Security vs. Privacy: Why You Need Both
With billion-dollar cyberattacks seeming to happen daily, most people know they need to protect themselves online. The problem is they equate security and privacy and assume if they have one they have the other.
You can have steel doors and deadbolts on your house, but if you invite someone inside the locks don’t matter. Security keeps intruders out. Privacy protects you from people you let in—the ones you hand your data when you click “Agree” on a 3-page Terms of Service you didn’t read.
You can be fully secure and have no privacy.
You can be fully private and have no security.
One without the other leaves you exposed.
Understanding both – and how they work together – is essential to protecting your identity, behavior, and digital life.
What’s the difference between Privacy and Security?
Security
Security is the technology we use to protect systems, data, and devices from unauthorized access or harm. The core mission is to defend the CIA triad – Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.
Think:
· Encryption
· Firewalls
· MFA (Multi-factor Authentication)
· Access controls
Privacy
Privacy is a more complex topic that covers the ethical ideas around how information is collected, used, and shared. This information is usually in the hands of data collectors you “trust”.
· Big Tech (Google, Meta)
· Governments
· Data Brokers
· Financial Institutions
Security and Privacy Work Together
Security and privacy are interdependent, not interchangeable.
Security is Step 1, protect yourself from hackers, malware, and data breaches.
Privacy is Step 2, limit how much data is exposed, collected, and surveilled.
The strongest personal protection comes from both:
Encrypted systems
Minimal data collection
Personal control over your online presence
How do you improve your security and privacy?
Here are the top 5 things you can do to protect your security and privacy today.
1. Use a Password Manager and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Why:
Password reuse and phishing are the #1 cause of compromised accounts. Most people use weak or reused passwords across multiple accounts.
How:
Use ProtonPass, Bitwarden, or a similar password manager to store unique, comples passwords.
Enable MFA on all sensitive accounts. If possible, use an authenticator app instead of SMS to prevent sim spoofing.
2. Switch to a Privacy-Respecting Browser Setup
Why:
Your browser is constantly tracking data via cookies and fingerprinting.
How:
Use a private browser like Brave or hardened Firefox.
Install extensions uBlock Origin (ad/tracker blocker) and Privacy Badger (behaviorial tracker blocker)
3. Move Messaging to Signal and Email to Proton
Why:
Most messaging apps are encrypted but still collect metadata (who you contact, when, from where)
How:
Use Signal for all sensitive conversations. It has zero-knowledge architecture and collects virtually no metadata.
Use ProtonMail or Tutanota for all sensitive emails
Use SimpleLogin for aliases for signups, newsletters, and online shopping
4. Use a No-Log VPN
Why:
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see everything you do online.
How:
Use a trust no-log VPN like Mullvad or ProtonVPN that don’t require accounts
5. Limit Your Digital Footprint
Why:
Even with strong tools, your exposed if you overshare or leave a trail online.
How:
Don’t overshare on social media
Delete old accounts using JustDelete.me
Opt out of data brokers
Use email and phone aliases to mask online activity
Privacy without security leaves you vulnerable.
Security without privacy is surveillance in disguise.
If you’re serious about improving your privacy and protecting your digital life:
Take the free Privacy Risk Quiz and receive a Privacy Protection Blueprint—a step-by-step guide to securing your data, devices, and identity.
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