Privacy vs. Security: Understanding the Difference

A lot of people use the words privacy and security like they have the same meaning. But that’s not true. In this guest post, Chris tells us what the difference between privacy and security is and how you can understand the difference.

What is Security?

Broadly speaking, computer security refers to the protection of computer systems from damage or unauthorized access to the hardware, software, and information. Computer security can be described as a discipline that promotes the protection of computing assets through prevention, detection, and response to attacks against information technology infrastructure. Information security may include the protection of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of assets through various measures. Assets include non-tangible things such as intellectual property (IP) and proprietary information as well as tangible things such as equipment and buildings. Cybersecurity New Jersey can help local businesses in New Jersey inculcate a culture of security in their organizations.

What is Privacy?

Computer privacy is the concept of protecting the personal information and data stored on computers. This information can include anything from identity information, to medical records and even financial data. The goal of computer privacy is to ensure that the information is protected from unauthorized access, modification or destruction. This can be achieved through software encryption and password protection for files and programs; physical security for hardware devices; and administrative controls for access to private networks. 

Difference Between Security and Privacy

Security and Privacy Objectives 

In order to better understand computer security and privacy, it is important to have a strong understanding of their objectives. The purpose of computer security is to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of the use of an asset. This applies both to the computer itself as well as information and data that is stored on the computer. The purpose of computer privacy is to protect users from individuals and organizations that wish to access information about them without their consent. Both security and privacy have one major goal: protection from harm. But computer security is focused on protecting computer systems and the data contained within them, whereas privacy is focused on protecting the integrity of user’s private information. The latter applies even in cases where users may not even realize the private nature of the data that they are dealing with.

Security and Privacy Programs

The majority of programs available for both security and privacy are free. In fact, many are available online at no cost. Many websites also provide tips and advice while aiming to provide solutions for problems that may arise in relation to these issues. A common principle used by many companies is the concept of “least privilege” access. This means that each employee or user should be granted only the level of access needed for them to perform their job, but no more. It also means that individual employees or users should not be allowed access to any file they are not authorized to view or modify. This ensures that no one can make any changes without proper authority and can significantly help prevent theft or damage as well as protect against unauthorized viewing of private information by others within the company. This protects against both insider threats and unintentional damage from mistakes that can turn out to be costly.

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Security and Privacy – Basic Principles

There are several principles of computer security and privacy that users must adhere to in order to protect equipment, data, and other users from harm.  The three core principles of security are confidentiality, integrity, and availability. For more information on implementing these principles in the security culture of your organization, feel free to reach out to the security experts at IT Support New Jersey.

Dependency of Security and Privacy

In computer security and privacy, the relationship between security and privacy is a complex one. Computer security and privacy are dependent on each other. It’s true that you can have one without the other, but it’s not a good idea. Security is aimed at protecting data and in some circumstances, people. Privacy, on the other hand, is about protecting human dignity as well as the integrity of information. While there are many similarities between these two concepts, there are also many differences that distinguish them from each other. The two concepts are closely related to each other. They complement each other to some extent, but they also conflict with one another in significant ways. Computer security is more concerned with technical systems, while privacy is more concerned with the users of those systems. If you have secure computer systems, they’re probably taking care of your privacy in the process. That’s great if you’re an enterprise, but if you’re just an individual, ditching privacy for security may not be a good trade-off. 

Summary of Security vs. Privacy

Computer security and privacy are equally important for the same reasons – hackers, viruses, and malware can all expose our private information to strangers. Computer security is the protection of your computer from outside threats like these, while privacy is your ability to choose what information you want to share with others. Computer security and privacy are often discussed together because they rely on each other to function properly. Computer security specialists aren’t just interested in protecting data from outside threats; they’re also concerned with helping people protect their valuable information from prying eyes.

As a society we value privacy and it is going to be an increasing concern in the future as the world gets more and more dependent on digital systems. But we believe that there is a common misconception about what privacy actually means. When people think of privacy they usually think of the right not to be seen or heard by others, but this is only one part of the broader issue. Privacy also governs who has access to our personal data and how they can act upon that data. Computer security and privacy are both equally important in fair access and usage of information systems and data at any organization. For more information, please reach out to Managed IT Services New Jersey.

About Chris:
Chris Forte is the President and CEO of Olmec Systems, which provides specialized managed IT support Atlanta, New Your City, and NJ area. Chris has been in the MSP work space for the past 25 years. He earned his Master’s Degree from West Virginia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In his spare time, Chris enjoys traveling with his family. Stay connected via LinkedIn.

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