Data is information without context, for example a list of staff with numbers next to their names is Data, when you add a context to that data, for example members of staff who are men or women the Data then becomes information.

Large organisations may hold the names of its staff on one computer and the information about their staff on another computer or hard drive.

At no time should spreadsheets be printed with “Information” about the named employee.

This is how Data can be separated from information, when old hard drives are destroyed they are done in different batches and when physical data is stored it is held in different locations.

For most businesses this is totally impractical but it is key to understand the difference between Data and Information.

For more advice on Data Management, Storage and destruction contact Secure Data Recycling