Data security

Data security is given when the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data is ensured. The term is also used synonymously with “information security”.

What does the term data security mean in detail?

• Confidentiality: The data is protected against unauthorized access.
• Integrity: The data is secured against destruction and loss.
• Availability: The data can be accessed at any time by authorized persons.
• There is no such thing as 100% security. But there are many ways to increase data security.
• Increasing data security involves many elements, including encryption, strong passwords, cybersecurity, backups, and more.
• Good IT baseline protection increases data security

It is important for data security to clarify where which data is created and exists. Among other things, smartphones, smartwatches, removable storage devices, clouds, e-mails and so-called shadow IT must also be considered.

Where do I encounter the topic of data security in my everyday work?

You encounter the topic of data security all the time in your everyday work. For example, every password entry, every correct filing of a file or a document serves data security. In some cases, data security overlaps with the equally important topics of data protection and cybersecurity.

What can I do to improve my security?

Just a few examples:

Confidentiality (the data is protected from unauthorized access)

• Use encryption
• Assign tiered access rights in networks
• Use strong passwords
• Delete logins, accounts and accounts of former employees immediately after they leave
• Secure jobs even during short absences

Integrity (the data is secured against destruction and loss)

• Reduce cyber risks through employee awareness, virus scanners, firewalls, user accounts without administrator rights, and much more.
• Regular backups, at least one copy of which is kept offline and in a different location

Availability (the data can be accessed at any time by authorized persons)

• Here, too: regular backups that are stored securely
• Well thought-out access rights

Interesting background information

• The IT Baseline Protection Compendium – Edition 2022 of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
• Topic page “Data Protection and Data Security” of the Initiative IT-Sicherheit in der Wirtschaft: