What are Anonymity, Privacy and Security

Anonymity, Privacy, and Security are the three most common terms that computer-savvy people hear. They are habituated to such terms. These terms may seem synonymous to you. We won’t blame you, though, as the online world has definitely put blurred lines on these concepts. But the actual meaning can only be understood while knowing these words in a better way. 

However, the meaning of each of these terms should be made clear before entering into this discussion. In the last few years, terms like anonymity, privacy, and security have turned out to be vital. They have turned out to be buzzwords that websites, apps, and various technology companies are using to gain and achieve the interest of the people. 

It will be right to say that some of these statements and things are found to be genuine. At the same time, other companies use these subjects to stay safe from any false defamations and accusations. In this way, they earn and win the trust of the people or the customers. You must understand the meaning of the term that the Company uses while saying that they secure the data and information through proper privacy or anonymity. 

What Does Anonymity Connote?

In many cases, it is found that anonymity often overlaps with privacy. But there is a slight difference in their concepts. The process will allow users to browse and view various sites on the internet without the tension of tracking logs. It will record all your movements and searches to build a profile for which you don’t have any consent. Anonymity is also vital, mainly for freedom of speech. If you are anonymous, it signifies that you hide your identity, but it does not restrict your actions in any way.  

It is observed that if the data are not anonymous, users may experience the risk of a breach of confidentiality without their prior permission. By anonymity, we mean when one wants to restrict or hide their actions or movements. Let us take a simple example. If you connect to the internet with the help of a VPN or virtual private network, you are anonymous. But if you post a message on any site, you are no longer considered to be anonymous. Privacy and anonymity are often used in the subject, so people get confused about the terms. 

About 59% of people believe that the internet should be used anonymously. It is a good percentage. 

What is Privacy?

It is another important term associated with this subject that needs to be cleared. Privacy is something that needs to be hidden. In terms of the digital world, privacy signifies the capacity to keep specific data and information hidden. At the same time, you must have the ability to control the access of outsiders.

Let us take the example of a smartphone that we use in our daily lives. You can know the consequences if the phone is without a password or unencrypted. If anyone searches your phone or operates it without your permission, it is an invasion of privacy. The phone may not be used for blackmailing or hurting you. It is essential to store our data to prevent any sort of fraudulent activity. You cannot collect any sort of data without an individual's permission if they have an “expectation of privacy.” 

However, there may not be an issue if anyone shouts or talks in public. There would be no point in expectation of privacy in such a case. It is known to many that security deals with safeguarding data, whereas privacy is all about safeguarding a person's identity. 

If you look minutely, you will find a difference between security and privacy. If you move to a bank, you will find that the bank officials require your document to open your account, but all the data is stored and nicely preserved. Privacy is always compromised, but security is maintained. How does a VPN helps with privacy?

Are VPN Essentials for Your Privacy?

Yes, VPN or Virtual Private Network is essential. It will help to block the website in case of privacy. On the other hand, in the situation of security, a trusted VPN like VPN Surf will protect you from other people who are trying to access your personal information or data. It is always great to do business and work with organizations that value your privacy and take proper measures to protect personal information. It is also better to limit your share on various social media platforms. Also, try to shred all important documents before tossing them in the trash section. 

Above all, never disclose your social security number to anyone. This can be dangerous for you and your privacy. You must also give proper stress and focus on safeguarding the data and devices. Sometimes it is seen that virtual profiles will help to safeguard your personal information and data. You must always try to use it in the best possible manner. It will be helpful.

If it is a matter of online privacy, it will depend upon how much personal information you are using while browsing the internet or while using the software. You must also remember that in 1948, the United Nations declared privacy as a human right and made it illegal in many countries. Check here more about What does a VPN does.

What is the Meaning of Security?

When it comes to security, you must know and have a clear perception of the subject. It is a process of precautions and measures for protection against personal and reputational harm. In the digital world, it can be prevented or protected by trying or using anti-virus software. It will protect and safeguard your information and data to a great extent.

In many cases, Two Factors Authentication of 2FA can be used if possible. Sometimes security incidents can prove to be serious and harmful. It can also damage or harm your files and hardware to a great extent. It is also felt that security is the essential one among all the other ones. If you compare it with the other ones, it will be found that security is a need.  

You need to use or apply security when you feel that others are trying to use or capture your information or images. In some situations, you may also need to secure your financial information. It is better if you always look for the best security services while dealing with crucial cases or information.

