Digital security refers to the methods used to protect your online identity, data, and other assets. Web services, antivirus software, smartphone SIM cards, biometrics, and secure personal gadgets are a few of these resources.
In other words, digital security is how you protect your digital data.
What Separates Cyber Security From Digital Information Security?
Most likely, the term “cyber security” has been bandied about. This shouldn’t be surprising given that unauthorized access to a person’s data, identity, or financial resources is referred to as a “cybercrime,” which mandates cyber security usage.
Cybersecurity and digital security, however, are not the same. Digital security includes protecting your online identity. Cyber security also prevents unwanted access to entire networks, computer systems, other digital components, and the data they hold.
One could argue that digital security should be regarded as a subtype of cyber security. Many industry professionals conflate the two concepts, but in actuality, cyber security protects the infrastructure, which includes all systems, networks, and data, whereas digital security protects information.
Security of Digital Data: Its Importance
In this infographic from 2019, the most significant data security breaches over the previous ten years are displayed. This report indicates that over seven million data records are compromised every day, and as if that weren’t scary enough, cyber fraud and abuse cases surged by 20% in the first quarter of 2020.
The sheer amount, value, and variety of data that can be used for nefarious purposes attract cybercriminals as opportunists. And all they need is one successful haul to justify their efforts. Hackers may benefit from a stolen identity or a credit card with an outstanding balance to burn through if they can deceive just one customer, as in the case of a phishing attack.
We have much more to lose if something goes wrong since, as we indicated at the outset, we depend more on the internet. Because the stakes are higher, we need perfect, reliable digital data security.
What Sort of Information Poses a Risk to Digital Security?
Bits and bytes from your computer do not all have an equal value to cybercriminals. It’s hardly a surprising revelation that may endanger your identity or financial stability that a stranger has learned that you prefer the original Star Wars trilogy to the sequels. What categories of data are thus at risk?
Information about certain people
This information consists of name, contact details, address, email account name, IP address, and—most significantly—Social Security number. It also includes information that might be used to pinpoint your exact location. The utilization of personal data is widely used in social engineering and identity theft. Moreover, suppose someone hacks into your account and gets hold of your Social Security number (or a similar). In that case, they might use it to open credit card accounts in your name, eventually reducing your credit score.
Details unique to the Payer
The information related to financial transactions is regarded as personal payment data. These specifics include PINs, credit, and debit card numbers (with their expiration dates), and account and routing numbers for internet banking. Even moving money out of the statements or conducting transactions is possible for criminals who gain access to your online banking information.
Information about one’s health
This data type, also referred to as personal health information (PHI), includes details about your medical history, prescription medications, health insurance coverage, and doctor and hospital visits. Because they can use it to order and resell prescription medications, file false insurance claims, and more, high-rolling cybercriminals appreciate this information.
What Kinds of Digital Security Are There?
As you can see, a lot may go wrong if your digital data is compromised. Fortunately, there are numerous options for security in the digital world, providing a wide range of defense strategies. These comprise:
Security Software
Protect your computer from viruses and malware, and other harmful programs infecting your data and bringing your system to a screaming end. In addition to identifying and eliminating these viruses, an effective antivirus program also blocks suspicious programs and isolates potential risks.
Current, Updated Firewalls
This program keeps track of online traffic, spots authorized users, prevents unauthorized access, and, if it’s up to date, will even guard against next-generation malware. Many cyber security professionals consider firewalls to need to be updated despite their long history. An advanced version is a valuable tool to keep out unwanted users.
Proxies
To connect users and the internet, proxies use filtering rules that adhere to the organization’s IT policies. Proxy servers block harmful websites and use an access-control and usage-tracking authentication system.
Remote Monitoring Programs
Remote monitoring enables the data security team to gather data, identify issues, and keep an eye on all the software and hardware from a distance. Administrators can solve any problem anytime, anywhere, thanks to the convenience and flexibility of remote monitoring.
Velocity Scanner
This tool finds, assesses, and manages any system vulnerabilities in your company. To help you organize your countermeasures, vulnerability scanners identify flaws and prioritize them. IT security teams can use scanners for both internal systems and web applications.
