The Three Pillars of Digital Security
Digital security is a set of best practices and tools used to safeguard personal information, online identity, and devices from cyber threats. It encompasses everything from password managers to antivirus software.
As we become increasingly reliant on computers, digital security is more important than ever before. In fact, a recent report from the National Intelligence Council warned that cyber attacks and digital spying are the biggest threat to national security, surpassing even terrorism. Digital security can be broadly broken down into three pillars, or what some call the “CIA” triad:
Confidentiality
Protecting confidential and sensitive information is vital to any business, particularly those whose operations touch on national security issues, healthcare records, or financial transactions. Digital security tools like firewalls and encryption help to keep this information safe from hackers who might try to expose it for their own gain.
Availability
The second aspect of digital security involves keeping systems available to authorized users. This includes installing system updates and performing hardware repairs promptly. Adding extra security measures like two-factor authentication can also help keep hackers from taking over devices or stealing data.
Prevents Viruses
Hackers often use viruses to infect computers, which can bring systems to a screeching halt. A good antivirus program can detect and remove these infections, as well as stop them from spreading to other computers. This is an essential part of digital security that helps to prevent productivity loss and potentially long-term damages to equipment or databases.