What happens when data security roles and responsibilities are not fulfilled?

3 Data misuse or abuse

A third possible outcome of failing to fulfill data security roles and responsibilities is data misuse or abuse. Data misuse or abuse can occur when authorized parties use data for unauthorized or unethical purposes, such as discrimination, manipulation, or exploitation. This can result in the violation of data ethics, principles, and standards, as well as the infringement of human rights, dignity, and autonomy. Data misuse or abuse can also undermine the quality, reliability, and validity of data, as well as the accountability and transparency of data processes and decisions. To prevent data misuse or abuse, data security roles and responsibilities should include establishing data governance and stewardship frameworks, applying data quality and integrity checks, and educating and training data stakeholders.

4 Data conflict or confusion

A fourth potential consequence of neglecting data security roles and responsibilities is data conflict or confusion. Data conflict or confusion can occur when different parties have conflicting or unclear expectations, obligations, or interests regarding data. This can result in the lack of coordination, collaboration, and communication among data stakeholders, as well as the duplication, inconsistency, or ambiguity of data. Data conflict or confusion can also lead to the inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and error-proneness of data processes and systems, as well as the dissatisfaction, frustration, and mistrust of data users and customers. To prevent data conflict or confusion, data security roles and responsibilities should include defining data ownership and custodianship rights and duties, applying data standards and metadata, and facilitating data sharing and integration.

5 Data ignorance or complacency

A fifth and final outcome of failing to fulfill data security roles and responsibilities is data ignorance or complacency. Data ignorance or complacency can occur when parties are unaware or indifferent of the importance, value, or risks of data. This can result in the lack of awareness, understanding, or appreciation of data, as well as the underutilization, undervaluation, or overestimation of data. Data ignorance or complacency can also cause the stagnation, deterioration, or obsolescence of data, as well as the missed opportunities, competitive disadvantages, or strategic failures of an organization. To prevent data ignorance or complacency, data security roles and responsibilities should include promoting data literacy and culture, applying data analytics and visualization, and fostering data innovation and learning.