Data protection and security in the virtual world are key aspects of the modern digital environment. With the growing use of the Internet and technology, it is important to understand their importance to protect personal information, business data and ensure system integrity. Cyber threats such as malware, phishing, DDoS attacks and insider threats are constantly present, which requires the implementation of diverse security methods. The basic principles of data protection include encryption, authentication, authorization and access control. Encryption enables secure data transfer and storage, while authentication and authorization ensure that only authorized persons have access to information. Access control further maintains system security by regulating who can access certain resources. Legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) plays a key role in protecting user privacy, imposing an obligation on organizations to protect and responsibly manage personal data. Additionally, educating users about online security practices is becoming increasingly important to reduce the risk of human error and vulnerability. Future trends in data protection include the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, which can enhance security and ensure transparency. With all these efforts, maintaining high security standards in the virtual world is imperative in order to preserve the integrity of data, protect user privacy and ensure the smooth functioning of the digital society.