Many people are unaware of how data security is a serious issue in today’s world.
In 2020, only 57% of business owners conducted cybersecurity assessments on their systems. This is problematic because these business owners are not securing their company’s data. If any of this data was hacked or leaked, it would be a huge detriment to the company’s reputation and productivity.
With advances in technology, protecting data has become increasingly difficult. However, many different tools can aid in this pursuit. In this blog post, we will go over how to keep your data secure, so read on.
Strong Password
Ensure that your passwords are complex. If the password is easy to guess, then it is not secure. For example, using “password1” as a password is unsafe because hackers can easily guess it.
A strong password should be eight characters long and include letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. Also, ensure that you change your passwords regularly. If you don’t, then your information could be compromised.
The best way to create strong passwords is by using a password manager. These tools can generate complex passwords and store them in an encrypted vault for you. This will ensure that you only have one unique, secure password across the internet and all of your accounts.
Protect Your Identity With Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication requires two different ways for someone to prove their identity whenever they log into an account or website. A password is considered one factor because it only requires your identity to access the account.
The two different factors can include:
- Something you know (like your password)
- Something you have (like a cell phone or an app on your phone that generates numbers constantly)
If someone does not possess both of these things, then they cannot access the account.
For example, let’s say that someone has a username and password for Facebook. If they are hacked, hackers can log into the account easily. However, if someone tried to log into your Facebook account with just their username and password but didn’t have access to your phone number, then they would not be able to proceed with the login.
This is also known as multi-factor authentication, and it ensures maximum security for all accounts. It’s recommended to enable this feature whenever possible—even with sites that do not require it by default.
Powerwash Your Devices
Perform a powerwash on all of your devices before getting rid of them. This means resetting the device back to its original factory settings so that none of your data or programs remains.
When you powerwash your device, it automatically deletes all data that you have stored on the device. However, if your data is not completely deleted, anyone who acquires this data will be able to access it because it will still exist somewhere on the device.
A powerwash is extremely important if you want to get rid of a device completely. Powerwashing ensures that all your data and programs are removed before the item gets passed along to someone else or recycled for its metal value.
Suppose the devices have sensitive information on them. In that case, it’s recommended that you use a tool like DBAN (Darik’s Boot And Nuke) which will overwrite any existing data with random numbers instead of preserving it so no one can reaccess it in the future.
Email Privacy Extensions
Many email privacy extensions can help protect data in emails. They’ll ensure that your data isn’t leaked or hacked during an exchange with someone else online.
For example, Gmail offers a setting that will encrypt your emails with an extra layer of security. This ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the email—not someone monitoring it along its routes through different servers.
Email privacy extensions are easy to set up on all major email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook (Hotmail), AOL Mail, etc. It’s important not to overlook this simple step if you want more control over how your personal information is shared online.
This is convenient because you can avoid data breaches and secure your data without sacrificing communication with others online.
Privacy Settings on Social Media Sites
Ensure that all social media accounts are properly configured so that third parties cannot access your data easily.
For example, Facebook has recently come under fire due to its lack of privacy settings for users. Many people were upset when it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica had acquired private data from millions of users and used it for targeted ads.
This shows that even if you think your data is safe on social media, there’s always a chance for someone to acquire it. And they can use it in ways you didn’t intend.
If possible, set all of your privacy settings so that only friends can view certain posts. Don’t allow everyone easy access to them even before they’re posted publicly. This reduces the risk of having personal content stolen or hacked by people who shouldn’t have access to this type of confidential material.
It also helps ensure that any embarrassing photos aren’t seen by anyone other than intended recipients. Many websites now allow more control over how users share their data.
Don’t forget to check your privacy settings often to ensure they’re properly configured for maximum security. This is a good practice even if you don’t tend to share sensitive material online.
Use a VPN to Protect Your Information
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that creates an encrypted and secure data tunnel between the device you are using and the site or application you want to access data from. This data tunnel is private, so no one can see what data you have sent while your VPN is activated.
When using a VPN, data such as passwords and other personal information is hidden from third parties who could use this information for nefarious reasons. This includes hackers who might try to intercept data that you send on unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots in airports or cafes.
Many services, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, StrongVPN, HideMyAss, CloakBox ProVpn, provide different levels of protection depending on how much security their customers want. It’s important that users choose one that fits their needs. That way, they won’t compromise on safety while saving money by going with a lower-cost version of this service.
Only Download Trusted Apps
If you download apps, then only get apps from trusted sources such as the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
This is the safest way to avoid having personal information stolen or hacked. When you get apps from other sources, users can find it difficult to know which ones are safe and how they work. This increases the risk of malware infecting your device or your data being compromised.
Consider only downloading apps that are popular and well-reviewed. They’re less likely to contain bugs or security vulnerabilities. This is especially true for free services like games.
If possible, download a VPN onto your mobile device before using third-party apps to ensure that your data remains secure. Many services have mobile versions, so you can use this service even on the go.
Only Use Secure Networks
When you use a public or unsecured network, your data can easily be accessed by third parties. This includes the websites and apps you visit as well as what is sent over them if personal information such as passwords is involved.
This means that hackers could intercept this information to gain access to accounts. They can also infect devices with malware which gives them even more control over people’s devices.
To stay safe when using Internet-connected devices at home or work, only connect via secure networks that encrypt data sent over them. If you’re not sure, ask if the network requires a password to access it and what type of security is involved.
If possible, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks because they are more vulnerable than private ones. They provide no additional protection for your personal information or device’s software.
Conduct Background Checks
When hiring a new employee, it’s important to conduct thorough background checks. This ensures that the person you hire is trustworthy and will not compromise your business’s security or data.
Background checks typically involve verifying previous employment and education records. Through this process, you can confirm whether information about an applicant is accurate before hiring them.
You should also do background checks on other people who have access to sensitive company information, for example, contractors and consultants working in-house. These third parties might access crucial data, meaning you need more stringent background checks.
Hiring a firm that specializes in vetting and screening applicants can make this process more efficient. This way, you’ll know for sure if the person who will be handling your business’ information is trustworthy or not.
So how can you conduct background checks? Securethoughts.com can help you find the candidate who’s right for your business.
Learn How to Keep Your Data Secure
Data security is critical to how well your business performs. Keep the data of your customers, employees, and others secure by following these tips about how to keep your data secure.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful. We have many more blog posts that you can read on our website. Check them out now.
