Is there a difference between information security and privacy?
Both are important aspects of maintaining cyber safety. In this case, they are likely the same. However, they also differ in some measures.
The Difference Between Information Security and Privacy
Security refers to how personal data and private information are secured or protected.
On the other hand, privacy refers to any rights you have in control of your personal data and how it is used or managed.
This relates to the privacy policies that every site wants you to read and agree with. Also, this is the same with the privacy policy that you see every time you download a new smartphone app.
Why should data be protected?
Data can tell a lot about you, a company, or a vendor. Exposing it can mean business disruption, regulatory issues, and reputation loss, for instance.
Data is the foremost concern in information security and privacy.
“Relevant But Not the Same”
As mentioned, information security and privacy are connected with each other. But, they are not the same.
In the general case, however, many regard both as the same thing. Perhaps because both do overlap in most cases. More so, in the cyber world where data is a crucial thing.
Hence, knowing both functions and their key differences can help you protect your system and networks better.
For example, take this case with a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN can help your privacy. For example, it can block websites, internet browsers for you. It can also block cable companies and internet service providers from tracking your data and browser history.
On the other hand, a VPN can secure you. How? It can protect you from attackers who want to access and steal your personal data.
Information Security and Privacy Best Practices
How can you boost your security and privacy? Besides, being cyber conscious helps you raise a good company reputation. Not to mention it means good business.
So here are some tips to help you create and maintain a secured and private workplace.
- Do not share too much on social media. Although social media is a platform that allows freedom for everyone, do not abuse the freedom it allows. So be more cautious of what you post. More so, of personal data and of company events and details.
- Always shred important (physical) documents before throwing them in the trash.
- Protect your social security (SSS) number.
- Encrypt all your devices with protection. Perhaps make sure that every device installed antivirus software and a firewall, at least.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN). More so, today, when workers are more allowed to use corporate devices at home or remotely.
- Remind employees not to give away personal information online. Perhaps it can be upon signing up for an application or any service, for instance.
Everyone Should Work for It
In a company setting, perhaps there is a designated IT and security team. But, every employee should be cyber aware because everyone uses company data and devices. So everyone is on the front lines of the company network and servers.
Hence, everyone should work for privacy and security.
