Information Security Challenges in the Use of Digital Tools for Data Processing and Management

Abstract

The accelerated pace of digitalization has fundamentally transformed the way information is collected, processed, and used. This process brings significant benefits but also major vulnerabilities in the field of information security. Digital technologies – ranging from common applications and online platforms to cloud-based solutions – have become indispensable for the efficiency of educational, economic, and administrative activities. However, the increasing reliance on technology exposes organizations to increasingly complex cyber threats. This article examines the main information security risks associated with the use of digital tools in data processing and management, drawing on theoretical approaches as well as recent practical examples. Three major categories of challenges are highlighted: technical (ransomware, phishing, software vulnerabilities, and dependence on cloud infrastructures), legal and regulatory (arising from GDPR, NIS2, and other European frameworks), and organizational and human (limited resources and the human factor as the weakest link). The conclusions emphasize that information security is not solely a technological issue but requires an integrated approach, combining advanced technical solutions with effective organizational policies and legal compliance. Practices such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication, continuous user training, and the principle of “privacy by design” are essential for strengthening organizational resilience against present and future digital threats. UDC: 004.056:[005.334+005.53]; JEL: M15, O33