In a world full of data, data redaction is a process of hiding specific pieces of information within documents and files. The goal of data redaction is to protect sensitive or classified information from being accessed or viewed by unauthorized individuals. Data redaction is often used to protect information that could be used for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities. If you have read about the 7 best automatic redaction tools that are worth trying, you may be wondering if your business needs data redaction. Read on to find out.
What is data redaction?
Data redaction is a method used by companies to protect sensitive information while keeping it accessible and secure. Redaction involves covering up confidential parts of a document with markers or censor lines so that only the relevant, non-sensitive data is visible to the end users. Because the laws governing the use of personal data are becoming more stringent around the world, the process is typically conducted as part of a larger data security program to guarantee full compliance with government regulations.
Redaction can be used to protect different types of information including customer names, phone numbers, credit card numbers, account numbers, social security numbers, email addresses, medical histories, and more. Data privacy and redaction are important parts of any modern organization’s security protocol, offering enhanced protection from potential threats while allowing employees to collaborate effectively. By implementing best practice methods for data redacting, companies can help keep their sensitive information safe from prying eyes.
Who needs data redaction?
In an era of ever-increasing cyber security threats, companies of all sizes need to take measures to ensure their data remains secure. They also need to ensure that personally identifiable information is handled correctly to comply with the complex set of federal privacy laws that govern their operations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Some of the many organizations that need data redaction to keep client and financial data safe include:
- banks and financial institutions
- e-commerce companies
- educational institutions
- government agencies and departments
- healthcare providers
- insurance companies
- law firms
- media networks
- real estate agents
- social workers
- telecommunications providers
An example of an institution that needs data redaction is a hospital. Hospitals must comply with federal regulations that require strict adherence to standards for protecting patient records and restricting access to sensitive data. In addition to protecting the medical information of patients, hospitals must also mask sensitive financial information such as employee payrolls, billing information, and payment details.
What are the best methods for redacting data?
There are many key methods for redacting data, such as removing the data, blocking it with encoding symbols that make the information invisible to viewers and decoders, masking text by replacing essential characters with random strings of text, manually pixelating images, blurring text and parts of images, and using blending techniques to reveal only limited details of an image. Most commonly, the redacted text is replaced with a blank space or black bars.
Previously, redactions were performed manually. This means that individuals had to manually remove sensitive information from documents before sharing them with colleagues or customers. Not only was this time-consuming but it was also prone to human error. Today, there are proprietary third-party solutions available that automate the process of data redaction so that organizations can quickly and effectively reduce the risk of exposing sensitive information.
Data redaction solutions enable organizations to keep their data and assets safe and meet compliance regulations at the same time. They help employees save time by automatically identifying sensitive data through artificial intelligence and pattern recognition. These tools also maintain redaction logs to adhere to regulatory compliance. In addition, they can remove all traces of creator data from documents, ensuring that the source of the documents are not exposed when they are shared.
Are there risks associated with data redaction technology?
Data redaction technology offers numerous benefits. However, it is important to remember that technology depends heavily on its developers and users. For instance, if an organization does not invest in a high-quality system, it can be vulnerable to malicious attacks. Therefore, you should always choose a reputable redaction tool that has a proven track record. Read through client testimonials and ensure that the tool you choose is trusted by other organizations.
Similarly, data might still be leaked by accident if a company decides to implement redaction technology but does not properly train its employees in its use or fails to thoroughly audit the system for discrepancies. Hence, proper preparation and due diligence must be taken before and during the onboarding process. Any data redaction plans must be accompanied by stringent protocols to ensure that the highest level of security and privacy standards are understood and observed.
Conclusion
With the prevalence of cyberattacks and data breaches on the rise, companies of all sizes need to take the necessary steps to reduce the risks posed by data breaches. Data redaction is a process that helps protect the privacy of individuals and the financial information of institutions by removing identifying information from data before it is released. If your business handles or stores client information, it most likely requires data redaction. With the use of automatic data redaction technology, businesses can keep their data assets secure and protect their reputations at the same time.