What does "data stewardship" refer to in cybersecurity?

Data stewardship in cybersecurity reflects the responsibility of managing and protecting data assets, making option B the correct choice. This concept emphasizes the ethical management of data, which includes ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. It involves implementing policies and practices to protect sensitive information throughout its lifecycle, from creation to deletion.

Effective data stewardship includes not only securing data against unauthorized access and breaches but also maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and standards that govern data usage. This aspect is increasingly important in a landscape where data breaches can have significant repercussions, not just for individuals whose data is compromised but also for organizations in terms of legal liability and reputational damage.

In contrast, the other interpretations of data stewardship highlight actions that undermine effective data management. For example, the careless handling of sensitive data and the neglect of data management responsibilities illustrate poor practices that lead to vulnerabilities and exposure of data. Meanwhile, the practice of sharing data freely does not align with the notion of stewardship, as it lacks the necessary controls and protections needed to safeguard sensitive information.