Data is valuable, but lives are priceless: The crucial information protection for security professionals.

Jeferson Melo
CEO Vialogin System and
Especialista em Cybersecurity

Imagine a military police officer’s address exposed or an armored vehicle security guard’s route disclosed to criminals. The consequences could be devastating. Security professionals risk their lives daily to protect society. But who protects these professionals when their information is vulnerable?

Sensitive data belonging to these professionals include work schedules, locations, residential addresses, family information, escort, valuables transportation routes, and operational strategies and plans.

If this information falls into the wrong hands, criminals could exploit these vulnerabilities to commit violent and premeditated actions. All security-related institutions need to adopt stringent measures to safeguard information.

Protecting this data requires effective measures. Firstly, training and awareness are fundamental. Investing in technology alone is insufficient; professionals must be trained to safeguard their information. They need to recognize phishing attempts and digital scams, exercise caution when sharing data on social media, and follow secure practices when using personal and professional electronic devices.

Another essential measure is strict access control. Sensitive information should only be accessible to authorized individuals and protected by multifactor authentication (MFA) systems, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access or breaches.

Encryption is a powerful ally in safeguarding information. All digital data should be encrypted to keep its contents inaccessible to malicious third parties, even if a device is lost or stolen.

Secure storage is another crucial aspect. Institutions must ensure sensitive data is stored on secure servers, protected by firewalls, constant monitoring, and other practical data protection measures. Professionals must also be instructed to avoid storing critical information on personal devices or unauthorized platforms.

Information sharing requires caution. Confidential information should never be sent via unencrypted messaging apps or emails. Using secure and institutional platforms is essential for safely transmitting sensitive data.

Beyond these technical approaches, labor has a vital dimension. Companies and institutions are legally and morally obligated to protect the data of their employees and public servants. Implementing ongoing awareness and training programs for all employees is essential. Rigorous monitoring and control of data access are integral to this responsibility, as are clear and practical information security policies. Companies that fail to fulfill this mission may face legal consequences, in addition to endangering the lives of their employees and public servants.

Security professionals risk their lives every day to protect society. Caring for information related to their lives is a moral and institutional responsibility.

Ensuring the protection of confidential data allows these professionals to continue safely fulfilling their mission.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to act. Protect now those who protect us daily.

Cybersecurity Tips for Everyone:

In addition to measures specific to security professionals, anyone can adopt essential practices to protect information on mobile phones, computers, and tablets. Some important tips include:

  • Use password management software, such as Dashlane, LastPass, Keepass, or others of your preference.
  • Never use pirated software.
  • Keep your operating system and all software regularly updated.
  • Don’t click on suspicious links without first verifying the destination address.
  • Be wary of messages and emails that seem “too good” or “too bad.”
  • Pay close attention to alerts displayed by your computer
  • Take care of all your devices, including your home router.
  • Avoid sharing sensitive information on social media.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all applications.
  • Create strong, unique passwords for every service, including email, streaming accounts (such as Netflix, Disney Plus, and Spotify), and any other services that require passwords.
  • Regularly perform backups and keep everything up to date.
  • Install tracking software and remote wiping capabilities on mobile devices.
  • Enable encryption on both your device and memory card.
  • Turn off your voicemail to prevent number cloning fraud.

By adopting these measures, you significantly enhance your protection against cyberattacks and reduce risks to your personal and professional information.