CompTIA Data+ (DA0-002)Data Concepts and EnvironmentsMedium
A data governance committee is reviewing a new data acquisition process. The process involves collecting customer transaction records, which include personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, addresses, and credit card numbers. The committee emphasizes the need for strict controls, including encryption at rest and in transit, access restrictions, and regular audits, to comply with privacy regulations. Which data characteristic is the primary concern driving these requirements?
- AVolume
- BVariety
- CVelocity
- DSensitivity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Sensitivity
The presence of PII (names, addresses, credit card numbers) means the data is highly sensitive. This sensitivity directly mandates strict security controls, encryption, and access restrictions to comply with privacy regulations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Volume refers to the sheer amount of data, which affects storage and processing, not directly security controls for PII.
- B. Variety refers to the different forms of data (structured, unstructured), affecting data modeling, not the need for PII protection.
- C. Velocity refers to the speed at which data is generated or processed, impacting real-time systems, not data sensitivity.
Data Sensitivity
The degree to which data requires protection from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
- Highly sensitive data often includes PII, financial records, health information, and intellectual property.
- Governs the level of security controls, access restrictions, and compliance requirements.
- Mismanagement can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and financial loss.
Memory trick: Data is defined by its 'V's and its 'S' – how much, how fast, what kind, and how secret.