A-Z Glossary – Data Privacy

A-Z Glossary – Data Privacy

As data protection becomes a growing concern, this glossary simplifies key terms and concepts in data privacy, helping you stay informed and confident.


 

Access Control

The restriction of access to specific resources or systems is known as access control. This ensures that only authorized individuals may use or access files and databases containing sensitive information and protects them from potential breaches.

Active Data Collection

Gathering data directly from users with their knowledge and consent includes filling out forms, participating in surveys voluntarily, or using other methods where users provide the information of their own accord. Transparency in active data collection fosters trust and ensures that companies comply with data protection regulations.

Adequate Level Of Protection

The European Commission sets a standard to ensure that non-EU countries and organizations enforce sufficient safeguards for personal data. Before transferring personal data to a third country, verifying that it meets and complies with these standards and those of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is incredibly important.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

The Advanced Encryption Standard is a widely used encryption protocol that secures data using symmetric key encryption. It replaces older standards like DES and 3DES, offering enhanced security with key lengths of 128, 192, or 256 bits. AES ensures that data remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.

Anonymization

Identifiers must be modified or removed to remove links between individuals and their personal data. This process is called anonymization and involves changing or removing names, social security numbers, and other key information. Anonymized data aids organizations when conducting research and analysis by allowing them to safely use it without compromising a person’s privacy.

Anonymous Data

Information that cannot be traced to an individual, even when combined with other data, is known as anonymous data. This is particularly useful for research and analysis purposes, as it provides insight whilst maintaining the privacy of those whose data has been used.

Appropriate Safeguards

Measures taken to ensure that personal data is processed per GDPR principles are known as appropriate safeguards. These can include technical and organizational measures like encryption, authorization for control access, and regular audits. All of which aid in protecting data from breaches.

Auditing

An audit is a process in which an organization’s data processing activities are systematically inspected to ensure they are compliant with data protection laws and standards.

Audit Trail

Records of all activities and transactions involving data processing within an organization are kept to maintain accountability and transparency. Known as an audit trail, these records allow organizations and entities to track and review data handling practices.

Authorization

Authorization determines whether a user has the necessary permissions to access a specific resource or system. This step follows authentication and ensures that only authorized individuals can perform certain actions, protecting sensitive data from misuse.

Automated Processing

Data handling activities without human intervention that involve data analysis, sorting, and decision-making processes are called automated processing. Although this can increase efficiency, automated processes must be carefully monitored to ensure data protection compliance and laws are properly met.

Autonomy Privacy

Individuals have the right to conduct their activities online without being observed or tracked; this is known as autonomy privacy, and it protects them from invasive monitoring.

Binding Corporate Rules (BCR)

Multinational companies will often adopt internal policies such as Binding Corporate Rules (BCR) to ensure data protection standards and compliance are met when transferring data across borders within the organization. BCRs provide a legal framework for secure data transfers that aligns with GDPR requirements.

Big Data

Big Data refers to extremely large datasets that require advanced processing techniques to analyze and manage. These datasets can provide valuable insights but pose significant privacy and security challenges.

Biometric Data

Identification conducted through fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans is known as biometrics. Biometric data offers enhanced security but requires stricter protection measures due to the sensitivity of the data.

Breach Disclosure

Unauthorized access and theft of data results in a data breach. A breach disclosure is when organizations are often legally obligated to promptly inform affected individuals and regulatory authorities about a data breach. Effective breach disclosure policies help protect an organization's reputation.

Certificate-Based Authentication

This form of authentication uses digital certificates to verify the identity of users or devices before granting access to a resource.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a US federal agency responsible for overseeing and enforcing financial industry regulations. The CFPB aims to protect consumers by ensuring that financial institutions adhere to laws and practices that safeguard personal information and promote transparency.

Cloud Computing

Delivering IT services and resources over the Internet, as opposed to local servers, is called cloud computing. This allows flexible and scalable access to computing power, storage, and applications. While cloud computing offers numerous benefits, it also requires robust security measures to protect data privacy.

Content Management Platform (CMP)

Software that documents and manages a user’s consent choices prior to data collection is known as a content management platform (CMP). CMPs provide organizations with a transparent record of user information and consent that is obtained.

Collection Limitation

This principle limits the collection of personally identifiable information (PII) and states that it should only be conducted for a specific purpose. This minimizes data collection and storage and reduces the risk of breaches.

