The OECD Recommendations on Digital Security
Digital security is a broad term that refers to various types of software and procedures that protect information from cyberattacks, data breaches or loss. It encompasses everything from ensuring that computers have adequate antivirus protection and firewall security to backing up data frequently and using encryption tools for text messaging, web searches and phone calls. It also includes programs that monitor a user’s behavior and provide alerts when they click on a dangerous link, visit a risky website or open an attachment.
In terms of individual digital security, it means being cautious about which apps you download and reading the fine print about what they’re going to do with your information. It also means not sharing passwords with others, having two-factor authentication on your cell phone and trusting your instinct when it comes to suspicious pop-ups or emails.
For businesses, it’s about making sure they have the right technology partners in place and that employees are properly trained on security procedures. Regulatory compliance should be seen as more than just a box to check off on a to-do list; it’s a tool that can help companies build a stronger reputation and improve their bottom lines in the long run.
The OECD has been facilitating international cooperation and developing policy analysis and recommendations in the area of digital security since the early 1990s, helping to foster trust without inhibiting the potential for innovation and economic growth provided by information and communication technologies. The OECD’s Recommendations provide a framework for policymakers to develop more secure and effective policies in this area.