The Importance of Digital Security
Digital security is the collection of best practices and tools used to safeguard personal information, online identity and other forms of data. It includes things like password managers, encryption software, parental controls and antivirus programs. This type of security is essential to keep our data and activities safe from unauthorized access and monitoring by people with malicious intent.
For instance, hackers could exploit a weak spot in an internet connection or poorly secured mobile device to steal personal or business data for illegitimate reasons, such as profiting from the sale of stolen information or discrediting a brand. There are also political motivations for these types of attacks, such as wanting to undermine government systems or spark a cyberwar.
Cybersecurity is a critical part of any organization, as more of the world’s business activities move to online platforms. A strong digital security position helps a company build trust with customers, ensure compliance, boost productivity and even fuel innovation.
Whether it’s a small or large business, a good cyber security position can differentiate the company from its competitors and ensure it’s protected against internal and external threats.
Individuals can also practice basic digital security habits, such as using a password manager, never writing down passwords on paper, adding dummy characters before and after real ones and changing passwords regularly. GIJN has published several guides to digital self-defense, including a 2019 article by Will Carless on how to avoid getting doxxed, and a 2016 guide from Katarina Sabados and Field of Vision for documentary filmmakers covering extremism.