The online world is difficult if you didn’t grow up ‘digital’. Technology has advanced so fast in the last few years that it has left many a business behind in the dust. Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and software has become essential for businesses (and people) who want to secure their data. However, sometimes installing the latest upgrade just isn’t enough.
Here is how to secure your online data and make sure you comply with data protection law… whether you are a business or just a concerned member of the public.
Online Data Storage is Vulnerable to Outside Threats!
When you store information online – any information – then it becomes vulnerable simply because remote users can now access it. This doesn’t mean that the data your firm stores online is immediately visible on some kind of dark web list; it is just the nature of storing things online. Other people can access the network and, if they can access your server, they could see your unprotected data.
However, there are lots of ways you can make online data totally secure. The Cloud, for example, is well known for being one of the safest places to store data. On the other hand; a social media account post on behalf of your firm is online data that is easily accessible to all… In the same way that a troll can comment on your social media posts, a hacker might, theoretically, hack your data storage locations and breach your security.
Data breaches can cost millions. Not only is there the financial cost to think about, there is also the damage to your reputation, the lack of customer trust after the scandal, and the scandal itself to contend with. All of it is going to cost your firm, sometimes irreparably.
Don’t panic, we know how to make your online data as safe as physical houses. Let’s look more closely at how…
Making your Online Data Storage Secure
There are a number of ways that you can make your data storage completely safe, whether it is online or not. Some of these include:
- Set and Use Passwords – you don’t need to know how to encrypt data or invent the next best-selling app; but you should use passwords. A determined hacker will probably still attempt to retrieve your data. However, applying a password is akin to putting a padlock on your bicycle. The hacker is much more likely to pick a bicycle without a padlock just for the ease.
- Hide your Web Browsing – this is a must to anyone, but is a great tip for personal online data security from Forbes.
- Keep Systems up-to-date – the newest versions of your Operating Systems have the newest resistances to the newest viral threats. Keeping everything updated makes your life easier.
- Consider a VPN – if your firm handles raw data, or information about consumers, then consider a VPN. This is a browser that is invisible to others. Simple yet effective.
- Delete old Data[i] – make sure all your old hard drives are cleaned. Please visit our website, here, if you need more information on how to do this, or to safely remove data from devices, permanently.
Data storage doesn’t have to be dangerous.
Avoid disaster by applying these few safety measures and you should do just
fine!