What Is Digital Security?
Digital security refers to practices, tools and strategies that protect people, devices, data and online activities from threats. It is a subset of cybersecurity, which is a broader discipline that guards against unwanted access to information and computer systems.
While the specific risks vary widely based on context, common cyberthreats include phishing attacks, spyware and malware, unauthorized access to accounts or computers, account hacking and ransomware, doxxing and harassment, surveillance and monitoring, data breaches and more. The first step in protecting yourself from these threats is developing a security mindset. This means slowing down and thinking about how you use technology on a daily basis and gradually changing your habits. For example, rather than sharing updates about your life on social media, consider alternative ways to stay in touch with loved ones.
Data protection practices ensure that only the appropriate individuals have access to sensitive data, and secure communication protocols prevent information from being intercepted and used against you or your organization. For instance, encrypting information before sending it to a database or website will make it unreadable to anyone who tries to hack into your system. Also, deleting data you no longer need or regularly using will remove it from your system and reduce the chance that hackers will find it.
Threat intelligence and incident response are also important elements of digital security. These processes collect and analyze threat intelligence to identify potential risks, inform decision-making, and launch the optimal mitigation measures.