Data security is a state in which the risks that exist for the integrity of data when using modern, internet-based communication and information technologies are reduced to a minimum by sufficient protective mechanisms. In a state of data security, all data remain complete and unchanged and are only accessible to authorised persons.
Potential risks for data arise e.g. from external attacks such as espionage, hacking, phishing, deliberate destruction, loss or falsification of data, as well as through the lack of encryption of emails, the use of USB sticks, theft of devices, fire and flooding. These risks can be minimised by modern protection mechanisms such as encryption, virus protection, firewalls, spam filters but also by sufficiently securing digital devices on which data is stored and securing premises against fire and water.