In simple terms, data security is the practice of keeping data protected from
corruption and unauthorized access. The focus behind data security is to ensure
privacy while protecting personal or corporate data.
Data is the raw form of information stored as columns and rows in our
databases, network servers and personal computers. This may be a wide range of
information from personal files and intellectual property to market analytics
and details intended to top secret. Data could be anything of interest that can
be read or otherwise interpreted in human form.



Why data security is important ?

 Data security is important to most businesses. Financial information such as accounts and tax details, or employee information including payroll and personnel records - could be very difficult to replace. 
This could expose you to certain risks that need managing carefully. If you lost  data through human error, fire, theft or for some other reason, you would at the  very least have to spend time and effort collecting and reproducing the information.
More seriously, loss of confidential or sensitive data could expose you to the risk of fraud or copyright breaches. Your sales, distribution and the reputation of your business could be directly affected. Projects in progress - eg new product designs - could be delayed as the work is redone.

Losing data in a customer database such as customer names, contact details and information on their buying
habits  - could prevent you targeting customers with appropriate mail shots or informing  them of new products. This could mean you lose potential sales, and revenue.

A virus can damage your business by making documents stored on computers unusable. As more and more business is conducted via email, a virus can also make getting in contact with suppliers and  customers more difficult. This can mean delays in making purchase orders and  taking customer orders.


You should also remember that you have a responsibility to safeguard any personal data that you store. You may be committing an offence under the Data Protection Act if you don't guard against unauthorised access
to,and accidental loss of, damage to or destruction of personal data.

Article source:http://www.spamlaws.com/data-security.html
Article source:http://www.businesslink.gov.uk