How To Keep Your Data Safe And Secure

  The safety of data on mobile phones, tablets or PC is often disconcerting for many upwardly mobile people.

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Aside from the risk of theft of these gadgets, any of these devices could crash and all the data you have on such gadgets would be lost. Other forms of data loss could be via phishing attacks coordinated by hackers to steal your personal data. However, below are some of the practical steps you can take to keep your data stored safely and securely;

1. Backup your Data

You can either chose to backup your data in the cloud or in external storage devices such as USB, external drive, memory cards and so on. Depending on the type of gadget you are backing up data from, each of the external storage medium mentioned has a compatible gadget. One precaution to take when using an external device as your backup is to encrypt it. Alternatively, services such as Dropbox, Box Google Drive, OneDrive, Evernote and so on have cloud storage where you could upload and backup your files according to your demand.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Almost every platform demanding user profile now require that users use a strong password. On all of your devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, email accounts and computers, use a quick-to-remember password. However, the secret to using a strong password is to have a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols inculcated in your password.

3. Beware of Suspicious Emails/Links

Merely clicking on URL links in your messaging platforms or on suspicious email attachments in your inbox exposes your entire data archive to breaches.

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You can check for common signs such as bad grammar, requests urging you to act urgently, as well as requests for unclear payments.

4. Secure your WiFi

Depending on your data requirements, securing your private WiFi with an additional layer of security using firewall technology is the most ideal. Avoid using public WiFi as much as possible or you had better ensure that you have a strong antivirus that can detect unauthorized data uploads while using non-private WiFi.

5. Lock your Device Screen

Ensure not to be too distracted to lock your screen before walking away from your device or work desk. Doing this will prevent someone else from accessing your computer and stealing crucial data or putting your system at risk. Make sure that the entirety of those you share a WLAN network with adopt the same data security practices or one simple lapse could expose all users to data loss risk.

6. Dispose of Old IT Equipment Properly

Instances of improperly disposed of laptops/ phones or ones stashed with technicians for repair being a source of data breaches are commonplace. Before you get rid of computer gadgets such as external hard drive, USB, memory cards; always check that no personal data is left on them. If you do not know how to format or wipe your devices, use deletion software such as Bitkiller, File shredder, etc; or monitor a specialist wipe the respective data for you. Bottom line: Discard useless data rather than burden yourself with keeping them safe and secure. Featured Image Source: Ledgeview Partners

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This article was first published on 27th May 2021

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