Security is a big topic these days. Whether you’re on your phone, computer, or tablet, it’s important to protect your personal information. But what about hiding things as a way to stay safe? This idea is called security by obscurity. It sounds fancy, but don’t worry—it’s not hard to understand. In this article, we’ll break it down step by step and explain the best advice when using this method.
What Does Security by Obscurity Mean?
Security by obscurity is a method where you try to protect something not by building strong defenses, but by keeping it hidden. Think about hiding your house key under a rock in the garden. If no one knows it’s there, they can’t use it to get into your home. That’s the basic idea of security by obscurity—keeping things secret so they’re harder to find.
For example, a computer program might use a secret folder name or an unknown URL to keep hackers from finding it. Or a Wi-Fi network might not broadcast its name so it’s harder to detect. But while these tricks might slow down someone who’s trying to break in, they don’t truly stop them if they’re determined. So, while hiding things might help a little, it’s not the strongest way to stay safe.
Why Just Hiding Isn’t Enough
Imagine you hide a cookie jar from your little brother. It works for a while, but once he sees where you put it, he can get cookies anytime. That’s the same problem with security by obscurity. Hiding something doesn’t make it safe forever. If someone figures it out, there’s nothing else stopping them.
In the world of online safety, hackers use tools to scan websites, networks, and apps. If your only protection is “hiding,” they can still find their way in. That’s why experts say security by obscurity should never be your only defense. It’s better to use strong passwords, encryption, firewalls, and regular updates along with any hiding tricks. Obscurity should be like a “bonus” layer—not your main wall.
What Is the Advice Given for Applying Security by Obscurity?
The number one piece of advice? Don’t rely only on security by obscurity. Use it as a small piece of a bigger puzzle. It’s okay to hide things as long as you also use strong tools that really protect your data. Here’s how to do that the right way.
Use It Only as Extra Help
Hiding your login page URL or using hard-to-guess names for your folders can help slow down attackers. But it should just be a small part of your overall plan. Think of it like locking your bedroom door and also hiding the key. If someone breaks the lock, the hidden key won’t help. But if they can’t find the key and can’t break the lock, you’re in a much better spot.
So, use security by obscurity as a bonus, not your main defense. Add it on top of stronger protections.
Combine It with Strong Security Tools
The best advice is to combine obscurity with powerful tools like:
- Firewalls: These act like security guards at the entrance of your network.
- Antivirus software: Stops harmful programs before they do damage.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra step to log in, so even if someone guesses your password, they still can’t get in.
- Strong, unique passwords: Don’t use “12345” or “password.” Use longer passwords with symbols and numbers.
When you mix hiding techniques with these tools, you make it much harder for bad guys to get in.
Keep Software Updated
This is one of the most overlooked but powerful tips. Update your software regularly. Old software often has security holes that hackers know about. If you’re hiding something using old tools, you’re not really safe. Updates fix these holes and make your system stronger.
No matter how well you hide your entry points, if the software is outdated, a hacker can still find a way in. Always check for updates and install them as soon as possible.
Real Life Example for Kids to Understand
Let’s say you have a diary. You write all your secrets in it. You decide to hide it under your bed. That’s security by obscurity—you’re hiding it. But what if your brother finds out you always hide things there? He checks under your bed and finds your diary.
Now imagine instead, you use a diary with a lock AND you hide it inside a toy box. Even if he finds the toy box, he can’t open the diary. That’s a combo of strong security and hiding, and that’s a much better plan!
Better Ways to Stay Safe Online
If you want to really stay safe online, here are some better and smarter methods:
- Use strong passwords and never share them.
- Turn on two-factor authentication wherever you can.
- Encrypt your data so only you can read it.
- Use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) when on public Wi-Fi to protect your connection.
- Set up firewalls and antivirus software to block threats before they start.
These methods actually stop attackers, not just slow them down. Hiding helps a little, but real safety comes from using powerful tools.
When Can Security by Obscurity Help?
Even though it shouldn’t be your main defense, there are times when security by obscurity can be useful—especially when it’s used smartly and alongside other tools.
For Home Networks
If you have a Wi-Fi network at home, hiding your SSID (the network name) is a simple form of obscurity. It won’t stop serious hackers, but it may stop your neighbors from trying to connect. Combine this with a strong Wi-Fi password, and your home network is much safer.
You can also change the default router login page, which adds an extra step for anyone trying to access your network settings.
For Apps and Games
Developers sometimes use security by obscurity when building apps or games. For example, they might hide special files or put in secret codes that only they know. This can stop beginners from cheating or messing with the game. But again, experienced hackers can usually still find these things.
That’s why developers should also use code signing, encryption, and regular updates to keep their apps safe.
What Experts Really Think
Most security experts agree: security by obscurity is not a complete solution. In fact, many warn against relying on it too much. They say it’s like building a castle and then covering it with a sheet—you’re not really hiding it, just making it less obvious.
Experts recommend always using industry-standard security tools like HTTPS, encrypted data storage, and secure logins. These tools are tested, proven, and strong. Obscurity is fine only as an add-on, not your main line of defense.
Thoughts – Keep It Strong, Not Just Secret
Here’s the bottom line: Don’t just hide—protect. Hiding things can help, but strong defenses are better. When you build your security like a layered cake—hiding on top of strong tools—you get a much better result. Use passwords, firewalls, and updates first. Then, if you want to hide a little extra, go ahead. But never hide instead of protecting.
The Bottom Line
So, what is the advice given for applying security by obscurity? Use it carefully and only as an extra layer—not your main protection. Always combine it with stronger tools like encryption, 2FA, and firewalls. Remember, real security isn’t about hiding things—it’s about making them hard to break into even if they’re found.
Security by obscurity is like hiding candy in your backpack—it might keep it safe for a while. But if someone knows where to look, they’ll find it. Instead, lock the candy in a safe, password-protect it, and then hide the safe! That’s the kind of multi-layered security that really works.
