How-To

Database Definition Document — Full Guide

Q: Difference between Database Definition Document and RoPA?

Database Definition Document is a requirement of Israel’s 2017 Security Regulations. RoPA (Records of Processing Activities) is a GDPR Article 30 requirement. Similar content, not identical. Organization operating both in Israel and Europe — maintains both, sometimes in a single unified table.

Q: Which databases require a Database Definition Document?

Every database at Medium or High security level requires a formal Database Definition Document. Basic-level databases — not mandatory, but recommended. Mid-size organization usually has 5-15 databases requiring a formal document.

The Database Definition Document is the foundational document required by Israel’s 2017 Security Regulations for every database at medium or high security level. It defines the database’s "identity": owners, responsible parties, purpose, data types, security level, vendors, and retention period. Without a valid document — the organization doesn’t meet 2017 regulations, and Amendment 13 also requires this information.

Content

15 essential fields

Field	Detail
Database name	Descriptive name + formal name as registered with Authority (if registered)
Database owner	Legal entity holding and maintaining the database (company, NGO, authority)
Database manager	Physical person directly bound to the owner — usually CEO / company manager
Information security manager	Person responsible for database security — usually CISO or IT Manager
Data Protection Officer (DPO)	If required under Amendment 13 — name, contact details
Database purpose	Why data is collected and used — specifically, not "business management"
Legal basis	Consent / contract / legal obligation / legitimate interest
Data types	Field details: name, ID, address, banking details, medical data, etc.
Data subject types	Employees, customers, vendors, volunteers, members, etc.
Data source	How data arrives — directly from person, vendor, government body
Record count	Estimate — important for determining security level
Security level	Basic / Medium / High — per 2017 regulations
Processed via	Systems, vendors, processors that touch the database
Retention period	How long data is retained, when deleted
Update date	Last document update date

Sensitivity

How to determine security level

Security level drives every technical and organizational requirement. 2017 regulations define three levels, with a "minimum" per data type classification.

Data type	Examples	Min. security level	Main requirements
Basic data	Name, address, contact file	Basic	Permissions, basic encryption, logs
Financial data	Salary, bank account, credit	Medium	Encryption, controlled access, audit, vendor approval
Medical data	Medical record, mental health, diagnoses	High	Strong encryption, minimal permissions, full logs, encrypted backups, annual audits
Data on minors	Students, kindergarten children, school assessments	High	Similar to medical + documented parental consent
Biometric data	Fingerprint, facial recognition, DNA code	High	Special requirements + mandatory DPIA
Opinions & identity data	Religion, political stance, gender, sexual orientation	High	Specific consent, high security level

Frequent questions about Database Definition Document

Difference between Database Definition Document and RoPA?

Database Definition Document is a requirement of Israel’s 2017 Security Regulations. RoPA (Records of Processing Activities) is a GDPR Article 30 requirement. Similar content, not identical. Organization operating both in Israel and Europe — maintains both, sometimes in a single unified table.

Which databases require a Database Definition Document?

Every database at Medium or High security level requires a formal Database Definition Document. Basic-level databases — not mandatory, but recommended. Mid-size organization usually has 5-15 databases requiring a formal document.

How to determine security level?

2017 regulations set three levels: Basic (up to 10,000 records + non-sensitive data), Medium (10,000-100,000 + non-sensitive, or under 10,000 + sensitive), High (over 100,000 + non-sensitive, or over 10,000 + sensitive, or any medical database).

Is there an Authority template?

Yes. The Israeli Privacy Authority published an official Database Definition Document template, available on the Authority website. We use the template, but expand per organizational structure.

Who signs the document?

Typically: database owner (usually CEO), information security manager, sometimes DPO. In larger databases — also chair of audit committee or information security committee.

Validity period?

No defined expiration. Required to update on significant database change: new field, new purpose, new vendor. Practically — recommended annual review of all database definition documents.

What if we don’t have documents?

Required to prepare. We help: in data mapping service we prepare all required Database Definition Documents, in 3-14 weeks by organization size.

What if the database was registered with Authority years ago — does it need updating?

Yes. Authority registration does not eliminate the obligation for a full Database Definition Document. Old registration must also meet 2017 regulations and Amendment 13 requirements.

Need Database Definition Documents?

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