Last Updated on June 18, 2024 by Team Experts
While reading about software and technology, we often come across two terms together. These terms are privacy and security. Earlier, many of us think that privacy and security is the same concept for safeguarding data. However, with the moving times, things become even clearer. Today, we can say that there is a visible difference between privacy and security.
In case if you’re still unaware of what is privacy and security, then this blog is your chance to overcome all confusions.
In this blog, I will explain how privacy and security are totally different from each other. Moreover, I will also discuss the best ways to keep up privacy and security, getmoreprivacy online. Without further ado, let’s first figure out what privacy is.
What Is Privacy?
Privacy refers to the user’s right to use his/her personal information. Often when you subscribe to a website, you see a detailed privacy policy.
This privacy policy asks and, at the same time, informs users about how and where the provided information will be used.
In case if a user declines or forbids a website’s privacy policy, then no websites can share user data. However, you might fail to access the same web, if sharing data is their pre-requisite.
When you use your privacy rights to share data with the websites, these sources further share your information with third parties by defining it in their privacy agreement.
Since you allow websites to share your data to third-parties therefore, the risk of hacking also increases.
Any hacker or cybercriminal can easily steal your information if they successfully hack any of the third-parties.
Therefore, it is significant to read every privacy policy agreement before hitting the “I Agree” button.
Yet again, keep in mind that privacy is simply your right to share information as much as you want.
What is Security?
Now I will define to you that what security is. Security is entirely different but integrated with privacy. Security refers to the measures that you take to protect your privacy.
Here I will give you a simple example of your mobile phone. You keep your phone on the desk because no one can touch it without your consent, and that’s your privacy right.
Similarly, you set up a screen lock to protect your phone from unwanted intervention. Here, the security lock is security. Security is mainly about preventing unwanted invasions. It acts as a weapon to protect privacy.
Privacy and security go hand in hand. It is crucial to maintain privacy and security altogether. If you miss out on one, then the other will automatically get compromised. Now, the main thing is that how to maintain online privacy and security at the same time?
Maintaining privacy and security is not difficult but requires constant attention. First, you need to deploy updated security tools to protect data.
Security tools vary, depending on your online usage. For example, an enterprise can use advanced tools like firewalls, Antivirus software, Virtual Private Networks, penetration testing, and more.
Besides, an ordinary user should use a VPN router and strong password support for data protection.
While integrating security tools, users should follow the steps outlined below to maximize their data protection.
How to Maximize Online Privacy and Security
- Don’t share everything personal online. Limit your sharing on social platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Check carefully before disposing of any document
- Never share your social security number unless it’s quite necessary
- Don’t use unsecured public Wi-Fi unless you have a VPN protection
- Always read privacy terms and policies before signing up for a website or mobile app.
Important Things to Curb Privacy Breach
As I mentioned above, using strong antivirus software and a VPN router will protect your information online. However, you still need to be careful using the open internet. I will suggest you not to click every link that popups on your screen. Many links are malicious and contain malware. Hackers designed malware to harm devices and steal confidential information. Therefore, I will suggest you only click on the authentic sources.
Another thing that needs your attention is the autofill option. When you activate the autofill option in your browser, all your passwords and emails are automatically saved on the browser. In case if a hacker successfully accesses your device, then he can easily get your information. Hence, make sure to deactivate the autofill option from your browser.
How Cybersecurity Tools Protect Online Privacy
Earlier, online security tools were not as essential as today. Security software like antivirus software and a VPN is a necessity these days. Whether you’re shopping online or watching movies on Firestick or Netflix, a VPN and antivirus software is important to secure traffic.
When you use antivirus software, it scans and detects network viruses. It prevents you from phishing attacks and acts as a proactive defense tool.
Similarly, a VPN works to encrypt traffic. With strong encryption, a VPN hides your traffic and makes it unreadable for ISPs and hackers.
Many streaming and torrenting sites are publicly accessible. Cybersecurity risks are higher on such platforms. Therefore, it is suggested to connect to a VPN first. In case if you have no idea which VPN to use, then check the best VPN for streaming.
Conclusion
I hope that this blog would help you get a basic understanding of privacyonline and security. Both elements are crucial and require your attention to eliminate the risk of data theft and privacy breach. With passing times, hacking and online stealing attempts are increasing; therefore, understanding privacy and security concepts are integral. Make sure to integrate advanced online tools while changing your browsing habits to keep your virtual environment secure and protected.
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