Data Security and Privacy
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.
🧰 Key Principles
🔐 Data Security 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.
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.
For Individuals:
🧩 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