Digital technology is changing the way in which society is operating and the ways we live our lives. Everyday, there is new ways to work and to play, new methods of interacting with one another. As our digital footprint grows exponentially, we are forming our own online identities.

Digital security is the protection of this online identity. Criminals are finding new ways to operate and steal information from digital users for their own personal gain. Digital security is an all-encompassing term which includes the tools you can use to secure your identity, assets and technology in the online and mobile world.

These tools you can use to protect your identity include anti-virus software, web services, biometrics and secure personal devices you carry with you everyday. Devices such as a smart card-based USB token, the SIM card in your cell phone, the secure chip in your contactless payment card or an ePassport are digital security devices because they give you the freedom to communicate, travel, shop and work using your digital identity in a way that is convenient, enjoyable and secure.

 

Why do we need Digital Security?

Every day, there are quite a number of cyber-attacks and anybody could be a victim of a cyber-theft, hack or crime. Leading global brands have been hacked with false information put up on their websites and small businesses and innovative start-ups in all industries are frequently targeted because most of them do not have proper digital security systems in place.  It is very common to see a popular activist tweet, “The previous tweets from my account were not from me. I was hacked.” This state of affairs, in addition to the scenario painted through Nasir’s story, makes it essential for us to protect ourselves digitally. Nobody is ready to part with things they worked hard to achieve and acquire.

What digital security tools are available to us?

The most important Digital Security tool available to everyone is actually free and we all have access to that tool. You may be wondering what this tool is. Well, it being concerned and aware of the fact that the information we share through digital mediums could be used against us. Hence, we should be careful about what we share digitally and be extra cautious when receiving information which we suspect might be fraudulent.