For consumers and businesses alike, safety and security in the digital age are admittedly becoming a challenge. Password protection, financial information security and maximizing Internet safety are all key to keeping your identity safe in 2019.
If you are careless when it comes to Internet safety or are unfamiliar with data protection standards, your personal information is left unsecured. This could result in someone hacking into your computer, tablet or smartphone, accessing personal information and using it at their will. Even if you aren’t the most tech-savvy individual, there are a number of things you can do at a basic level to keep your information protected.
Data Encryption
Companies like Apple work hard to deliver software using the latest in data encryption technologies. Apps like OpenPGP, FileVault and TrueCrypt are used by companies to ensure consumers’ emails and personal information remain protected. If you are unsure about whether your data is encrypted or not, look up your operating system or apps to see what the manufacturer is using.
Backing up Your Data
Using an external hard drive, create a duplicate copy of your data. If your laptop or smartphone is ever stolen or compromised in some way, you can use the backup to restore any missing information. Believe us when we say – this is much easier than trying to recover data on a device that’s been compromised.
Anti-Malware Protection
Have you ever received an email from an address you don’t immediately recognize? Malware often comes disguised as an email from a company you trust. You click through the email and then, to no fault your own, malware infiltrates your computer from this ‘trusted’ email. This could include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware and more. Install an anti-virus protection program that will regularly perform routine scans to check for spyware and malicious security threats.
Destroy Old Hard Drives
Don’t throw out an old hard drive without destroying the data on it first. After you’re sure you’ve backed everything up, you can choose to: run a magnet over your hard drive, use software to wipe it or physically destroy it. Remember, all of your information is contained on the hard drive so this is the only part of the computer you will need to wipe.
Install Operating System Updates
As frustrating as operating system updates can be, they are critical in protecting your data. Apple and Windows update both regularly contain malware protection and security patches to guard against the most recent known threats. When you don’t install updates, you’re willingly putting your computer at risk against avoidable security breaches.
Secure your Wireless Network
For both small business owners and homeowners, ensure your wireless network is secured with a password. After a wireless network has been accessed, it’s possible for a hacker to get a hold of its users’ private information.
These tips are just the beginning to ensuring your data is adequately protected. Anything simple and free that can be done to minimize your security risk is strongly recommended.
