. Confidentiality – Only authorized users can access the data.
2. Integrity – Data remains accurate and unchanged unless modified by authorized sources.
3. Availability – Data is accessible when needed by authorized users.
👤 Data Privacy Principles
1. Transparency – Users must know what data is being collected and why.
2. Consent – Data collection and processing require user consent.
3. Minimization – Collect only the data necessary for the purpose.
4. Right to Access/Erase – Users can view or request deletion of their data.
Methods & Technologies
🔒 Data Security Techniques
Method Description
Converts data into unreadable form without a key (e.g., AES,
Encryption
RSA).
Role-based permissions to restrict who can access or modify
Access Control
data.
Firewalls Monitors and controls incoming/outgoing network traffic.
Antivirus & Anti-malware Detects and removes malicious software.
Intrusion Detection Systems
Alerts admins of suspicious behavior.
(IDS)
Data Masking Hides original data with fake but realistic values (for testing).
Backup & Disaster Recovery Ensures data can be restored in case of loss or attack.
🧭 Data Privacy Techniques
Method Description
Data Anonymization Removes personally identifiable information (PII).
Pseudonymization Replaces identifiers with pseudonyms (e.g., user123).
Consent Management Tools Track and manage user consent for data usage.
Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) Analyze risks related to data processing.
Privacy-by-Design Embed privacy into system design from the start.
🧾 Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Regulation Region Key Points
GDPR (General Data Protection Strict rules on consent, data access, erasure
EU
Regulation) rights. Heavy fines for non-compliance.
HIPAA (Health Insurance
USA Protects health information.
Portability and Accountability Act)
CCPA (California Consumer USA
Gives consumers control over personal data.
Privacy Act) (California)
PIPEDA Canada Requires consent, accountability, data access.
Similar to GDPR, protects data of Brazilian
LGPD Brazil
citizens.
⚠️Common Threats to Data Security & Privacy
Phishing – Deceptive emails to steal information
Malware & Ransomware – Infiltrate systems and demand ransom
Insider Threats – Employees misusing data
Data Breaches – Unauthorized access to large volumes of data
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks – Intercepting communications
Social Engineering – Manipulating people to reveal sensitive info
✅ Best Practices for Data Security & Privacy
For Organizations:
🔐 Encrypt data in transit and at rest
🛑 Limit data collection to what’s necessary
🧑💻 Train employees on cybersecurity hygiene
🔍 Regular audits and security assessments
Organize data access by role (least privilege)
🧾 Comply with legal standards (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
🧰 Use secure software and up-to-date systems
For Individuals:
🧠 Be cautious with sharing personal information
🔑 Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA
🚫 Avoid clicking unknown links or attachments
🔄 Regularly update software and devices
🔒 Use secure Wi-Fi and VPNs when browsing
🧩 Real-World Examples
Example Issue Impact
Facebook-Cambridge Privacy breach (unauthorized
Global scrutiny, fines, loss of trust
Analytica data use)
Data breach (social security,
Equifax Data Breach (2017) Affected 147M people
credit info)
NHS Ransomware Attack Hospital systems shut down,
Malware attack
(WannaCry) delayed treatments
Apple’s App Tracking Users can block tracking across
Privacy control feature
Transparency apps
