Hey there! This paper therefore aims at establishing a working definition and understanding of security. It is a word we use often and yet it has uncountable possibilities of definitions and meanings. Being in our house, working our computer and all the way to banking, safety is not just an abstract concept, but a real concept that embraces every lifestyle we know today. In this particular write-up, the author will discuss about security, whether it is necessary and with real-life evidence and help of professionals.

The Definition of Security

Let’s start with the basics. In its essence, security means safeguard or shield from or against something negative. The term can be defined as a condition in which one is not exposed to risk or in the harm’s way. But here’s the idea: safety is not an isolated matter. In one case, it may refer to a disturbance or disruption of peace, preventing you from living a normal, happy life. For instance, security may mean the lack of threat like insecurity and insecurity can be lack of food security. It can also refer to the ability to withstand potential harm, concealment or encapsulation, or even a condition of the psychological kind, such as safety.

Security in Different Contexts

Physical Security

When it comes to the concept of security, physical security is the one that is most easily associated with this term. This ranges from the lock on your door, security cameras, and other security features in your compound, the neighborhood among others. It can be described as preventing the loss of live, property, structure or any other valuable asset by injury or damage. Thus, airport security is a type of physical security or physical layer that utilizes X-ray machines and metal detectors to regulate the flow of people and objects through a certain airport security perimeter. Another example is home security aspect that consists of alarms as well as security cameras that help to protect the house against burglars.

Informational Security

Today it becomes vital to discuss informational security, or more familiar term of cyber security in other words. This type of security entails safeguarding of computing devices, networks as well as information from hostile online entities. For instance, computer security also referred common as cybersecurity means shielding the hardware, software applications, data and individuals from cyber criminals. Just imagine, how many of your memories are saved in your computer or indeed in your smart phone??? Unlike password protection, your bank details, personal or family photos, as well as social accounts are not safe if you do not have a positive approach to cybersecurity.

Environmental Security

The other aspect of security concept is environmental security. It is a term associated with the soundness and health of ecosystems and the biosphere most especially in as far as their ability to support life forms is concerned. For instance, event though the concern for ecological damage by human beings has increased, issue of security of ecosystems has been of paramount importance. This means that conservation of our environment, through combating pollution, deforestation, and climate change among others is not only a manner of preserving the environment, but also of protecting ourselves.

Human Security

Human security is the latest concept of security which mainly focuses on the security of people or individuals and groups of people. In essence, it translates to exercising the principles of human rights so that people may live their lives with freedom and wishing to attain a decent living. This concept states that security equally entails safeguarding properties or information, human beings, even lives. For instance; errand protection, supplying refugees with basics needs and protecting them during wars is a human security.

Real-Life Examples of Security

The Equifax Data Breach

The Equifax data breach is one of the most witnessed cybersecurity events of the recent past. One of the most critical data breach that affected a credit reporting agency is the Equifax data breach in the year 2017, that affected around 14, 7million people. This was in spite of the fact that some of the information contained in the shed included sensitive data such as Social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, etc. It caused loss of identity, theft, and financial fraud as the ramifications of the breach. This stressed on the security measures that he considered as necessary and the possibility of what may happen if adequate measures were not put in place in protecting data.

The 9/11 Attacks and Increased Airport Security

The recent world cataclysm in September 2001 also resulted in intensified security measures in airports all over the globe. As a result of the incidents, which exposed weaknesses in the aviation security, governments set out to tighten measures to guard passengers and planes. These measures comprised of improved measures to scan passengers and people accessing trains, the cranky measures and checks put in place as well as improvement of surveillance systems. The transformations in airports security standards were primarily to address the threats of harm to the people with intent to cause damage, as well as to promote equal safety of each individual passenger on a plane.

The Flint Water Crisis

Hence, the Flint water crisis is an excellent example of environmental insecurity. Flint River and in 2014 the city of Flint Michigan changed source to the river which caused water supply to be contaminated with lead and other chemicals.

Expert Insights on Security

Dr. Bruce Schneier on Cybersecurity

Bruce Schneier is a security technologist and author who has published a lot on security On this area from books. He notes that security is a concept that is not a product but a concept rather involves a process. In the view of Schneier, security is best implemented through the use of an IT systems, security policies and practices that prevent many types of attacks. He also lays emphasis on the fact that there are certain risks or loopholes that are inherent in every system and critical care should be taken to ensure that these are adequately addressed through the use of checker-boards measures.

Dr. Barbara Harff on Human Security

Here is Dr.Barbara Harff who is a Professor and a scholar in the field of human security and genocide. Anne, therefore asserts that human security should be the main focus of security in politics and policies. In essence, Harff has the perception that the promotion of human rights and security of individuals and groups of people are cardinal aspects of security. She also supports a concept of human security that ranges over safety issues in the short-term as well as stability issues in the long-term including poverty, inequality and environmental issues.

