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* Products  
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  * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown)  
    [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown)
  
  * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Exposure Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/exposure-management?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cortex Advanced Email Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/advanced-email-security?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)

* Solutions  
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  Secure AI by Design
  
  * [Secure AI Ecosystem](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure GenAI Usage](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown)  
    Network Security
  * [Cloud Network Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Center Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/data-center?ts=markdown)
  * [DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Intrusion Detection and Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown)
  * [Device Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/device-security?ts=markdown)
  * [OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-device-security?ts=markdown)
  * [5G Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/5g-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure All Apps, Users and Locations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-users-data-apps-devices?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure Branch Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-branch-transformation?ts=markdown)
  * [Secure Work on Any Device](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-work-on-any-device?ts=markdown)
  * [VPN Replacement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/vpn-replacement-for-secure-remote-access?ts=markdown)
  * [Web \& Phishing Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown)  
    Cloud Security
  * [Application Security Posture Management (ASPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Software Supply Chain Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/software-supply-chain-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Code Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/code-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-infrastructure-entitlement-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/data-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/ai-security-posture-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Workload Protection (CWP)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-workload-protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Web Application \& API Security (WAAS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/web-app-api-security?ts=markdown)  
    Security Operations
  * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Security Information and Event Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/modernize-siem?ts=markdown)
  * [Network Security Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/network-security-automation?ts=markdown)
  * [Incident Case Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/incident-case-management?ts=markdown)
  * [SOC Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/security-operations-automation?ts=markdown)
  * [Threat Intel Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/threat-intel-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
  * [Attack Surface Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/attack-surface-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Compliance Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/compliance-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Internet Operations Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/internet-operations-management?ts=markdown)
  * [Extended Data Lake (XDL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdl?ts=markdown)
  * [Agentic Assistant](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-agentic-assistant?ts=markdown)  
    Endpoint Security
  * [Endpoint Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/endpoint-protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Extended Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/detection-and-response?ts=markdown)
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  * [Small \& Medium Business Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/small-medium-business-portfolio?ts=markdown)

* Services  
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  [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Assess](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown)
  
  * [AI Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ai-security-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Attack Surface Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/attack-surface-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Breach Readiness Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/breach-readiness-review?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [Cloud Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/cloud-security-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Compromise Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/compromise-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
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  * [M\&A Cyber Due Diligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/mergers-acquisitions-cyber-due-diligence?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Penetration Testing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/penetration-testing?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Purple Team Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/purple-teaming?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Ransomware Readiness Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ransomware-readiness-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [SOC Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/soc-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Supply Chain Risk Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/supply-chain-risk-assessment?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Tabletop Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/tabletop-exercise?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Respond](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Cloud Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/cloud-incident-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Digital Forensics](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/digital-forensics?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/incident-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed Detection and Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-detection-response?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed Threat Hunting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-threat-hunting?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Transform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown)
  
  * [IR Plan Development and Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/incident-response-plan-development-review?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Security Program Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/security-program-design?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Virtual CISO](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/vciso?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Zero Trust Advisory](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/zero-trust-advisory?ts=markdown)  
    [Global Customer Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services?ts=markdown)
  
  * [Education \& Training](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/education?ts=markdown)
  
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    UNIT 42 RETAINER
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* Partners  
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  * [Solution Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/nextwave-solution-providers?ts=markdown)
  * [Managed Security Service Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers?ts=markdown)
  * [XMDR Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers/xmdr?ts=markdown)  
    Take Action
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  * [Become a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=becomepartner)
  * [Request Access](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=requestaccess)
  * [Find a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerlocator)  
    [CYBERFORCE
    CYBERFORCE represents the top 1% of partner engineers trusted for their security expertise.
    Learn more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberforce?ts=markdown)

* Company  
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  Palo Alto Networks
  
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  * [Precision AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Our Platform Approach](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/platformization?ts=markdown)
  * [Accelerate Your Cybersecurity Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/nam-cxo-portfolio?ts=markdown)
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    Careers
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    Read more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/press/2021/palo-alto-networks-secures-top-ranking-on-newsweek-s-most-loved-workplaces-list-for-2021?ts=markdown)

* More  
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  * [Threat Vector Podcast](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-threat-vector-podcast/)
  * [Packet Pushers Podcasts](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/packet-pusher?ts=markdown)  
    Connect
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1. [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown)
2. [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-security?ts=markdown)
3. [Data Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security?ts=markdown)
4. [What Is Data Storage?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage?ts=markdown)  
   Table of Contents

