As the internet has become increasingly important over the past few decades, the term data security has become a buzzword. However, many people are unaware of the many facets of data security. If you really want to ensure data security, you have to look beyond pure IT protection. Of course, the technical side of data protection is undoubtedly important. However, other aspects such as legal and ethical issues are also important for the secure handling of personal data.

What is the significance of data security in 2025?

The days when the internet was uncharted territory for everyone are over. By now, pretty much all regular internet users should have understood that every step they take online leaves traces and data is collected. The fair and secure handling of data is clearly regulated by law, and thanks to the GDPR, this even applies across the EU. However, data protection is not just a legal necessity. It is also a moral obligation. Today, users expect companies and website operators to be aware of their responsibilities and to take all necessary measures to ensure adequate data protection. These measures must also be communicated transparently. This includes, on the one hand, what data is collected and, on the other hand, for what purpose. This is also reflected in the legal requirements. For example, only data that the consumer has previously consented to may be collected.

Identity protection

Data security always has something to do with the privacy of those affected. This is particularly important when audio or video recordings of private individuals are made for surveillance purposes. In such cases, those responsible should pay even greater attention to the privacy of individuals and bystanders. This is particularly important given that modern security systems are often equipped with various interconnected sensors, cameras and microphones that can create a comprehensive picture of the situation at any given time and, in some cases, even analyse people’s behaviour in order to identify anomalies immediately.

Such surveillance inevitably records a lot of information that is ultimately irrelevant. If there is no problem, the material should not be viewed by the responsible persons. Only the truly relevant video segments and thus only the people on the video material should be viewed.

With modern tools, this is becoming increasingly easy. Those who use good video management software can use AI to search for specific people or events in a very targeted manner, which means that not every insignificant action of uninvolved persons has to be viewed. In the context of data security, it is of course also important that the video material is well protected against unauthorised access. This applies both at the software level in the cloud and against physical access if there are tapes of the recordings.

Humans as a security vulnerability

When it comes to data security, IT protection often comes to mind. In other words, how data is protected from cyber attacks. However, cyber criminals do not necessarily have to hack into networks using complex software and circumvent sophisticated security programmes. There can be a simple vulnerability: humans. They are probably the weakest link in the security chain. After all, to err is human. This can manifest itself in various ways.

On the one hand, people could fall for phishing emails or similar scams, which allow unauthorised individuals to easily access data. On the other hand, mistakes can of course also simply be made when configuring or operating security mechanisms.

Data security therefore also includes adequate training and further education for all employees involved in data processing. Only by keeping up to date can data security be guaranteed against the latest threats. However, simply providing information is not enough. If errors occur or risks are identified, it is important that those affected communicate openly. This requires a constructive error culture that focuses on the human aspect.

Data security is an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant in an increasingly digitalised world. This is also reflected in the fact that there is a European Data Protection Day. Contrary to how it is often portrayed, however, this is not just about the technical security of data. Rather, it is also about the human component. Privacy is a valuable asset and should be protected not only by legal standards, but also by moral standards.

[ML]