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PAPER OR DIGITAL: WHICH SECURITY SHOULD A BUSINESS CHOOSE? E.A. Abdullaev, Student
Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov (Russia, Arkhangelsk)
DOI:10.24412/2411-0450-2024-8-7-10
Abstract. The article reveals the topic of data security in the context of the choice between paper and digital form. The author tries to explain the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, citing specific examples from various industries and analyzing the risks and benefits for business. Real-world implementations of both paper and digital security are discussed, including their impact on operational processes and financial costs. The author states that each security system has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In particular, paper security emphasizes the importance of physical security and legal acceptability, while digital security emphasizes speed of access, efficiency of data management, and the ability to withstand physical disasters. Thus, the author concludes that the optimal solution for most companies may be a hybrid approach that combines the best elements of both paper and digital security to ensure maximum data protection in the modern business environment.
Keywords: digital security, IBM, document, paper security, data, business, cyberattacks.
Modern businesses face many security-related challenges. In the era of digitalization, many companies strive to minimize paper document management by switching to electronic document management systems. However, the issue of data security remains a key aspect in any field of activity. In this article, we will look at two aspects of security: paper and real (digital), analyze their advantages and disadvantages, and also offer practical examples and recommendations for businesses.
Paper security involves the use of physical storage media such as papers, folders, safes, and archives. This method has a number of advantages. First, paper documents are less susceptible to cyberattacks. Unlike digital data, which can be stolen or damaged by hackers, paper documents are protected from remote access. Second, physical media is often easier to manage for smaller businesses that do not have significant resources to implement and maintain complex IT systems. Paper documents can be easily archived, moved, and destroyed, making the process more intuitive [1].
However, paper security also has its disadvantages. Physical documents are subject to environmental risks such as fire, flood, theft, and loss. In the event of a natural disaster or catastrophe, a business may lose important
information, resulting in serious consequences. In addition, paper workflow requires significant printing, storage, and management costs, which increase the company's operating costs. In today's fast-paced world, speed of access to information also plays an important role, and paper documents cannot provide instant access to data, unlike digital systems.
On the other hand, real (digital) security provides many opportunities to improve data protection. The introduction of digital technologies allows businesses to quickly and efficiently manage documents, reducing the costs of storing and processing them. Digital systems provide instant access to information from anywhere in the world, which is especially important for companies with a global presence. Modern encryption and data protection technologies, such as two-factor authentication, biometrics, and blockchain, significantly increase the level of security.
Cloud services for data storage are an example of a successful application of digital security is the use of cloud services for data storage. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offer solutions that allow businesses to securely store and manage data in the cloud. These services provide protection against cyberattacks because data is encrypted and stored on remote servers with a high level of security. Moreover, regular data
backup allows you to restore information in case of loss or damage [2].
However, digital security is also not without its drawbacks. The main risk is the threat of cyberattacks. Hackers are constantly improving their techniques, and even the most secure systems can be vulnerable. Companies experiencing a data breach may suffer significant financial and reputational losses. In addition, effective use of digital technologies requires significant investment in IT infrastructure, staff training, and constant software updates.
Considering both aspects of security, we can conclude that the choice between paper and digital security depends on the specific needs and capabilities of the business. For smaller companies with limited resources and simple operations, paper-based security may be more feasible and cost-effective. At the same time, for large enterprises working with large volumes of data and seeking global expansion, digital security provides more flexible and effective solutions.
An example of a balance between these approaches is a hybrid security system that combines the best aspects of both methods. For example, important legal documents can be stored in paper form in securely protected safes, while work data and daily workflow can be maintained digitally [3]. This approach allows you to reduce risks and optimize costs.
To continue the discussion, we will provide some specific examples and arguments to help better understand how paper and digital security can be applied in practice and what benefits or risks they may bring to a business.
Let's start with the example of a small business such as a law firm. Small law firms are often faced with the need to store large volumes of confidential information. Paper documents such as contracts, agreements, and other legal documents can be stored in secure filing cabinets and safes. This provides physical protection against cyberattacks. However, access to such documents is limited by physical location, and searching for the required document can take considerable time. Digitization of these documents using secure servers and data encryption can significantly speed up the process of searching and manag-
ing documents, as well as provide backups of information.
Another example would be a large company, such as a financial institution. Financial services companies deal with huge amounts of data, including customer personal data and financial transactions [4]. For these companies, digital security is a priority. The use of encryption systems, multi-factor authentication, and network activity monitoring helps protect data from cyberattacks. However, even here, paper documents such as original contracts or important financial reports can be stored in secure archival storage to prevent loss in the event of a digital disaster.