* [What Is Data Security? \[Definition, Overview, \& Why It Matters\]](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Why does data security matter?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security#why-does-data-security-matter?ts=markdown)
  * [What makes data security complex in practice?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security#what-makes-data-security-complex-in-practice?ts=markdown)
  * [What are the main approaches to data security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security#what-are-the-main-approaches-to-data-security?ts=markdown)
  * [What regulations, standards, and frameworks guide data security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security#what-regulations-standards-and-frameworks-guide-data-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Comparing data security with related security domains](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security#comparing-data-security-with-related-security-domains?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security#data-security-faqs?ts=markdown)
* [How DSPM Is Evolving: Key Trends to Watch](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends?ts=markdown)
  * [From Static Discovery to Dynamic Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#static?ts=markdown)
  * [The Convergence of DSPM with Cloud-Native Security Architectures](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#native?ts=markdown)
  * [Real-Time Data Detection and Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#response?ts=markdown)
  * [AI Security and Generative AI Data Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Automation, Policy-as-Code, and DevSecOps Integration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#automation?ts=markdown)
  * [DSPM Key Trends FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#faq?ts=markdown)
* [What Is Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Compliance?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance?ts=markdown)
  * [Why Is DLP Compliance Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#why?ts=markdown)
  * [DLP Regulatory Compliance Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#dlp?ts=markdown)
  * [Types of Data Threats](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#types?ts=markdown)
  * [How Does DLP Work?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#how?ts=markdown)
  * [DLP Compliance Management Strategies](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#compliance?ts=markdown)
  * [Legal and Ethical Considerations in DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#legal?ts=markdown)
  * [Future Predictions for DLP Compliance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#future?ts=markdown)
  * [DLP and Compliance FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-loss-prevention-dlp-compliance#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [Top Cloud Data Security Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions?ts=markdown)
  * [The Modern Cloud Data Security Landscape](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#modern?ts=markdown)
  * [The Anatomy of Modern Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#cloud?ts=markdown)
  * [Evaluating Data Protection Platforms for Enterprise Deployment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#data?ts=markdown)
  * [Leading Cloud Data Security Solutions and Market Positioning](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#security?ts=markdown)
  * [Strategic Implementation and Platform Selection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#platform?ts=markdown)
  * [Top Cloud Data Security Solutions FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-solutions#faq?ts=markdown)
* [DSPM Market Size: 2025 Guide](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market?ts=markdown)
  * [DSPM Market Size and Financial Overview](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#dspm?ts=markdown)
  * [Growth Drivers Reshaping the DSPM Market](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#growth?ts=markdown)
  * [Market Segmentation and Adoption Patterns](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#market?ts=markdown)
  * [Palo Alto Networks DSPM Market Position](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#position?ts=markdown)
  * [DSPM Market Forecast Through 2030](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#dspm?ts=markdown)
  * [DSPM Market FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is Data Encryption?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Encryption Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#data?ts=markdown)
  * [Types of Encryption](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#types?ts=markdown)
  * [What Are the Benefits of Data Encryption?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#what?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Encryption Use Cases](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#usecases?ts=markdown)
  * [Key Selection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#key?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Encryption and Algorithms](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#algorithms?ts=markdown)
  * [Encryption Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#best-practices?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Encryption FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption#faqs?ts=markdown)
* What Is Data Storage?
  * [Data Storage Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#data?ts=markdown)
  * [What Are Different Types of Data Storage?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#what?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Structured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#structured?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Unstructured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#unstructured?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Semi-Structured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#semi-structured?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Storage in the Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#cloud?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Storage FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is Data Risk Assessment?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-risk-assessment?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Risk Assessment Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-risk-assessment#data?ts=markdown)
  * [Why Data Risk Assessment Is Crucial](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-risk-assessment#why?ts=markdown)
  * [When Assessing Risk is Necessary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-risk-assessment#when?ts=markdown)
  * [What Are the Benefits of Assessing Data Risk?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-risk-assessment#what?ts=markdown)