Cookie

Small pieces of data generated by a web server and stored on a user’s device are called cookies. Cookies are used to identify users and track their activities on a website, allowing the site’s owners to enhance the user experience by adding personalized touches. Under data protection laws, users must be informed about cookie usage and provide consent.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a US federal law that regulates the collection and handling of personal information from children under 13. COPPA requires parental consent and transparent privacy notices to protect children's data online.

California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) builds on the CCPA by introducing additional protections for sensitive personal information. Key provisions include the right to restrict data usage, correct inaccuracies, and enhance protections for certain data types.

Customer Access

Customer Access refers to the ability of individuals to view, edit, and delete their personal data held by an organization. Easy access to personal data helps build trust and ensures compliance with data protection laws that mandate transparency and user control.

Cybersecurity

Technology and practices that protect data, networks, and devices from threats such as hacking, malware, and data breaches fall under the umbrella term of cybersecurity.

Data Breach

Unauthorized access to sensitive, protected or confidential data is a data breach. These can lead to significant harm and include identity theft, financial loss, and damage to an organization or person’s reputation.

Data Broker

An entity that collects, processes and sells personal data to third parties is known as a data broker—they often compile information from various sources to create detailed profiles.

Data Classification

To apply the appropriate levels of security measures, data must be categorized based on its importance and sensitivity. This data classification process ensures that sensitive information receives higher levels of protection.

Data Controller

An individual or organization responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing personal data, whilst ensuring it complies with relevant laws and regulations, is known as a data controller.

Data Governance

Data governance provides a framework of policies, standards and practices that ensure an organization can effectively manage and protect their data whilst meeting legal obligations and compliance standards.

Data Inventory

Organizations should possess a comprehensive list of all data assets that detail where data is stored, how it is processed and who has access or authorization for it.

Data Localization

Data Localization mandates that personal data must be stored and processed within the geographical boundaries of a specific country or region. This requirement aims to protect data from foreign surveillance and ensure compliance with local data protection laws.

Data Loss

When data is unintentionally destroyed, deleted or corrupted, the result is known as data loss. This can come from cyberattacks, hardware failures and human error.

Data Masking

Disguising original data to protect it from unauthorized access is a technique called data masking that involves replacing sensitive information with fictitious but realistic data.

Data Minimization

Data Minimization is a principle that dictates organizations should only collect and retain the minimum amount of personal data necessary for their specific purpose. This approach reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures compliance with data protection regulations.

Data Portability

Individuals have the right to obtain and reuse their personal data across various services. Data portability allows users to transfer their personal data from one controller to another.

Data Privacy

The general practices and regulations that govern the collection, storage, and sharing of personal information is known as data privacy.

Data Privacy Compliance

Adhering to laws and regulations governing the handling of personal data is referred to as data privacy compliance. This includes the implementation of policies and procedures that protect data privacy and meet the requirements of regulations such as the GDPR.

Data Processing

Any operation performed on personal data falls under data processing. This includes the collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination of personal data. Organizations must ensure that their data processing activities comply with legal standards and respect the rights of their subjects.

Data Processor

An entity that processes personal data on behalf of a data controller is a data processor. They must adhere to the instructions of the data controller and ensure that data processing activities comply with relevant data protection laws.

Data Protection

Safeguarding personal data from loss, theft or unauthorized access encompasses a range of strategies and cybersecurity measures.

Email Privacy

Protecting the confidentiality and security of email communications. Ensuring email privacy typically involves using encryption and other security measures to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Email Security

Techniques and practices used to safeguard email accounts and communications from threats like phishing, malware, and unauthorized access. Effective email security protects sensitive information and maintains communication integrity.

Encryption

The process of converting plaintext data into ciphertext, making it unreadable without a decryption key. Encryption secures data during transmission and storage, ensuring its confidentiality.

End-To-End Encryption

A method where data is encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device. This ensures that data remains confidential and secure throughout the transmission process.

End-User License Agreement (EULA)

A legal contract between a software provider and the user, outlining the terms and conditions for using the software. EULAs often include clauses related to data collection and usage.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

A US government agency responsible for regulating communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC also enforces data privacy and security regulations.

Firewall

A network security device or software that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls protect networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)

FISMA is US law that requires federal agencies to implement information security programs to protect sensitive data. FISMA compliance is critical for ensuring the security of government data.

First-Party Collection

Data collected directly from individuals by the organization that will use it. This method often involves obtaining explicit consent from users, ensuring transparency and compliance with data protection laws.

Federal Privacy Act (FPA)

The Federal Privacy Act is an Australian law regulating personal information handling by government agencies and private organizations. The Act aims to protect individuals' privacy by setting data collection, storage, and use standards.

