Data Protection vs. Data Security: Understanding the Differences

What do the terms data protection and data security actually mean? Are they interchangeable?
While both concepts share the common element of “data,” they are not the same and should not be used synonymously.

Understanding the distinction between data protection and data security is essential for organisations seeking to meet legal obligations, protect sensitive information, and maintain trust. Let’s explore how these concepts differ and how they work together.

Differences Between Data Protection and Data Security

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, data protection and data security refer to different, yet closely related, concepts. There is no single universal definition for either term, which can make the distinction confusing.

To clarify the difference, it helps to start with data protection, as data security forms a core component of it.

What Does “Data Protection” Mean?

Explanation of data protection

Data protection focuses on safeguarding individuals whose personal data is processed by organisations, whether public or private. Personal data includes any information that can directly or indirectly identify a person, such as:

• Names and addresses
• Employment and education details
• Account and identification numbers
• Health data
• Political opinions or religious beliefs

The primary aim of data protection legislation is to prevent the arbitrary or unlawful processing of personal data. Individuals should retain control over how their data is used and avoid becoming what is often referred to as a “transparent individual.”

Legal framework for data protection

In the UK, data protection is governed by the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), which incorporates the principles of the UK GDPR. These laws are enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Key elements of the data protection framework include:

• Lawful bases for processing personal data
• Data protection principles
• Individual rights (such as access and erasure)
• Breach notification requirements
• Rules for international data transfers

Compliance is essential to protect individuals’ privacy and avoid significant regulatory penalties.

Key principles of data protection

The GDPR regulates both whether and how personal data may be processed:

• Personal data may only be processed where a lawful basis exists or valid consent has been given (Article 6 GDPR).
• Data must be collected for specified, explicit purposes.
• Only the minimum amount of data necessary should be processed (data minimisation).
• Processing must be transparent, allowing individuals to understand and control how their data is used.

Data protection safeguards individuals from unlawful or unfair processing of their personal data. Laws such as the GDPR define when data may be processed and how it must be handled.

What Does “Data Security” Mean?

Explanation of data security

Data security is a subset of IT and information security and focuses on protecting data itself, rather than individuals. It applies to all types of data, including:

• Personal data
• Financial records
• Source code
• Business and operational data

The goal of data security is to protect data from threats such as cyber attacks, theft, malware, accidental loss, or human error using technical and organisational measures.

Legal framework for data security

Unlike data protection, there is no single law dedicated solely to data security for all organisations. However, Article 32 of the GDPR requires organisations to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data.

These measures may include encryption, pseudonymisation, access controls, and regular security testing.

Certain sectors classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), such as healthcare, finance, energy, and food, are subject to additional information security regulations. Organisations may also seek certification against recognised standards such as ISO/IEC 27001.

Main protection goals of data security

Data security is typically defined by three core objectives:

• Confidentiality: Data is accessible only to authorised individuals.
• Availability: Data is available to authorised users when needed.
• Integrity: Data remains accurate, complete, and unaltered.

Data security protects all forms of data from loss, unauthorised access, manipulation, and disruption through technical and organisational safeguards.

Conclusion: Data Protection vs Data Security

While data protection and data security are distinct concepts, they are deeply interconnected. Data protection cannot be achieved without robust data security measures in place.

Even if personal data is processed lawfully, insufficient technical or organisational safeguards leave it vulnerable to breaches. Organisations must therefore treat data security as a fundamental enabler of effective data protection.