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Data Security

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Data Security

Data security is the practice of protecting data from unauthorized access, alteration, destruction, theft, or disclosure. The goal is to ensure that information is only accessible to authorized users and remains accurate and available when needed. Examples of data: Customer records Credit card numbers Medical records Employee information Passwords Financial documents Emails Databases The CIA Triad Data security is built around three core principles: 1. Confidentiality Only authorized users can access the data. Example: Plain Text Employee Records ↓ Authorized HR Staff Only Protection methods: Encryption Access controls Permissions MFA 2. Integrity Data cannot be altered without authorization. Example: Plain Text Bank Balance = $1,000 An attacker should not be able to change it to: Plain Text $10,000 Protection methods: Hashing Digital signatures File integrity monitoring 3. Availability Data must be available when needed. Example: Plain Text Company Database Employees need access during business hours. Protection methods: Backups Redundancy Disaster recovery plans Types of Data Protection Data at Rest Data stored on: Hard drives SSDs Servers Databases USB drives Example: Plain Text Saved Customer Database Protection: Disk encryption Access controls Backups Data in Transit Data moving across a network. Example: Plain Text Laptop | Internet | Web Server Protection: HTTPS TLS VPNs IPsec Data in Use Data currently being processed. Example: Plain Text Opened Spreadsheet Protection: User authentication Session controls Memory protection Common Data Security Technologies Encryption Converts readable data into unreadable ciphertext. Plain Text HELLO ↓ X8$9!M@ Only users with the correct key can decrypt it. Examples: BitLocker AES Encryption TLS Access Control Determines who can access data. Example: Plain Text HR Data Accessible only to HR employees. Methods: User accounts Permissions Roles Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Requires multiple forms of verification. Plain Text Password + Phone Code Reduces unauthorized access. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Monitors and prevents sensitive data from leaving the organization. Example: Plain Text Credit Card Numbers DLP can block emails containing sensitive information. Backups Copies data for recovery after: Hardware failure Malware attacks Accidental deletion Natural disasters Hashing Creates a unique fingerprint of data. Example: Plain Text File ↓ Hash Value   If the file changes, the hash changes. Used to verify integrity. Common Data Security Threats Malware Can steal, damage, or encrypt data. Examples: Viruses Worms Trojans Ransomware Encrypts files and demands payment. Plain Text Files Locked ↓ Pay Ransom Insider Threats Employees or contractors who intentionally or accidentally expose data. Phishing Tricks users into revealing: Passwords Banking information Sensitive company data Data Breaches Unauthorized access to confidential information. Data Classification Organizations classify data based on sensitivity. Public Safe for everyone. Example: Plain Text Company Website ` Internal For employees only. Example: Plain Text Company Policies Confidential Sensitive business information. Example: Plain Text Financial Records Restricted Highest sensitivity. Example: Plain Text Social Security Numbers Data Security Best Practices ✅ Encrypt sensitive data ✅ Use strong passwords ✅ Enable MFA ✅ Regularly back up data ✅ Apply software updates ✅ Limit user access ✅ Use DLP controls ✅ Train users on phishing awareness ✅ Monitor for suspicious activity Data Security vs Information Security Term FocusData Security Protects data Information Security Protects all information assets Cybersecurity Protects systems, networks, and data Think of it this way: Plain Text Cybersecurity ↓ Information Security ↓ Data Security Security+ Exam Tips Remember the CIA Triad Plain Text C = Confidentiality I = Integrity A = Availability Protect Data Through Encryption Access Control MFA Backups DLP Hashing Quick Memory Trick Plain Text Data Security = Protect Store Transmit Recover Simple Definition Data security is the protection of digital information from unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, theft, or destruction through controls such as encryption, access management, backups, hashing, and data loss prevention technologies.
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