What type of information should be protected according to security standards?

The protection of customer names and IDs is crucial according to security standards because this type of information is considered sensitive personal data. It falls under the category of personally identifiable information (PII), which, if exposed, could lead to identity theft, fraud, and breaches of privacy. Security standards are designed to safeguard this information to maintain customer trust and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

While marketing strategies, product development plans, and employee schedules may also need protection for business confidentiality and operational integrity, they do not carry the same level of personal risk to individuals as customer names and IDs do. As such, the highest priority in information protection typically focuses on personal data that can have direct implications for customers’ security and privacy.