Data Protection vs. Data Security: Simply Explained
- Data protection safeguards personal data and is regulated by GDPR and BDSG.
- Data security refers to the protection of all data against loss, manipulation, and unauthorized disclosure.
- Companies must observe data protection and data security to reduce risks such as GDPR fines, liability, or outages.
- Data protection rules determine “when” and “how” data may be processed.
- Data security requires: Measures to protect data from misuse and loss.
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What is meant by data protection and data security?
When it comes to the terms Data protection and data security, there is a risk of confusion, although both areas pursue different goals. Companies should ensure both so that customers, partners, and authorities are satisfied.
The following table presents the most important facts on data protection and data security in comparison:
Good to know: Data security is a subset of information security.
What are the main differences between data protection and data security?
While data protection and data security are often mentioned together in everyday life, they pursue different focuses.
When it comes to data protection, it is primarily about when and how personal data – meaning data relating to individuals – may be processed.
Data security, on the other hand, cannot always be clearly defined, as a precise distinction from similar areas like IT security isn't possible in every detail. However, the term is largely self-explanatory: it's about making data "secure" and protecting it from unauthorized access.
Practical Example: Data Protection vs. Data Security
To illustrate the practical differences, two key questions can help:
👉 Data Protection: May I process certain (personal) data for a specific purpose?
👉 Data Security: What measures do I take to protect the collected data?
For example, if you're wondering whether you are allowed to collect data on your customers' marital status, this is a matter of a data privacy concern. If, on the other hand, the question is how you can ensure that only authorized employees can access data on your customers' marital status, this concerns data security.
What role do data privacy and data security play in a company?
Although companies must consider both data privacy and data security, these topics often take a back seat due to their complexity in daily business. However, both areas are equally important, and implementing appropriate measures is of not-to-be-underestimated business relevance. Because violations can lead to warnings, high GDPR fines and even reputational damage.
Many measures are intertwined: Good data security significantly supports data privacy, and vice versa. For example, when creating customer data records, not only must data privacy principles be observed, but also several security questions: Who is allowed to access them? What specific measures can be taken to protect this (customer) data from unauthorized access?
Nevertheless, both areas require separate processes, documentation, and responsibilities are required. This is precisely where centralized management helps: If processing activities, responsibilities, and tasks are documented and maintained in one place, the effort decreases and you are, in the event of an audit or a data breach significantly faster at providing information.
With data protection software, you create transparency about the data to be protected and the protective measures in place, and you significantly reduce the effort required in both areas.
This is how companies properly implement data protection and data security
Depending on the type and sensitivity of the data companies process, various data protection measures are required, which should be documented in a data protection concept . For example, it is important to define the appropriate legal basis before data is processed, and the employee training regarding data protection.
Support for comprehensive data protection is provided to companies by a data protection officer, whose appointment is mandatory for many organizations and who can be appointed internally or externally.
What data security measures must companies take?
Data security measures in a company are actions taken to protect corporate data and collected personal data. With regard to digital data these include, for example, the following:
- Data encryption
- Use of a cloud with appropriate certifications such as ISO 27001 and, if applicable, C5, as well as a robust authorization concept
- Avoid insecure data exchange via email – choose secure servers for this (use of an encrypted communication channel)
- Continuous evaluation of log files and monitoring of your company server
- Antivirus and firewall protection (also applies to mobile devices)
- Assessment of shared infrastructures (e.g., servers) with business partners
- Patch/Vulnerability Management
- When using private devices BYOD – Bring your own device: Integration into the IT security concept, central administration, use of container solutions.
All these points are covered under the technical and organizational measures (TOM) and also include the protection of analog data. These include measures such as:
- Access controls with lockable filing cabinets
- Use of shredders with an appropriate security level (DIN 66399 can provide guidance here)
- Logging of user activities in systems (Input control)
Depending on the size and complexity of the company, it is advisable to hire IT specialists as data security experts who take care of the technical security of all data within a company.
At Proliance, experts support you who know, regarding both data protection and data security, which measures are relevant for your company.
Do you have further questions on this topic? Our experts will be happy to advise you free of charge.
