Who is responsible for implementing the security mechanisms for protecting data?

The responsibility for implementing the security mechanisms to protect data falls primarily on the data custodian. This role is crucial in managing the protective measures required to safeguard the data throughout its lifecycle. The data custodian is typically tasked with the technical aspects of data management, including the deployment and maintenance of security controls, monitoring access to the data, and ensuring compliance with security policies and standards.

In contrast, the data owner is responsible for the overall access and control policies governing the data, including making decisions about who can access it and under what conditions. While they define the requirements, the actual implementation of security mechanisms is performed by the data custodian.

The data processor, on the other hand, refers to the entity that processes data on behalf of the data owner but does not handle direct security implementation. Similarly, a data analyst focuses on interpreting and analyzing data rather than securing it. Therefore, the data custodian plays the essential role in executing the security measures necessary to protect data effectively.