datasecurity

Data security is the practice of protecting data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction across its lifecycle. It covers data at rest, in transit, and in use, and relies on a combination of technical controls, organizational processes, and physical safeguards to protect information assets.

Core objectives include maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, known as the CIA triad. Additional principles emphasize data classification, least privilege access, strong authentication, and auditable accountability. Privacy considerations, data minimization, and timely data deletion are often integrated into security programs.

Common threats range from cyberattacks and malware to insider risks, misconfigurations, insecure APIs, and theft of devices. Data breaches can arise from phishing, social engineering, or supply-chain compromise, underscoring the need for defense in depth and rapid detection.

Protective measures include encryption of data at rest and in transit, robust access control, multifactor authentication, and network segmentation. Secure software development, vulnerability management, continuous monitoring, and incident response planning are essential. Regular backups, tested disaster recovery, data retention policies, and secure deletion complete the data lifecycle safeguards. Compliance with standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, NIST guidelines, and privacy regulations (for example GDPR or HIPAA) helps organizations establish governance and risk-management practices.