Data Protection Roles: Owner, Custodian, Steward, Operator, Controller, and Subprocessor (3.3)

This episode covers data protection roles and explains how responsibility is divided across people and organizations. A data owner is accountable for decisions about data use and protection, while a custodian manages storage, systems, and technical safeguards. A steward helps maintain quality, classification, and proper handling, and an operator may process or manage data according to assigned duties. In privacy and compliance contexts, controllers decide why and how personal data is processed, processors act on behalf of controllers, and subprocessors support processors under defined rules. For Security+ scenarios, these roles clarify accountability, access decisions, retention duties, and who must act when data is mishandled or exposed. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with. And dont forget Cyberauthor.me for the companion study guide and flash cards!