Research-Backed Data on Security

The Growing Threat of Cybercrime

Cybercrime fatalities decreased in 2020 by 14% which contrasts with a growth of the cost of global cybercrime forecasted to be $10.5 trillion per year by Cybersecurity Ventures in the year 2025. Such a figure only goes to show that the threat of cybercrime is rising, and societies must strengthen their defense against it. Another report has also shown that the mean cost of this system breach in 2020 was $3.86 million. Such statistics show that preventions of our digital or personal information should be enhanced to counter cyber criminals.

The Impact of Environmental Insecurity

In a research done by the World Economic Forum it was realized that environmental risks are among the biggest potential risks in the next decade. Some challenges pointed out included climate change, desertification, hurricanes, deforestation among others as threats to security. It pointed out the need for cooperation with other nations and adherence to viable measures to combat them in order to achieve environmental security.

Optimizing for Featured Snippets

In order to increase the website’s chances of being awarded the featured snippet on Google Search and deliver meaningful information in a concise manner most of this article has been structured to target and be eligible for the Google featured snippet. Here are some key points:

Security Definition: Security can be described as safeguard from or prevention of loss.
Mimaringeaning: Physical security, information security, environmental security and human security are other sub-topics to do with security.
Real-Life Examples: The case of Cybersecurity pertains to some of the following real-life events that bring to light different types of security: Equifax company data breach, the 9/11 attacks, and the Flint water crisis.
Specifically, Dr. Bruce Schneier points that security is a process; Dr. Barbara Harff refers to the need for an integrated approach to human security.

• Evidence-Based Facts: According to research, cybercrime is anticipated to cost the world $10.5 trillion every year by 2025, and environmental dangers are some of the biggest dangers in the world.

Conclusion

Since security is a cross cutting issue, it can be defined as the protection of people’s assets both tangible and intangible in all aspects of their endeavours. Starting from home and computer protection to ensuring safety of the environment and people in general, it plays a significant role in the contemporary world. As this paper captures various forms of security, illustrates those types based on real-life incidents, integrates opinions from professionals and information generated through research, one is in a better position to appreciate the concept of security and being in a position to guard both himself and his or her community.

Still it is worthy to understand that security is inclusive of ensuring we do not get harmed as well as ensuring that we become healthy in a safe environment. Therefore, whether one is protecting one’s home front, cyberspace, individual or the environment and people, each step counts. Stay safe and secure!

FAQs on the Concept of Security

1. What are the main types of security?

The main types of security which should to be established are the following:

Physical Security: This entails safeguarding of people, properties and things from physical harm. This refers to objects which have security features such as locks, security cameras, alarm systems and so on.

• Informational Security (Cybersecurity): is the proactive approach towards safeguarding digital data in computers and elaborated computing systems against cybercrime. They will consist of firewalls, encryption, antivirus, etc.
  Environmental security: This concerns matters of security of the physical environment from factors such as pollution, climate change and deforestation among others.
  Human Security: As a concept, it focuses on people’s issues of survival, protection from violence, poverty, and violation of human rights.

2. What are the reasons behind the raising importance of cybersecurity in the age of technology?

The importance of cybersecurity in the present era cannot be overemphasized because virtually all aspects of human activity are nowdigitized. In the contemporary society, we cannot underestimate the significance of personal as well as business data, money transactions among other things that are susceptible to cybercrimes. Possible consequences of cyber attacks may include identity theft, loss of money, compromised national security and others. Cyber security measures are some form of measures employed in the protection of our data and assets hence preventing cyber criminals from access to sensitive information.

3. How can a person guard himself/herself in the cyber world and protect from threats?

People should follow these recommendations to avoid risks connected with a cyber threat:

• Passwords: One should ensure that one uses strong passwords and even better should change these passwords from time to time.
  Turn on 2FA: It is wise to add one more layer of security that can be inputted from a device.
  update: : This can be done through installing the latest version of operating system, latest version of applications and latest antivirus program.
  Cybercriminals: Do not open unfamiliar links or download any files from overly the internet for they may contain the virus.
  Backup Your Data: Computer and data loss is very common, thus backup files of any important document on external drive or cloud storage.

4. What has the phenomenon of environmental security had to do with the stability of world?

Environmental security is also significant in maintaining world stability as a result of the ability in dealing with sustainability of the planet earth. Global threats such as climatic changes when exploited, resource depletion or loss of species can cause conflicts and humanitarian crisis. This way, we guarantee the environmental security and eliminate the aforementioned threats and create a safer world. This includes the utilization of environmentally sound measures, preservation of environment and focusing on causes of environmental impairment.

5. What measures should be taken to build human security by the governments and organizations?

According to this fact, human security can be promoted by the following ways that governments and organizations should embrace:

Promoting Safeguarding People: Ensuring compliance with stated laws and regulations that aims to prevent harm, abuse of individuals; defend people’s rights.
Meagan Callanan: The most vital service considerations as perceived by the implementers of the millennium development goals are; Health care, Education and Water.
Economic Development: Encouraging policies to deal effectively with poverty and injustice as well as create the necessary policies that will foster growth of the country’s economy.
Backing for Peace Making: Taking part in negotiations leading to the resolution of the clashes and sustaining of peace.
Major Goals – There are several goals that the society aims to achieve and they include: