What is the difference between a data security policy and standard?

Data security policies and standards are both rules and regulations used to protect information. A data security policy outlines the organization’s specific procedures regarding data security. The policy explains who can access data, how they can access the data, and what data they are entitled to access. It also describes how to protect, store, and share sensitive data. A data security standard is an industry guideline or best practice that organizations must follow in order to be compliant with both laws and industry regulations. These standards set forth the minimum requirements that organizations must abide by in order to protect their data and the data of their users. In the state of Massachusetts, for example, the security standards issued by the Massachusetts Data Security Regulations require organizations to “establish, maintain, and enforce a comprehensive written information security program”. This must include certain specific elements, such as employee training and regular reviews of the security program. In summary, the difference between a data security policy and a data security standard is that a policy outlines an organization’s specific procedures for protecting data while a standard sets forth the minimum security requirements that organizations must adhere to in order to remain compliant.

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