If you ask someone to describe security, you will invariably receive an array of answers. It is a polysemy, a word with many possible meanings within different contexts and perspectives.
Security has an intrinsic, intangible value of feeling safe and protected. It’s a precious and coveted asset, something to be treasured and not taken for granted.
Personal security
Personal security is the protection from potential harm, freedom from danger.
The first time I fully realized the threat to my own personal security was the last time I ever decided to go walking at sunset by myself with only my Walkman and headphones the summer of 1990 in the very small conservative town I grew up in. I abruptly stopped to remove a stone from my shoe and an unknown man brushed past me. I started walking the opposite direction and he continued to follow and run after me as I was running away from him. I was able to hide and elude him but have never been so thankful for a bothersome stone in my shoe. It was always safe until that one-in-a-billion circumstance becomes you.
From then on, I learned how to be smart in precarious situations developing a high degree of situational awareness. Smartphones now add a level of security making us feel safer knowing that location, 911 calls and evidence photos are instantly accessible, but we still have to be smart. It doesn’t deter everyone.
Home security
Home security is having a home where you feel safe and protected. The appropriate insurance protection, smoke and CO detectors, security systems, cameras and community all contribute to this.
Airport / Building / Event security
That sense of security expands beyond our home to the places we frequent and even the vehicles we drive.
Financial security
Financial security is multifaceted. It’s meaning is the least understood and where I will focus on most in the future. In one aspect, it represents the ability to comfortably meet your present and future financial needs and goals, enabling you to achieve your goals in life as well as navigating the challenges without undue financial stress. It’s having a solid financial foundation and enjoying peace of mind knowing your finances are in order.
In another aspect, financial securities are financial assets or instruments called equity securities such as stock, debt securities such as bonds and numerous others that I will expand on.
Financial security can also mean job security and even Social Security.
Internet or Cybersecurity
This is the newest area of security and also important to know. There are five basic security principles that serve as the foundation of effective cybersecurity strategies. I like to think of these as more universal security principles and not just relative to cybersecurity.
Confidentiality – ensures that sensitive information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals, entities or processes.
Integrity – ensures that data and those relaying data are accurate and trustworthy.
Availability – ensures that systems, applications and data are accessible when needed minimizing downtime, attacks or disruptions.
Authentication – verifies the authenticity of a person or identity of users, systems or devices to ensure authorized access.
Non-repudiation – ensures that individuals or entities involved in a transaction, communication or action cannot deny their participation, to hold parties accountable.
Although each type of security is different, they are interrelated affecting us all. The intangible and polysemic nature of security creates a treasure that is elusive to find or achieve.