Strengthening Data Security

In the light of heightened concern around data security, this paper will highlight some of the measures that can be used to develop and strengthen security in data archiving. We will discuss the different approaches which can be taken towards the construction of firm and resilient data and information security policies within the social science data archiving communities. While international standards can provide theoretical guidelines for the construction of such a policy, procedures need to be informed by more practical considerations. We will draw attention to the necessity of following a holistic approach to data security, which includes the education of data creators in the reduction of disclosure risk, the integration of robust and appropriate data processing, handling and management procedures, the value of emerging technological solutions, the training of data users in data security, the importance of management control as well as being informed by emerging government security and digital preservation standards.