  * [Assessing Risk in Cloud Data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-risk-assessment#assessing?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Risk Assessment FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-risk-assessment#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is Database Security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/database-security?ts=markdown)
  * [Database Security in Public Clouds](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/database-security#database?ts=markdown)
  * [Elements of Database Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/database-security#elements?ts=markdown)
  * [Database Security: 8 Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/database-security#security?ts=markdown)
  * [Database Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/database-security#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown)
  * [Cloud Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-data-loss-prevention#cloud?ts=markdown)
  * [How Cloud DLP Works](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-data-loss-prevention#how?ts=markdown)
  * [Traditional DLP Vs. Cloud DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-data-loss-prevention#traditional?ts=markdown)
  * [Benefits of Cloud DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-data-loss-prevention#benefits?ts=markdown)
  * [‍Cloud Data Loss Prevention FAQ](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-data-loss-prevention#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is a Data Lake?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Lakes Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake#data?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Lake vs. Data Warehouse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake#vs?ts=markdown)
  * [What Are the Benefits of Data Lakes?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake#what?ts=markdown)
  * [Challenges of Using Data Lakes](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake#challenges?ts=markdown)
  * [‍Use Cases For Data Lakes](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake#usecases?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Lake FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is a Data Security Platform?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-platform?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security Platform Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-platform#data?ts=markdown)
  * [How a Data Security Platform Solves the Complexity of Data Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-platform#how?ts=markdown)
  * [A Data Protection Platform Reduces Risk](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-platform#protection?ts=markdown)
  * [Benefits of a Data Protection Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-platform#benefits?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security Platform FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-platform#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is a Data Warehouse?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-warehouse?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Warehouses Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-warehouse#data?ts=markdown)
  * [What Makes a Data Warehouse Unique?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-warehouse#what?ts=markdown)
  * [What Are the Benefits of Data Warehouses?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-warehouse#benefits?ts=markdown)
  * [When Are Data Warehouses Beneficial?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-warehouse#beneficial?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Warehouse FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-warehouse#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is a Data Leak?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Leaks Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak#explained?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Leaks in Public Clouds](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak#public-clouds?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Breach vs Data Leak](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak#vs?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Leak FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-leak#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is Shadow IT?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-it?ts=markdown)
  * [Shadow IT Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-it#shadow?ts=markdown)
  * [Shadow IT and Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-it#security?ts=markdown)
  * [Mitigating Shadow IT Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-it#mitigating?ts=markdown)
  * [Shadow IT FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-it#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [Data Security Policies: Why They Matter and What They Contain](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-policy?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is a Data Security Policy?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-policy#what?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security Policies Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-policy#data?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is in a Data Security Policy?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-policy#what-is?ts=markdown)
  * [What Data Security Controls Should a Policy Include?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-policy#include?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Security Policy FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-security-policy#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is an Insider Threat?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/insider-threat?ts=markdown)
  * [Insider Threat Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/insider-threat#insider?ts=markdown)
  * [Privileged Users \& Insider Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/insider-threat#privileged?ts=markdown)
  * [Employee Monitoring](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/insider-threat#employee?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Detection and Response (DDR)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/insider-threat#data?ts=markdown)
  * [Insider Threat FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/insider-threat#faqs?ts=markdown)
* [What Is Data Sprawl?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-sprawl?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Sprawl Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-sprawl#data-sprawl?ts=markdown)
  * [The Challenge of Data Sprawl](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-sprawl#challenge?ts=markdown)
  * [Best Practices to Overcome Data Sprawl](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-sprawl#best-practices?ts=markdown)
* [Data Sprawl FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-sprawl#faq?ts=markdown)

# What Is Data Storage?

5 min. read  
Table of Contents

* * [Data Storage Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#data?ts=markdown)
  * [What Are Different Types of Data Storage?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#what?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Structured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#structured?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Unstructured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#unstructured?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Semi-Structured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#semi-structured?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Storage in the Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#cloud?ts=markdown)
* [Data Storage FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#faqs?ts=markdown)

1. Data Storage Explained

* * [Data Storage Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#data?ts=markdown)
  * [What Are Different Types of Data Storage?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#what?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Structured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#structured?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Unstructured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#unstructured?ts=markdown)
  * [What Is Semi-Structured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#semi-structured?ts=markdown)
  * [Data Storage in the Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#cloud?ts=markdown)
* [Data Storage FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-storage#faqs?ts=markdown)

Data storage, a cornerstone of computing, pertains to preserving digital information in a medium for subsequent retrieval. From its inception, this information has been stored as binary data, represented by a sequence of ones and zeros.

Over the years, the mediums to house this data have evolved significantly, increasing in speed and volume. Today, data storage is a fundamental pillar supporting business operations, enabling the seamless functioning of daily activities and facilitating advanced analytics. In this process, businesses often accumulate massive volumes of information, including [sensitive data](https://www.dig.security/glossary/sensitive-data), which they are mandated by regulations to shield from improper use and potential data loss.

## Data Storage Explained

Data storage involves preserving digital information in a medium for subsequent retrieval. The fundamental unit of data storage is a bit, which represents a binary value of either one or zero. Bits are grouped into larger units called bytes, typically consisting of eight bits. Digital information is encoded into a series of bits and bytes, which are then stored on various media, depending on the desired performance, accessibility, and longevity.

### Modern Data Storage

Modern data storage relies heavily on cloud-based solutions, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This involves various storage architectures, such as object, block, or file storage, depending on the data type and accessibility requirements. Object storage is used for unstructured data, storing it as objects with unique identifiers and metadata, while block storage divides data into fixed-size blocks and file storage organizes data hierarchically in folders.

To maintain [data security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security?ts=markdown) and privacy in the cloud, providers implement multiple protection layers. [Data encryption](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-encryption?ts=markdown), both at rest and in transit, ensures confidentiality by converting data into unreadable ciphertext. [Access control](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/access-control?ts=markdown) mechanisms, such as role-based access control (RBAC) or attribute-based access control (ABAC), regulate user access to data based on their roles and privileges. Secure data transmission protocols, like HTTPS or TLS, protect data as it travels between the user and cloud storage.

Cloud storage offers various service models, including public, private, and hybrid clouds.

* Public clouds, such as Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage, provide storage services over the internet.
* Private clouds are dedicated to a single organization, ensuring enhanced control and security.
* Hybrid clouds combine the benefits of both, allowing seamless data and application sharing between public and private environments.

Cloud providers offer storage tiers, such as hot, cool, or archive storage, which vary in access speed, durability, and cost, enabling users to select the most suitable option for their storage needs. In this distributed infrastructure, data is stored across multiple data centers, often in different geographic locations, ensuring redundancy, high availability, and fault tolerance.

## What Are Different Types of Data Storage?

From magnetic tapes to optical disks, from on-site servers to remote cloud infrastructures, data can be stored in diverse locations. Each storage type has distinct performance metrics, such as speed, latency, capacity, and durability. Some storage solutions prioritize rapid data retrieval, making them ideal for time-sensitive operations, while others focus on long-term preservation, even at the cost of retrieval speed. Determining the most suitable storage solution depends on the data and the needs of the organization.

### Primary Storage

Primary storage in cloud computing refers to the main memory used for temporarily storing data while it is being processed or accessed by applications. This type of storage is typically volatile, meaning data is lost when power is turned off. Examples of primary storage in the cloud include RAM and cache memory.

### Secondary Storage

Secondary storage in cloud computing consists of non-volatile storage media used for storing data long-term, even when power is turned off. Examples include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and cloud storage services. Secondary storage is essential for preserving digital information, backups, and archives in the cloud. Cloud providers must implement security measures, such as encryption and access controls, to protect data stored in secondary storage from unauthorized access and data breaches.

### Tertiary Storage

Tertiary storage in cloud computing refers to long-term storage solutions with high capacity but slower access times compared to primary and secondary storage. This storage type is often used for archiving and backup purposes, where rapid retrieval is not a priority. Examples of tertiary storage in the cloud include magnetic tape libraries and cold storage services.

### Offline Storage

Offline storage involves storing data in a medium not continuously accessible by a computer system. It requires human intervention to go online, such as physically mounting a storage device or loading a backup tape into a tape drive.

In the context of cloud security, offline storage can be used for archiving, backup, and long-term data preservation, necessitating proper handling and security measures to protect the data from unauthorized access or damage.

### Object Storage

Object storage is a scalable and flexible storage architecture designed for storing vast amounts of unstructured data. It stores data as objects, each with a unique identifier, metadata, and the data itself. In cloud computing, object storage services provide highly available, distributed, and fault-tolerant storage for large-scale data storage needs.

Compared to traditional file or block storage systems, object storage is more scalable and cost-effective for storing large volumes of data, such as media files, backups, or logs. Security measures like encryption, access controls, and [data classification](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification?ts=markdown) protect data in object storage.

### Network-Attached Storage

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a dedicated storage device that connects to a network, providing file-based data storage and sharing for multiple clients. In cloud environments, NAS solutions offer centralized data storage that can be easily managed, scaled, and accessed by users and applications within the network.

NAS devices often include built-in data protection features such as RAID, snapshots, and backups.

### Storage Area Network

A storage area network (SAN) is a high-speed, dedicated network that provides access to consolidated block-level storage. SANs are primarily used in enterprise environments for data storage and retrieval, supporting applications and services that require high performance, low latency, and reliability. In cloud computing, SANs can be used to store large volumes of data across multiple storage devices, ensuring efficient data management and rapid access.

Security measures for SANs in the cloud include zoning, logical unit number (LUN) masking, and encryption to protect the data and maintain the network's performance and integrity.

## What Is Structured Data?

Structured data is a type of data that adheres to a specific and consistent organization or format, making it easily searchable and retrievable. This organization is often in the form of rows and columns, much like you'd see in a table or a spreadsheet. Each column has a defined data type within structured data systems, and each row contains specific information or records. A typical example of structured data is a relational database, where data is stored in tables with predefined columns representing attributes and rows representing individual records.

The structured nature of this data means that its schema, or blueprint, is well-defined in advance. This precise configuration ensures that each piece of data fits into a predetermined category, like a person's name, address, or purchase amount.

The main advantage of structured data lies in its ease of analysis. Due to its standardized format, tools like SQL (Structured Query Language) can quickly query, manipulate, and extract relevant information.

For organizations, structured data is pivotal in generating reports, making data-driven decisions, and optimizing operations. For instance, an e-commerce company might use a structured database to track inventory, manage customer orders, and forecast sales. The efficiency of structured data means that even vast amounts of information can be swiftly parsed to provide insights, predict trends, or address specific challenges.

## What Is Unstructured Data?

Unstructured data refers to data that doesn't adhere to a fixed format or specific organization. Unlike structured data, which is neatly categorized in rows and columns, unstructured data is more free-form, making it less straightforward to analyze and process. Common examples of unstructured data include text documents, emails, social media posts, videos, audio recordings, images, and more.

Unstructured data doesn't have a predefined schema or model, meaning its content can vary widely and often lacks the rigid structure found in relational databases. Because of its diverse nature, unstructured data can present challenges in terms of storing, managing, and interpreting it via traditional database systems.h

Despite challenges, though, unstructured data holds immense value, often capturing nuanced, qualitative information that structured data would likely miss. Organizations tap into this rich reservoir of data for insights and decision-making.

Advanced tools and techniques, such as natural language processing (NLP) for textual data or machine learning algorithms for images and videos are often employed to extract meaningful information from unstructured data. With the surge in digital interactions and content creation, unstructured data has become invaluable, offering more profound insights into human behavior, preferences, and trends.

## What Is Semi-Structured Data?

Many organizations grapple with structured and unstructured data, which has led to the emergence of semi-structured data. Semi-structured data bridges the gap between the strict organization of structured data and the nebulous nature of unstructured data. Rather than adhering to a tabular format, semi-structured data has elements of organization, such as tags, hierarchies, or markers that differentiate data components.

Semi-structured data includes JSON and XML formats, which use tags or key-value pairs to signify different data elements. Its significance in the business realm can't be understated. It offers the versatility organizations often need, especially when data originates from various sources or the need arises to swiftly adapt to novel data types. The balance of flexibility and structure aids businesses in extracting insights from an array of datasets, proving indispensable for business analytics and big data operations.

## Data Storage in the Cloud

Cloud storage has revolutionized data access and storage, offering myriad options tailored to specific needs. There are three primary types at its core: public, private, and hybrid clouds. Public clouds, offered by giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, provide storage services to the general public over the internet. Private clouds, on the other hand, are used exclusively by a single organization, ensuring enhanced security and control. Hybrid clouds merge the benefits of both, allowing data and apps to be shared between them.

Amid these storage options, [data lakes](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-lake?ts=markdown) have emerged as a versatile solution. Data lakes are vast storage repositories that can store structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data in its raw form. Unlike traditional databases that require data to be structured, data lakes enable organizations to dump massive amounts of raw data and structure it when it's time to query, making them especially useful for big data and real-time analytics.