Freely Given Consent

The voluntary agreement of an individual to the processing of their personal data. Under GDPR, consent must be informed, specific, and revocable, ensuring that individuals have control over their information.

Freedom Of Information Act Request (FOIA)

A formal request made to US federal agencies for access to government records. The FOIA promotes transparency by allowing the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

A comprehensive data protection law applicable to all EU member states. GDPR sets strict rules for processing personal data, including principles of lawfulness, fairness, transparency, data minimization, and accountability.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is a US federal law that requires financial institutions to explain their information-sharing practices to customers and protect sensitive data. The GLBA aims to safeguard consumer privacy and ensure data security.

Hacker

A malicious individual who uses technical skills to gain unauthorized access to systems or data. Hackers can be ethical (white-hat), malicious (black-hat), or operate in a gray area (gray-hat).

Honeypot

A security resource whose value lies in being probed, attacked, or compromised. Honeypots are used to detect, deflect, or study attempts to access a system.

Information Security

The practice of protecting data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Information security includes various measures like encryption, access controls, and secure communications to ensure data integrity and availability.

Insider Threat

A security risk originating from within the organization, such as an employee or contractor. Insider threats can be malicious or unintentional, highlighting the need for monitoring and managing internal risks.

Malware

Malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or compromise a computer, network, or device. Common types include viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware. Malware protection is a key aspect of cybersecurity.

Metadata

Data that provides information about other data, such as origin, format, and usage. Metadata is crucial for data management, enabling efficient organization, search, and retrieval of information.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

A security process requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before accessing a system. MFA enhances security by combining something the user knows (password), has (security token), and is (biometric verification).

Network Resilience

The ability of a network to maintain continuous operation despite challenges or disruptions. Network resilience includes quick recovery from failures and ongoing service provision to users.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

A US government agency developing standards and guidelines for various industries, including cybersecurity. NIST frameworks help organizations enhance security and comply with regulatory requirements.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Guidelines designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. The framework includes best practices for identifying, protecting, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats.

Nonpublic Personal Information

Any personally identifiable financial information that is not publicly available. This includes bank account numbers, credit card information, and social security numbers, which require stringent protection measures.

Non-Repudiation

Ensures that a communication or transaction cannot be denied by the parties involved. Non-repudiation is critical for verifying the authenticity of digital communications and transactions, often achieved through digital signatures.

Obfuscation

A technique used to mask or disguise sensitive information, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to understand or use. Common methods include data masking, encryption, and tokenization to enhance data security.

PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)

A set of security requirements designed to protect payment card data. Organizations handling cardholder information must comply with PCI DSS to prevent data breaches and fraud.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Any data that can be used to identify an individual, either directly or indirectly. Examples include names, addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers. Protecting PII is crucial for maintaining privacy and security.

PII Compliance

Ensuring that personally identifiable information is handled according to applicable laws and standards. Compliance involves implementing measures to protect PII from unauthorized access, disclosure, and misuse.

Phishing

A cyber attack method where attackers trick individuals into revealing sensitive information by posing as legitimate entities. Phishing attacks often occur via email or fake websites.

Privacy By Design

An approach that incorporates privacy and data protection principles into the development of products, services, and systems from the outset. Privacy by Design ensures that privacy considerations are embedded at every stage of development.

Processor

As defined by GDPR, a processor is an entity that processes personal data on behalf of a data controller. Processors must follow the controller's instructions and comply with data protection regulations.

Pseudonymization

A data protection technique that replaces identifiable information within a dataset with artificial identifiers or pseudonyms. Pseudonymization balances data utility and privacy, as data can be re-identified with additional information.

Ransomware

A type of malware that encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom for its release. Ransomware attacks can cause significant disruption and financial loss, making preventive measures and robust backup strategies essential.

Redundancy

Implementing backup systems or components to ensure continuous operation in case of a primary system failure. Redundancy is crucial for maintaining data availability and minimizing downtime during technical issues or disasters.

Re-Identification

The process of matching anonymized or pseudonymized data back to the original data subjects. This poses privacy risks, highlighting the importance of robust anonymization techniques.

Retention

Policies and practices that dictate how long an organization keeps personal data. Effective retention policies ensure data is kept only as long as necessary, reducing storage costs and minimizing privacy risks.

Right To Access

Allows individuals to request and obtain a copy of their personal data held by an organization. This right ensures transparency and empowers individuals to understand how their data is used.

