Online Data and Security is the process of protecting digital information from loss, theft or unauthorised access. It encompasses everything from hardware and software to storage devices, networks as well as user devices, policies and procedures. Data security is becoming more important in the age of the Internet of Things, when physical devices such as wearable fitness trackers, smart refrigerators, and voice assistants, connect to the internet and store, share and collect data.
Data security is not complete without encryption. It converts sensitive data into a cryptic form that is inaccessible to anyone who doesn’t have the key to decrypt it. This is used to secure information sent over the Internet and stored on devices such as laptops and smartphones. It is also a standard method of protecting the data stored in a database.
Backups of data are a vital component of data protection. They ensure that in the event of any kind of hack or loss of any kind, the data can be recovered. This is especially critical for organizations with cloud-first strategies and remote working practices.
Privacy policies are an additional aspect of online security. They provide the type of information an organization is collecting, how to access it, and who will receive it. This gives individuals control over how their information is used and gathered. It also helps to maintain trust between a company and its customers.
Companies that want to protect their reputation and not lose confidence in their customers after the occurrence of a data breach need to keep secure data. It’s also a key strategy to maintain a competitive edge, as 21% of customers think they’d switch brands following a breach of their data.