What is a data inventory?

A data inventory is a comprehensive list of the type of data collected, stored and/or used by an organization or individual. With regards to data security law in California, a data inventory is an essential part of understanding the data an organization has collected and subsequently, the data that should be secured. A data inventory should include the type of data collected (e.g., credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.), where the data is stored, who can access the data, and who is responsible for safeguarding it. In addition, the data inventory should include any policies or procedures in place for managing the data and for ensuring the security of it. This includes the data encryption, access control, and authentication policies in place. It will also specify how long data is stored, how it is updated and/or changed, and how it is destroyed when no longer needed. Lastly, a data inventory should document any security measures taken, such as firewalls, password protection, and encryption. By having an up-to-date data inventory, organizations can ensure they are in compliance with data security law in California, as well as other states and countries. Ultimately, the data inventory helps an organization to keep track of its data and to understand what data needs to be secured. This helps organizations protect their customers’ data, and to ensure that the data is used responsibly.

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What is a data inventory?

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