## Data Storage FAQs

### What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage refers to the service of storing data remotely in a distributed infrastructure managed by cloud providers. It offers scalable, cost-effective, and flexible storage solutions for various data types, such as structured, unstructured, or semi-structured data. Cloud storage ensures data accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection and typically provides data redundancy, backup, and recovery features.

To maintain data security in the cloud, organizations implement measures like encryption at rest, access controls, and data classification.

### How do I secure my data storage?

To secure your data storage, implement robust encryption methods, regularly back up critical information, and utilize multi-factor authentication while routinely monitoring for any unauthorized access, which is best facilitated with a DDR and [data security posture management (DSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm?ts=markdown) solution.

### Is cloud data storage secure?

Cloud storage is as secure as an organization wishes to make it. Effectively employing the right controls for the data store makes all the difference between exposing data and having efficient, secure storage.

### Can you safely store sensitive data in the cloud?

Sensitive data can safely be stored in the cloud if the right security controls, such as encryption and access control, are in place to reduce the risk of data loss or storage in locations that would lead to compliance issues.

### What is digital information?

Digital information refers to data stored and processed using discrete values, typically represented in the binary numeral system. In the context of cloud security, digital information includes text, images, audio, video, and other forms of data stored and transmitted within a cloud environment.

Maintaining data confidentiality, integrity, and availability in cloud-based systems means protecting digital information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification.

### How do structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data differ?

Different data types, such as structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data, require tailored storage solutions. Structured data adheres to a specific format, like rows and columns in relational databases, enabling efficient querying and analysis. Unstructured data, including text, images, and videos, lacks a fixed format and requires advanced tools like natural language processing or machine learning algorithms for analysis. Semi-structured data, such as JSON or XML, combines elements of both structured and unstructured data, providing flexibility and organization.

### What are technical controls in data security?

Technical controls in cloud data security consist of hardware and software mechanisms that protect data and systems from unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification.

Tech controls include encryption for data at rest and in transit, authentication and authorization mechanisms for access management, firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems for network security, antivirus and antimalware software for protecting against malicious threats, and logging and monitoring tools for detecting suspicious activities. Implementing robust technical controls is essential for maintaining data confidentiality, integrity, and availability in a cloud environment.

### What are administrative controls in data security?

Administrative controls in [cloud data security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-data-protection?ts=markdown) involve policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern the management and protection of an organization's data assets. Admin controls include access control procedures for granting and revoking user privileges, regular security training and awareness programs, incident response plans, data classification policies, vendor management guidelines, and audit and review procedures.

### What are physical controls in data security?

Physical controls in cloud data security encompass tangible measures that protect an organization's data, systems, and facilities from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.

Controls include physical access restrictions using locks, card access systems, or biometric scanners, surveillance cameras for monitoring sensitive areas, secure workstation configurations, and environmental controls such as fire suppression, flood prevention, and climate control systems. Additionally, secure disposal procedures for outdated hardware, paper records, and storage media are essential. Implementing effective physical controls helps safeguard an organization's data assets and infrastructure in a cloud environment.

### What is data transmission?

Data transmission in cloud security refers to the process of transferring data between different locations, systems, or users within the cloud environment. It involves securely sending data over networks, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability during transit. To protect data during transmission, organizations employ security measures such as encryption, secure communication protocols like HTTPS or TLS, and virtual private networks (VPNs).
Related Content  
[The State of Cloud Data Security in 2023
Gain insights on the best ways to secure sensitive data in your cloud environments based on real-world research analyzing 13B+ files stored in public cloud environments.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/data-security-2023-report?ts=markdown)  
[Securing the Data Landscape with DSPM and DDR
Stay ahead of the data security risks. Learn how data security posture management (DSPM) with data detection and response (DDR) fills the security gaps to strengthen your security ...](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/guides/dspm-ddr-big-guide?ts=markdown)  
[5 Orgs Achieve 360° Visibility and Compliance
Learn how organizations achieve centralized visibility across cloud environments to remediate vulnerabilities and eliminate threats.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/ebooks/customer-spotlight-visibility-and-compliance?ts=markdown)  
[DSPM: Do You Know You Need It?
Discover five predominant approaches to data security, along with use cases and applications for each data security approach.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/datasheets/why-dspm?ts=markdown)  
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