The Importance of Digital Security
When you lock up your expensive car in a garage, put your heirloom jewelry in a safe deposit box, or use two-factor authentication on your cellphone, it’s because you know that those items hold value to you. The same goes for your digital assets. Digital security is essential in a world where sensitive information is increasingly shared online – from posts on social media to email correspondence with coworkers and friends.
While many people think of cyber-attacks and data breaches when they hear the term “digital security,” this field of study is much broader than that. The responsibilities of digital security professionals include combating and anticipating new types of attacks, reducing vulnerabilities, and minimizing the impact of a potential attack.
Some of the most critical components of digital security are password protection, encryption, and backups. Passwords are vital for protecting data, as they act as a guard against unauthorized access. Encryption, on the other hand, scrambles data so that only authorized recipients can decode it. Backups ensure that data is not lost or damaged in the event of a security breach or other disaster.
Digital security also includes less-obvious measures like using difficult passwords, not sharing those passwords with anyone, and checking that websites are secure before entering any personal data. Having a strong understanding of digital security can be the difference between falling for that malicious link or not clicking it, and it can help you stay safe in an age of heightened threats.