Right To Correct

Gives individuals the ability to request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data. This right ensures that personal information remains accurate and up to date.

Right To Be Forgotten

Also known as the Right to Deletion, this allows individuals to request the removal of their personal data from an organization's records. Organizations must comply with these requests under certain conditions.

Security Breach

Occurs when an organization's security policies or legal requirements are violated, leading to unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction of data. Security breaches can have serious consequences, including legal penalties and loss of trust.

Sensitive Information

Data that, if compromised, could cause significant harm to individuals or organizations. This includes personal, financial, and health information, which requires strict protection measures.

Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA)

A family of cryptographic hash functions used to ensure data integrity. SHA algorithms convert data into a fixed-size hash value, making it nearly impossible to reverse-engineer the original data.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

A protocol used for managing and monitoring network devices. SNMP helps network administrators track performance, identify issues, and ensure the smooth operation of network systems.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is a US federal law that aims to protect investors by ensuring the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures. SOX includes provisions for data protection and internal controls, promoting transparency and accountability.

Spam

Unsolicited and often irrelevant or inappropriate messages sent over the internet, typically to a large number of users. Spam can clutter inboxes and pose security risks, necessitating effective filters and email security measures.

Spear Phishing

A targeted form of phishing attack aimed at a specific individual or organization. Attackers often use personalized information to increase the likelihood of success, making spear phishing a significant threat.

Spyware

Malicious software that secretly monitors and collects information about a user's activities without their knowledge. Spyware can track keystrokes, capture screenshots, and gather sensitive data, posing serious privacy risks.

SQL Injection

A cyber attack technique where attackers insert malicious code into a SQL query to gain unauthorized access to a database. SQL injection can lead to data breaches and manipulation, highlighting the importance of secure coding practices.

Secure Shell (SSH)

A cryptographic network protocol used for secure communication between devices. SSH provides strong authentication and encrypted data transfers, essential for secure remote access and file transfers.

Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS)

Cryptographic protocols ensure secure communication over the internet. SSL/TLS provide encryption for data in transit, protecting it from interception and tampering.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

An authentication process allowing users to access multiple applications with a single set of login credentials. SSO improves user convenience and security by reducing the number of passwords users need to manage.

Threat Actor

An individual or group posing a risk to an organization's security by exploiting vulnerabilities or launching attacks. Understanding their tactics and motivations is crucial for developing effective cybersecurity strategies.

Trojan

A type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software. Once installed, it can perform malicious activities, such as stealing data or granting unauthorized access to the attacker.

Unauthorized Access

Occurs when someone gains access to a system, network, or data without permission. Preventing unauthorized access involves measures like strong authentication and access controls.

US-CERT

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and public/private sectors to improve the nation's cybersecurity posture. US-CERT provides resources and coordinates responses to cyber incidents.

Virus

A type of malicious software that replicates itself and spreads to other devices, often causing harm by corrupting data or disrupting system operations. Protecting against viruses involves using antivirus software and maintaining good cybersecurity practices.

What Is Data Compliance?

Ensures that an organization's data handling practices conform to regulatory and legal frameworks relevant to its industry and regions. It involves adhering to laws such as GDPR, focusing on data security, privacy, integrity, and availability. Compliance helps avoid legal penalties, secures data, and enhances consumer trust.

What Is Digital Forensics?

A branch of forensic science involving the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often related to computer or cybercrime. Digital forensics uses scientific methods to recover, preserve, and examine digital evidence for civil or criminal cases.

What Is Regulatory Compliance?

Adherence of an organization to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to its business. Violations often result in legal punishment, including federal fines. Regulatory compliance encompasses steps companies must take to protect the public, ensure market fairness, and avoid significant penalties.

Worm

A type of malicious software that replicates itself and spreads across devices, often causing harm by consuming bandwidth or delivering additional malware. Unlike viruses, worms do not require a host file to spread.

XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)

A cyber attack that injects malicious code into a trusted website, exploiting vulnerabilities to execute scripts in the user's browser. XSS can lead to data theft, session hijacking, and other malicious activities.

Zero-Day Vulnerability

A software flaw unknown to the developer with no available fix or patch. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to launch cyber attacks before the issue is addressed, making them highly dangerous.

Final Thoughts on Data Privacy

Today’s abundance of information and data to be collected, processed and archived across the digital landscape means that familiarizing oneself with these terms is more important than ever. To better protect the data that your company stores, collects and analyses, contact Nuix today and discover more about our solution to complex data challenges—Nuix Neo.