How to Stay Secured Online?

In order to preserve online security, we need to step up our game of securing our personal data. Here are a few simple ways how you can enhance your online security and keep all your details safe.

1. Restrict anonymous access for all the devices you use like laptop, phone, or tablet that contains sensitive information.
2. Follow a two-step authentication method for all your existing accounts, especially on social media and emails.
3. Do a regular digital clean-up. Delete files and apps that are no longer in use and withdraw your access.
4. Install a piece of anti-virus software or web application firewall.
5. Use encryption and VPN.

Remember, data security is everyone’s responsibility.

Difference Between Anonymity, Privacy, and Security:

In this part, we will discuss the difference that exists between these three subjects. For many, it appears to be the same thing, but the fact is that a difference lies between anonymity, privacy, and security. You must remember that anonymity, privacy, and security are three principles that must be considered while using the internet. In the present time, you use technology for carrying out various financial and official works. Considering all these things, you need to have better and more reliable technology.

Although all three things are becoming important daily, it becomes tough to distinguish between them. For protecting privacy, you use anonymous social media profiles with forged credentials. Security focuses on the process of how policies are enforced. On the other hand, privacy aims at vital data. 

Typical data security tools used in security are anti-virus software, anti-malware software, and identity or access management. In comparison, security tools for privacy are email services, private browsers, and other sorts of efficient services.

Apart from all this, security uses methods, and policies for securing personal information and data. Privacy safeguards the distribution of data sharing or collecting the same. Security also prevents the data from malicious or external people. Privacy also holds the capacity to block entities to any extent. It performs a crucial role in the subject of internet service providers. These are the basic differences that exist between the three subjects.

Why Do Anonymity, Privacy, and Security Matter?

By putting any of our information online, we are already exposing ourselves to hackers and harassers that can take advantage of our online presence. Based on the studies conducted by the Pew Research Center survey:

• 21% of internet users have had an email or social networking account compromised or taken over by someone else without permission.
• 12% have been stalked or harassed online.
• 11% have had important personal information stolen, such as their Social Security Number, credit card, or bank account information.
• 6% have been the victim of an online scam and lost money.
• 6% have had their reputation damaged because of something that happened online.
• 4% have been led into physical danger because of something that happened online.

The amount of data available and exposed online is increasing every day faster than we can imagine. Cybercrimes are becoming more prevalent, and the internet is no longer safe. Now more than anything, privacy, anonymity, and security should be an utmost priority to keep society in check.

A Complete Overview of Anonymity, Security, and Privacy:

Many people think it is impossible to stay anonymous online, while others believe the same can be hidden. The difference was observed among the genders. The percentage stands at 64% Vs. 54%. Let us take an example, and this illustration is expected to make everything clear.

Suppose you make a defamatory statement against a company and its product through online mode. Will it be easier for the company to find you out? Will it be an easier job for them? Many people think that it will be tough for the company to find it out. Now let us have a glance at the percentage of people who have put their opinion.

• 42% of the people think that it would be easier for the company to find it out.
• Another 37% of the people think that it would be a somewhat easy job for the company.
• 13% of people believe it would not be easy to find the actual person.
• The last 3% of people think it will be impossible for the company to find the culprit. However, 5% of people did not have any prominent answer to this question.

Those who have not taken any special steps to stop these activities think it will be easy for them. However, it will mainly depend from company to company. 

Most people are concerned about internet activities. With the advent of new technology and concepts, it seems that most of the work and activities seem to be easier. The level of concern has also decreased with the introduction of new subjects. It is a great advancement.

In many countries, privacy is key for governmental affairs and issues. In this type of issue, privacy is essential. In this matter, the term encryption must be used. It is a method through which private conversations can be conserved even from the most crucial observers. At the same time, it will also allow both private and public matters to stay safe. These tools are present in the modern world and are used for many purposes.

Conclusion

It is now evident from the above discussion that anonymity, privacy, and security are interrelated to each other. Even anonymous discussions hold a pivotal role in many social and political places. In many countries, it has received legal recognition. Every one of us loves to preserve our secrets. 

Thus the use of privacy and security matters is gradually increasing among people. With the advancement of new technologies, we are also successful in preserving the same. If the data is not anonymous, there is a risk that you may face a breach of confidentiality. So, we should put more stress on these parts. This will help in making any transactions safe and secure for your work. 

Check these other blogs to learn more about security!

- The Definitive Guide to Privacy Online

- Threats of online Ads to your privacy