Types Of Data That Should Be Governed For Data Security

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what types of data should be governed. However, there are some general principles that can be followed in order to ensure that the most important and sensitive data is adequately protected.

First and foremost, any data that could potentially be used to identify an individual should be governed. This includes things like name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and so on. Even if this information is not personally identifiable on its own, it could be used in combination with other data to uniquely identify an individual.

What is Data Security?

Data security is the practice of protecting electronic information from unauthorized access. It includes both physical security to protect hardware and logical security to protect data and information systems. Data security is an essential data governance pillar.

Types Of Data To Be Governed

There are many different types of data that should be considered for governance, but some of the most important include:

Personally Identifiable Information (PII):

Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that could potentially be used to identify an individual. This includes things like name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and so on. Even if this information is not personally identifiable on its own, it could be used in combination with other data to uniquely identify an individual.

Health Information:

Health information is any data that relates to a person’s physical or mental health. This data can include things like medical records, test results, and insurance information. It is important to protect this information because it can be used to make decisions about a person’s health care.

Financial Information:

Financial information includes anything that relates to a person’s financial status or history. This could include things like bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and mortgage information. It is important to protect this information because it can be used to steal someone’s identity or to commit fraud.

Trade Secrets:

A trade secret is any confidential business information that provides a company with a competitive edge. This could include things like the formulas for new products, the names of suppliers, or customer lists. Trade secrets are protected by law in order to keep them from being stolen or copied.

Intellectual Property:

Intellectual property (IP) is any type of intangible property that is the result of creativity or innovation. This could include things like inventions, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. Intellectual property is protected by law in order to keep it from being stolen or copied.

Customer Data:

Customer data is any information that relates to a customer or potential customer. This could include things like name, address, email address, and phone number. It is important to protect this information because it can be used to contact customers or to steal their identities.

Employee Data:

Employee data is any information that relates to an employee or potential employee. This could include things like name, address, email address, and phone number. It is important to protect this information because it can be used to contact employees or to steal their identities.

Each organization will have different needs and requirements when it comes to governing its data, so it’s important to tailor a governance strategy to fit those specific needs. However, following these general principles will help ensure that the most important types of data are properly governed.

Final Thoughts:

Data governance is a critical part of any organization’s data management strategy. By properly governing their data, organizations can protect themselves from legal and financial risks, and ensure that their data is accurate and reliable.

When it comes to data governance, there are many different types of data that should be considered. Some of the most important include Personally Identifiable Information (PII), health information, financial information, trade secrets, intellectual property, customer data, and employee data.

Each organization will have different needs and requirements when it comes to governing its data, so it’s important to tailor a governance strategy to fit those specific needs. However, following these general principles will help ensure that the most important types of data are properly governed.