What is the difference between data and information?

Last updated: 2024-05-18

Data, information and knowledge are collectively designated as information assets. They are necessary for running any business process,work and decisions making. 

Data needs interpretation through knowledge to become an information.

Data

  • they are like basic raw material, collection of discrete or continuous unprocessed facts, values, records without context
  • data is always stored on some medium and can be transmitted
  • interpreting data using the knowledge information is created by 

Information

  • information is data that are interpreted by a specific person or artificial intelligence using the knowledge
  • information is contextualized data
  • information is data that have a meaning and value for the recipient with certain level of knowledge (otherwise they are just data for someone else)

Knowledge

  • knowledge is what we know. It accumulates from past experience and insight, shaping how we interpret and assign meaning to information
  • knowledge is a person's or artificial intelligence's ability to put data, information, education and experience into context
  • thanks to the knowledge, a person directs his decision-making, communication and actions
  • knowledge is linked to a specific person or artificial intelligence
  • knowledge is formed by previous experience and education
difference data information knowledge

Data, information and knowledge from information security point of view

  • data, information ad knowledge are valuable business resources, along with people, finances and other assets 
  • For that reason, they must be protected and are subject to information security and cyber security.