Another example is medical institutions. Hospitals and clinics store huge amounts of patient medical records. The digitalization of medical documentation allows you to quickly and efficiently exchange information between different departments and specialists, improving the quality of medical care. However, many institutions still keep paper copies of important documents in case of digital system failures. In this case, the optimal solution is a hybrid security system that combines paper and digital methods.
Arguments in favor of paper security may be based on the following aspects:
- technological independence. Accessing paper documents does not require electricity, the Internet, or complex IT infrastructure.
- physical protection. Well-secured premises and safes can provide a high level of physical security for confidential documents.
- legal admissibility. In many cases, original paper documents are required for legal purposes and litigation.
Arguments for digital security include:
- convenience and speed of access. Digital documents can be found and processed much faster than their paper counterparts.
- protection from physical harm. Digital data can be easily backed up and restored, but paper documents can be lost forever in a fire or flood.
- efficiency and scalability [5]. Digital document management systems allow you to process and store huge amounts of data at minimal cost.
An example of successful implementation of digital security is IBM, which actively uses
cloud technologies and artificial intelligence to protect its data and the data of its customers. IBM has developed advanced cybersecu-rity solutions, such as IBM QRadar, that help monitor and prevent cyberattacks in real time.
However, it is worth noting that there are also disadvantages to digital security that need to be taken into account. For example, in 2017, a major cyberattacks affected Equifax, one of the largest credit bureaus in the United States. The data breach affected the personal information of more than 140 million customers. This incident showed that even the most advanced security systems can be vulnerable.
Another example is Target, which was the victim of a major cyberattack in 2013 that re-
sulted in the theft of millions of customers' credit card information [6]. This incident cost the company hundreds of millions of dollars and seriously affected its reputation.
To summarize, the choice between paper and digital security is not an easy one and depends on many factors. Companies must carefully evaluate their needs and capabilities to select the most appropriate data security strategy. It is important to remember that no security system is perfect, and the best solution may be a hybrid approach that combines the best aspects of both methods. The implementation of a comprehensive security system, including both physical and digital protection, will help minimize risks and ensure reliable information protection.
References
1. Suvorova L.V. Ensuring security in modern Russia // Economics and business: theory and practice. 2021. № 11-1.
2. Troshin D.V. Business security: problem statement in the context of sustainable development // National interests: priorities and security. 2012. № 39.
3. Ilinykh A.S. Economic security of an enterprise // International Journal of Humanities and Natural Sciences. 2016. № 1.
4. Nikishina A.P. Safety in the organization // Innovative science. 2022. № 6-2.
5. Anatoly Petrovich Sterkhov Integrated business security and the main problems of its provision // Bulletin of ISTU. 2012. № 11 (70).
6. Zainullin Sergey Bulatovich, Sorokin Nikita Dmitrievich Features of corporate security of Russian enterprises // Bulletin of Eurasian Science. 2017. № 6 (43).
БУМАЖНАЯ VS ЦИФРОВАЯ - КАКУЮ БЕЗОПАСНОСТЬ ВЫБРАТЬ
БИЗНЕСУ?
Э.А. Абдуллаев, студент
Северный Арктический федеральный университет имени М.В. Ломоносова (Россия, г. Архангельск)
Аннотация. В статье раскрывается тема безопасности данных в контексте выбора между бумажной и цифровой формами. Автор пытается объяснить, какие преимущества и недостатки имеют оба подхода, приводя конкретные примеры из различных отраслей и анализируя риски и выгоды для бизнеса. Рассматриваются реальные случаи внедрения как бумажной, так и цифровой безопасности, включая их влияние на оперативные процессы и финансовые затраты. Автор аргументирует, что каждая система безопасности имеет свои уникальные сильные и слабые стороны. В частности, бумажная безопасность подчеркивает важность физической защиты и юридической приемлемости, тогда как цифровая безопасность акцентируется на скорости доступа, эффективности управления данными и способности противостоять физическим катастрофам. Таким образом, автор приходит к выводу, что оптимальным решением для большинства компаний может быть гибридный подход, который объединяет лучшие элементы как бумажной, так и цифровой безопасности, чтобы обеспечить максимальную защиту данных в условиях современного бизнеса.
Ключевые слова: цифровая безопасность, IBM, документ, бумажная безопасность, данные, бизнес, кибератаки.
