In today’s data driven world organizations handle a ton of digital content daily—emails, customer records, financial reports and more. But not everyone knows the difference between data and information, especially when it comes to cybersecurity and compliance.
Understanding these differences is key to developing smarter security strategies and avoiding costly breaches. Whether you’re managing a remote server or coordinating a Commercial Relocation, knowing what you’re protecting—and why—makes all the difference.
At Data IT, we specialize in secure, scalable and compliant handling of your digital assets. From physical E-Waste Removal to data sanitization and regulatory compliance, our nationwide team supports businesses from New York City to Los Angeles and Chicago.
In its rawest form data refers to individual facts or figures—names, numbers, dates or device IDs. It’s unprocessed and lacks meaning without context. In security terms data is often stored in databases, spreadsheets or transmitted across networks.
Sensitive data includes:
Structured data (like a spreadsheet) and unstructured data (like an email) both carry risk. A stolen password may seem minor, but when paired with a username and IP address it becomes valuable information for hackers.
Whether you’re protecting financial transactions or securing employee databases, safeguarding raw data is the first step towards robust information security.
Information is what data becomes when it’s processed, organized or analyzed. It carries meaning, insights or context. In cybersecurity information is often what attackers are truly after—insight into operations, customer behavior or strategic decisions.
Examples include:
Information is more sensitive because it’s ready to be used. For instance while data might tell you “someone logged in” information tells you who, when, where from and why it matters. Learn more about our certifications and how they keep your information protected.
In practical terms data is what feeds into analytics while information is what comes out. Hackers may breach your systems to extract data but their goal is often the information that informs operations, customers or intellectual property.
Protecting both data and information isn’t optional—it’s a legal and ethical responsibility.
Common threats include:
Not securing raw data can lead to exposed information later. Not securing processed information can damage a company’s operations or reputation immediately.
Consider a healthcare company relocating its servers. Without proper Office Asset Removal protocols even retired equipment could be a goldmine for data thieves. That’s why our Services at Data IT include chain-of-custody documentation, encryption compliance and final device-level sanitation.
A layered security approach protects your digital assets throughout their lifecycle. Below are the essentials for securing both raw data and derived information:
Encrypt data at rest (stored) and in transit (shared). Use industry-grade algorithms like AES-256 and TLS for information security.
Apply role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure only authorized personnel can view or edit sensitive data or information.
Label information based on sensitivity—Public, Internal, Confidential or Highly Confidential. This guides how each should be handled.
Your team is your first line of defense. Schedule regular training on phishing, password hygiene and endpoint security. Learn more about our team and how we stay ahead of evolving threats.
From creation to destruction, every piece of data must be trackable. We offer end-of-life asset handling, secure wiping and full IT Procurement services when replacing old systems.
Don’t let your old drives and devices pose a risk. Our E-Waste Removal services guarantee DoD-level destruction, with certification.
By following these best practices, your organization can secure everything from internal emails to confidential strategy documents.
Governments and industry regulators have very specific rules for how data and information should be handled.
These laws define the difference between personal data and aggregated business information—and impose penalties if either is mishandled.
Your compliance responsibilities may include:
Through our nationwide Service Areas, Data IT helps clients meet these requirements during transitions, audits and decommissioning.
Understanding the difference between data and information is key to securing your business. Data is the raw material; information is the outcome. Both are vulnerable and both require dedicated protection strategies.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, financial institution or tech company managing thousands of endpoints, data and information security should never be left to chance.
Data IT can help. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business in any major metro area. Secure your digital future with confidence.
Get a free IT decommission quote today—request an estimate or call us now.
