7 Tips For Keeping Your Data Secure
As we become more dependent on our devices, personal security becomes more and more of a concern. There’s so much private data on us at all times that it could be very costly to lose to someone else, which is why it’s essential you’re taking your data security very seriously. Whether you’re carrying confidential information belonging to your business, or just your own personal accounts – someone else accessing your data can set you back significantly.
So what can you do to keep your data more secure? Who is at risk of losing their data? Read on to learn more.
Two-Factor Authentication
You may have heard of two-factor authentication or 2FA before, and it’s a system that allows users to lock their accounts to two forms of authentication. Instead of just using a password, you can keep your accounts locked until another form of proof is provided. This can be done using a separate device, or a code from an email or text.
If you have 2FA as an option to you, you should absolutely be making use of it whenever possible. No matter what kind of account it is, if it has any of your personal information tied to it – it needs to be as secure as possible. When your 2FA makes use of your mobile device, you can be sure you have it on you at all times.
Security Keys
It doesn’t hurt to be overly cautious with your security, especially if you’re trying to protect sensitive information. 2FA is great, but it can be improved through various different methods – one of which is using security keys. You don’t have to leave the secondary authentication up to an email or other device – you can keep your security handy on a portable security key. While it might look like a simple USB device, it’s just as secure as a key to your home would be. As long as no one else gets their hands on it, you can be sure you’re the only person able to access your accounts.
Of course, there are some disadvantages to this form of security, as if you lose it – you may find it much more difficult to access your accounts. It might be a good idea to keep more than one copy of your key just in case you happen to misplace one of them.
Faraday Bags
When you’re out and about, you can never be sure whether or not your devices are safe from third parties. It’s much better to be safe than sorry, which is why some invest in faraday bags. It’s a signal blocking bag that prevents your device from sending or receiving any signals while you’re on the move. That means that no matter what network others are using, your devices aren’t able to be accessed from external devices or signals. You’re completely safe from cyber criminals.
Secure Passwords
Passwords are necessary for pretty much anything you do online. Whether it’s social media, shopping, or your email – you need a password to secure and access what’s yours. The problem is, passwords aren’t completely watertight. Not only are they not entirely secure, but not everyone is aware of how to create a secure password for their account.
Creating a secure password means having a complex arrangement of characters, rather than just a word that’s easy to remember. As difficult to remember a secure password can be, writing it down somewhere safe could solve all of your problems. A physical copy of your passwords will help you get access to your accounts whenever you need to, and you don’t have to worry about a virus exposing said data.
Device Locking
When you’re the only person accessing your devices, it might seem tedious or unnecessary to implement a lock on them. Having to input a pin number whenever you need to read a text or check an email might feel tiring, but you won’t regret it if you ever misplaced a device in a public area. Someone else could easily gain access to all of your apps and files if there’s no security keeping them out.
Modern devices give users an option to verify their identity with facial recognition or a fingerprint scanner, and while it’s not flawless technology – it’s certainly better than leaving your devices open for others to access. Sure, something like this might take a little bit of time to set up, and it may prolong how long it takes to access your device but it’s worth every second.
Anti-Virus Protection Software
Browsing the internet every day puts you at a risk, especially if you’re often exploring new sites and downloading files as a part of your activities. While doing this, you risk downloading a virus at the same time, which could give someone access to all of your private information. Not only will it breach your security, but it can slow down your device, and in some cases render it completely useless.
There are many different forms of anti-virus software you can make use of, and it comes down to personal preference on which you would like to use. Make sure you know what you’re getting when you choose one and don’t ignore the warnings you’re given whenever you access new sites or download files online. This software can also help to remove any unwanted software from your device whenever there’s a problem.
Avoid Using Devices In Public
Being able to work remotely can be great, but it does come with added risks. If you’re often handling sensitive information as part of your work, you should make sure you avoid accessing it in a public space. Some people find the idea of working out in public, like in a coffee shop to be stimulating – but you’re putting your data at risk in multiple ways. Not only could someone see what you’re doing, but you’re also using public networks. Keep your work out of the eyes of the public and avoid using public networks whenever possible.
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