Level 3: Compliant Behavior – Security Becomes a Standard
Reaching the Compliant level means having taken the most important step in your digital hygiene: transforming good practices into routine. At this stage, you no longer act by trial and error, but follow a proven method. You have understood that security is not a goal achieved once and for all, but a constant commitment that requires consistency and discipline.
You are a user who “respects the digital rules of the road,” drastically reducing your vulnerability and guaranteeing solid protection for your data and your identity.
What is “Compliant” behavior?
It indicates a level of action that strictly follows security guidelines and good practices. A person at this level:
- Adopts secure behaviors consistently and not just occasionally.
- Actively commits to respecting the rules and recommendations of the Cyber Welfare Framework.
- Considers data protection an integral part of their way of being online.
In the digital domain, Level 3 represents the maturity of the navigator who knows the highway code and respects it for their own and others’ safety.
The traveler has acquired mastery of the roads and scrupulously follows security rules. Two-factor authentication is an invaluable second key, in addition to the password, and they navigate cautiously, avoiding dangerous virtual roadmaps. Precious data is wisely archived, thanks to regular backup copies.
The Pillars of Your Compliant Behavior
What concretely distinguishes a Level 3 user? Here are the actions that define this stage:
- Double Protection (MFA): The use of multi-factor authentication (R4) is not an exception, but the rule for every account that allows it.
- Conscious Navigation: You know how to recognize the network’s blind spots and navigate cautiously, avoiding suspicious sites or unverified links.
- Backup Culture: The fear of losing data disappears because you have set up a regular and reliable backup system (R20).
- Respect for Rules: You apply the recommendations received, thus understanding their logical and protective value.
Why This Level is a Turning Point
At Level 3, your security stops being “fortuitous” and becomes predictable. By following compliant good practices:
- You drastically reduce the risk of falling victim to automated attacks.
- You are able to quickly recover your data in case of hardware failure.
- You build a solid and reliable digital reputation.
How to Move to the Next Level
To evolve to Level 4 (Aware), you must begin to develop a superior critical spirit. Don’t limit yourself to following the rules: start asking yourself how to adapt them to new and unforeseen situations, becoming proactive in risk assessment.
How to Check if You Are at This Level
Take a short check of your digital week:
- Have I activated two-factor authentication on all my main accounts?
- Do I regularly perform (or have I automated) the backup of my most important data?
- Do I systematically avoid clicking on suspicious links, even if they come from seemingly known sources?
- Do I follow security recommendations consistently and not just when I remember them?