Data sovereignty
Safeguard Your Information with Data Sovereignty
Data sovereignty is crucial for Critical National Infrastructure. It ensures that digital information is governed by the laws of the country where it is collected, enhancing security, compliance, and control. By keeping data within national boundaries, organisations protect sensitive information from external threats, adhere to local regulations, and maintain ownership, thereby building trust and integrity in handling data.
Security
- Protection Against Foreign Interference: Storing and processing data within the country’s borders helps protect it from foreign interference, cyber espionage, and other malicious activities.
- Compliance with National Security Policies: Countries have specific regulations and policies to protect their national security. Data sovereignty ensures that these regulations are adhered to, minimizing risks.
Privacy
- Compliance with Local Laws: Data sovereignty ensures that personal and sensitive information is handled according to local privacy laws and regulations. Examples include the UK’s Data Protection Act and GDPR.
- Protection of Citizen Data: Keeping data within national borders protects the privacy of citizens by ensuring that their data is not subject to foreign laws and jurisdictions.
Reliability and Resilience
- Control Over Data Infrastructure: Controlling the data infrastructure ensures better management and a quick response to disruptions. This control is vital for maintaining the continuous operation of CNI.
- Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Data sovereignty ensures that organisations handle personal and sensitive information according to local privacy laws and regulations. Additionally, this includes frameworks such as the UK’s Data Protection Act and GDPR.
Economic Stability
- Protecting Economic Interests: CNI sectors often form the backbone of a country’s economy. Ensuring data sovereignty helps protect these sectors from economic espionage and unfair competitive practices.
- Encouraging Domestic Growth: Data sovereignty can promote the growth of local data centers and technology companies, boosting the domestic economy.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Adherence to National Regulations: Different countries have different regulations regarding data management. Data sovereignty ensures compliance with national regulations, avoiding legal complications.
- Avoiding Cross-Border Legal Issues: Storing data in foreign jurisdictions exposes it to those countries’ laws. This can create legal conflicts and complicate access and control.
Public Trust
- Confidence in National Systems: Ensuring data sovereignty can build public trust in the systems and services provided by CNI sectors. Thereby, citizens feel more secure when national laws protect their data.
- Transparency and Accountability: Local control over data ensures that the government and companies are accountable to the public, enhancing transparency.