The number of internet users is on the rise each year, and they are spending more time online. According to Statista's 2020 report, the number of active internet users reached 6.6666 billion, which accounts for 59% of the global population who spend at least 15 minutes per day on social media.



The interconnectivity of internet businesses, communication and entertainment has made it difficult for any private user or company to give up. However, this convenience creates a major concern regarding online data security. For instance, the US had reported 1001 cases of data breaches in 2020 alone and 155.8 million individuals suffered from having their sensitive information exposed online.

Nevertheless, companies can take effective measures to secure their digital data and content. This article will detail how to protect your content online and avoid cyber threats.

Why Is Data Security Essential?

Information security is crucial for business success and survival. Companies must ensure that their sensitive customer data, bank account information and proprietary info are not exposed to third parties or cyber criminals. For this reason, businesses must understand the negative consequences that may arise in case of weak data protection. Let's take a closer look.

Well-protected data leads to reputation.
Many businesses keep customer private information such as names, dates of birth, addresses, credit card details and more. Leakage of such data can cause instant damage to their reputation, and it may take several years to restore it. Therefore, businesses must guard customer data well to promote a positive brand image.

Poor data protection leads to financial loss
Companies that resort to digital accounting and banking services make all banking operations and account data vulnerable to hacker attacks. Moreover, data breaches can weaken investor confidence, while consumers may switch to competitors, thus reducing revenue for businesses.

Security breaches impact productivity.
Data loss is detrimental to any business, and when it occurs, they have to stop regular workflow and start dealing with the emergency. Additionally, serious hacker attacks can result in system failures and defects, making things worse. Therefore, companies that rely on online banking or cloud general ledger must pay attention to their data security systems.

Who Are the Threats to Your Digital Content?

Companies must be aware of the entities that could threaten their digital content and data security. Let's examine three such organizations.

Cybercriminals target business data to sell it off for profit. They also take devices and hardware hostage by installing ransomware on them. They demand payment to release the business, but it may lead to further issues.
Advertisers collect customer data to sell their products. Companies such as Google and Facebook collect users' data for improved advertising based on their preferences and needs.
Governments seek their residents' data to prevent crimes. However, some companies prefer to keep their data confidential because it affects their market position, or they rely on unique developments that they do not want to disclose.

Content pirates distribute copyrighted content illegally on their platforms to make money. Content piracy is one of the most common types of data theft. Therefore, companies that create unique content must consider ways to protect it.

Ways to Protect Your Digital Content

Here is a list of advanced technologies and techniques that companies can adopt to safeguard their digital content and prevent theft.

In modern times, mobile, web, and desktop applications are open systems that can easily interact with third-party services like Facebook, Google, etc., and exchange data, which makes sensitive information more susceptible to exposure. However, software developers use encryption as an effective way to secure this confidential data using different methods such as symmetry and asymmetry encryption.

Users can use various content-encryption tools for sending encrypted content through the internet. Moreover, digital rights management solutions protect content from illegal distribution and posting, where only users with a DRM license can access the encrypted information. Tokenization is another method of saving data, where encryption is attached to a token serving as a reference, allowing access temporarily or validation.

Watermarking is an effective method to prevent customers from distributing video content illegally by putting invisible watermarks on videos containing IP address, customer ID, or name. Finally, geofencing technology allows content creators to define an area where they want to provide access to their data or content.

Protecting your digital data and reputation with secure measures involves implementing various strategies and technologies to safeguard your personal and professional information from unauthorized access, theft, and misuse. Here are some more detailed steps you can take:

1. Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for your online accounts and change them regularly. Consider using a reputable password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This typically involves entering a temporary code sent to your mobile device in addition to your password.

3. Secure Your Devices: Install and regularly update security software, such as antivirus and anti-malware programs, on your computers, smartphones, and other devices. Keep your operating systems and software up to date with the latest patches and security updates.

4. Encrypt Your Data: Utilize encryption tools and services to protect sensitive data, such as financial records, personal dоcuments, and communications. This makes it much harder for unauthorized parties to access your information, even if they physically obtain your device.

5. Be Cautious about Sharing Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as your birthdate, social security number, or financial details, on public platforms or with unknown parties. Be mindful of what you share on social media and other online platforms.

6. Practice Safe Browsing: Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments in emails, text messages, and social media posts. Use a secure and updated web browser, and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

7. Regularly Back Up Your Data: Create and maintain backups of your important data, including dоcuments, photos, and other files. Store these backups in a secure and separate location, such as an external hard drive or a reputable cloud storage service.

8. Monitor Your Online Reputation: Regularly monitor your online presence and search for your name or business to ensure that your digital reputation remains positive. Address any negative content or misinformation promptly, and consider using online reputation management tools to help maintain a positive image.

By implementing these secure measures, you can better protect your digital data and reputation from potential threats, unauthorized access, and online vulnerabilities. Additionally, staying informed about the latest security best practices and emerging threats is key to maintaining a secure online presence.