User Data Security Checklist: 16-Item Guide for Protecting User Information

TL;DR

Only collect data you need, encrypt it at rest and in transit, limit access to those who require it, and have a plan for deletion requests. 4 critical items must be fixed before launch, 7 important items within the first week, and 5 recommended items when you can.

Quick Checklist (5 Critical Items)

Encrypt data at restEnable database encryption for all personal data

Encrypt data in transitUse HTTPS everywhere, never send data unencrypted

Hash passwords properlyUse bcrypt or Argon2, never store passwords in plain text

Implement least privilege accessGive team members only access to data they need

Enable account deletionLet users delete their accounts and data

Data Minimization 4

Collect only necessary dataFor each field you collect, ask: Do we need this? Can we function without it? Less data means less risk. How to minimize data collection

Document your data inventoryKnow what personal data you store, where it lives, and why you have it. This is essential for compliance. How to create data inventory

Define retention periodsSet how long you keep each type of data. Delete or anonymize data when retention period expires. How to define retention policies

Anonymize data for analyticsIf you need data for analysis, anonymize or aggregate it. Remove identifying information when possible. How to anonymize data

Data Protection 4

Encrypt data at restEnable database encryption. Encrypt backups. Sensitive fields may need additional encryption. How to encrypt data at rest

Encrypt data in transitUse HTTPS everywhere. Encrypt database connections. Never send personal data over unencrypted channels. How to enable HTTPS

Hash passwords properlyUse bcrypt, Argon2, or similar. Never store passwords in plain text or with weak hashing like MD5. How to hash passwords

Secure backupsEncrypt backups. Store them securely with restricted access. Test restoration regularly. How to secure backups

Access Control 4

Implement least privilege accessGive team members access only to data they need for their job. Review access regularly. How to implement least privilege

Log data accessTrack who accesses personal data and when. Audit logs help detect unauthorized access. How to implement audit logging

Secure admin interfacesAdmin panels that access user data need strong authentication, ideally with 2FA required. How to secure admin panels

Review third-party accessKnow which vendors and services have access to user data. Ensure they have adequate security. How to audit third-party access

User Rights 4

Provide data exportLet users download their data in a common format. This is required by GDPR and good practice everywhere. How to implement data export

Enable account deletionLet users delete their accounts and data. Have a clear process for handling deletion requests. How to implement account deletion

Support data correctionLet users update and correct their personal information easily. How to enable data correction

Have a breach notification planKnow how you will notify users if their data is compromised. GDPR requires notification within 72 hours. How to create a breach response plan

Data Is a Liability

Every piece of personal data you collect is a potential liability. A breach exposes that data. Regulations require you to protect it. Users expect you to handle it responsibly.

The best protection is not collecting data in the first place. For data you must collect, minimize it, protect it, and delete it when you no longer need it.

What user data should I encrypt?

Encrypt passwords (hash them), social security numbers, financial data, health information, and any data that could cause harm if exposed. Also encrypt data at rest in your database and in transit over the network.

How long should I keep user data?

Keep data only as long as needed for its original purpose. Define retention periods for each data type. After the period ends, delete or anonymize the data. GDPR and other regulations may specify maximum retention periods.

Do I need consent to collect user data?

It depends on the data type and your jurisdiction. GDPR requires consent or another legal basis for processing. Even where not legally required, getting consent and being transparent builds user trust.

TL;DR

Quick Checklist (5 Critical Items)

Data Minimization 4

Data Protection 4

Access Control 4

User Rights 4

Data Is a Liability

What user data should I encrypt?

How long should I keep user data?

Do I need consent to collect user data?

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User Data Security Checklist: 16-Item Guide for Protecting User Information