An individual or company’s data is essential in having a smooth operation, although it could cause more harm than good if not properly secured. With the development of technology, cybercrimes have also become rampant. Luckily, some ways can help keep your data safe from unauthorised access. The below methods will ensure that you have secure storage for your data and avoid attacks.
1. Encryption
When passing data from one source to another, there is a possibility of an authorised third-party hijacking the information. Information in an organisation needs to be secured with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to make sure that only the intended recipient reads your message. Various online tools can help heighten your encryption security and will save you a lot of uncertainties.
2. Backing Up your Data
Cybercriminals are continually coming up with new techniques to have unauthorised access to individual or organisations’ data. Storing your information in one central place possess a potential threat to operations breakdown in case a hacking takes place. Ones an attacker finds a loophole in your centralised data, he has the authority to take control of your operations, ask for ransom or steal clients’ personal information. Access to such information can be consequently used to commit other crimes like unauthorised credit transfer. A Mac that has an automated backup is one of the ways to stay safe from being denied from accessing your data in case of an attack. This blog has a great illustrated guide on how to backup your Mac.
3. Use Strong Passwords
One of the easiest accesses by cyber attackers is through logins. Many people use passwords that are usually easy to guess, probably for fear of forgetting them. To keep your data protected, you need to use complicated passwords that do not include any of your personal information like telephone numbers, address, names, or date of birth. More so, when using these passwords, ensure that you have separate strong passwords for each account. Remembering strong logins for multiple accounts can be hard, especially if they are different. There are, however, online tools like a password manager that can help secure your logins for easier and secure reference. You can also use password generators to create optimum strength passwords.
4. Update Your Software
As cyber attackers step up their game, software developers are also constantly releasing the latest and more secure software. Keep your systems updated all the time to make it hard for hackers to access your data through loopholes detected in older versions. Updated software and a good antivirus will shelter your data from attackers and help in detecting when someone is trying to penetrate your systems without permission.
5. Personal Online Discipline
With the internet becoming the main source of attacks, you need to watch your steps as you navigate online. Ensure that you do not open spam emails or aimlessly click on links. Some of these links which have attractive or ‘free’ offers are baits used by cybercriminals to have a gateway to your data
