Do Technologies Give or Take Away Pur Sense of Security?

October is celebrated across Europe and Latvia as Cybersecurity Month – a time when we focus on digital safety, revisiting the fundamentals of online protection and examining the latest data. Technology and digitalization have a profound impact not only on our habits and behavior but also on our sense of security – one of the most essential human needs.

Security – A Basic Human Need That Evolves with Technology

In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, safety comes right after physiological needs. Once we have food, water, and sleep, the next step is security – a foundation for order, predictability, and peace of mind. Remove that layer, and the higher levels – belonging, esteem, and self-actualization – collapse. Yet in the digital age, our sense of safety has become more fragile than ever.

On one hand, technology makes us feel safer: alarm systems, video surveillance, biometric identification, and cybersecurity tools all help protect us in both the physical and digital worlds. On the other hand, these same tools often raise concerns about excessive monitoring, data collection, and the loss of privacy.

According to Gallup’s Global Law and Order Report, people’s subjective sense of safety has improved globally over the past decade but declined compared to 2020. In Ecuador, only 27% of residents feel safe, while in Singapore the figure reaches 94%. Studies show that safety is directly linked to quality of life – a secure environment can even extend life expectancy by more than a year.

The Dual Nature of Security in a Tech-Driven World

Security in the digital era is not just the responsibility of IT professionals – it’s everyone’s concern. Research by the UK-based AAG IT Services shows that worldwide, someone becomes a victim of cybercrime every 37 seconds, and two users’ data are leaked every second. At the same time, technology helps prevent threats: AI-based systems can detect fraudulent transactions in banking, predict attacks on infrastructure, or identify suspicious behavior on social media.

Our perception of digital safety is not always based on objective facts – it is shaped by personal experience, knowledge, and personality traits. People with higher digital literacy tend to feel safer because they understand the risks and know how to mitigate them. However, victims of online fraud are not always those with low digital skills – sometimes overconfidence leads to neglecting basic precautions. Digital security begins not with technology, but with habits: strong passwords, timely updates, common sense, and critical thinking.

Tech Lovers and Tech Skeptics

Technological progress has divided society into two broad groups – technophiles and technophobes. Technophiles view technology as a way to make life safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. They embrace innovation and adapt easily to change. Technophobes, however, feel anxious and distrustful – seeing the digital world as a threat to their privacy, safety, and even identity.

There are also gender and age differences. Research by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner shows that women feel twice as unsafe online as men and are more likely to experience technology-related abuse. Meanwhile, a recent Barclays study revealed that men are more often victims of so-called “romance scams.”

From Cybersecurity to Digital Trust

Technology itself is neither good nor bad – it reflects the way we choose to use it. When applied thoughtfully and responsibly, it can enhance safety and even save lives. AI-powered tools in hospitals help doctors diagnose diseases faster and reduce errors, while other digital solutions detect fraud and prevent risks before they escalate. Yet without responsibility and understanding, the same systems can create new vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity begins with critical thinking, education, awareness, and collaboration. We cannot stop technological progress, but we can choose how to use it – for safety or for fear. Cybersecurity Month is a timely reminder that security in the digital world starts with each of us: fewer clicks on suspicious links, stronger passwords, and regular device updates.