Privacy - Data Protection - Security

These three are crucial to keeping information safe and secure in an organisation. Although each concept has its focus, they work together to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A crucial part of my doctoral research (Information Security) is looking at how organisations can best implement scalable controls that ensure privacy and security by design (PbD/SbD) in deployed applications, systems or tools.

But what do these mean in simple terms, and how are they connected?

Privacy is all about protecting personal information and giving individuals control over it. It involves safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure. Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)/The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provide legal obligations and principles for organisations to handle personal data responsibly.

Data protection is about preventing data from being damaged, lost, or altered without authorisation. It includes policies, processes, tailored pieces of training and technical controls that ensure secure handling, storage, and data transmission. Organisations can prevent data breaches and unauthorised access by implementing "adequately tailored" data protection measures, thus mitigating associated risks.

Security is critical when protecting information systems, networks, and data from potential threats like hacking, malware, and unauthorised access. Security involves implementing measures like firewalls, encryption, access controls, data loss prevention tools, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (among many) to defend against security breaches.

Privacy relies on data protection and security to ensure that personal information remains confidential and available and that its integrity is preserved. Strong security measures are crucial in guarding against unauthorised access and maintaining privacy. Practices like anonymisation and encryption also help to safeguard personal information and respect privacy rights.

Therefore, Privacy, Data Protection, and security are interconnected elements that ensure information confidentiality, integrity, and availability. To achieve this, organisations must endeavour to source and retain experts in these areas to help implement comprehensive security measures and adhere to data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard personal data and preserve individuals' privacy rights.

One question that comes to mind is, "Could Meta's record fine of 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) by the Irish data regulator for breaching EU data protection rules be avoided?" with adequate control implemented following a detailed risk assessment by experienced experts in these areas?

Share your thoughts, and let's connect and explore potential collaboration opportunities to help us achieve our professional goals and organisational objectives while driving success and promoting our shared values. My expertise, enthusiasm, quality, creativity, and innovation always catalyses immediate value for forward-thinking organisations.