privacy-security Archives

All over the world today, it will be hectic to live without digital data. Since more people are involved in working at home and going online, this area of crime is getting gruesome and out of control. From personal banking details to sensitive work files, data protection should be one of the priorities of all. Whether at home or in the workplace, taking proactive steps to secure your data can help protect you from identity theft, data breaches, and other serious threats. Here are six valuable tips to enhance your data security at both home and work.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your data is by using strong, unique passwords for every account. The weakest password is that which gives your cyber criminal a way to penetrate your sensitive information. Avoid such passwords that may contain your name, birth date, or any ordinary word; instead, use long, complicated passwords containing uppercase and lower-case letters, numbers, and special signs. Also, don’t forget the service of password managers while keeping and saving your passwords safely and securely. That is good; doing it this way reduces the use of the same passwords on many accounts since compromising some of these websites may affect less of your data. 2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication introduces extra security to access your accounts when verification requires more than just a password. With 2FA, you will be asked to enter a code that has been sent to your mobile phone or email after having typed in your password. That is, even if someone knows your password, they will have to have access to your second authentication factor in order to log in. Most online services will offer this feature, from your email to your accounts. One of the best ways to ensure your data stays safe is by enabling 2FA for your important accounts. 3. Regularly Update Software and Systems

Regularly Update Software and Systems

Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities in software and systems that they can use for malicious purposes. Keeping operating systems, software, and antivirus programs updatedreduces the chances of a successful attack. Most updates do come with patches for known security vulnerabilities, so one opens up their devices and data to attacks if they don’t install these updates. Allow your devices to automatically update any time there is an available newer version or security patch at home and in the workplace for complete assurance that your system is kept secure against ever-evolving threats.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

The first target of a hacker is usually your home Wi-Fi network. If not properly secured, this could be their best chance. Secure your network with a strong and not easily guessed Wi-Fi password. Please do not use the default passwords because they come with your router; they are usually well-known. Change the default username and password on your router to further secure your connection. It’s also a good idea to use WPA3 encryption, which is the latest and most secure option available. For work environments, ensure that employees access work-related data over secure, private networks, and consider setting up a virtual private network for extra protection.

Follow Data Security Guidelines and Standards

It requires one to handle sensitive business information according to the set standards in the industry, ensuring that your data is adequately secured. Some organizations handling sensitive government information are under obligation to apply some standards like the NIST 800-171 that describes security controls in protecting CUIs in a non-federal system. This means that if the companies follow certain guidelines and standards, then the security features would be enhanced, and accordingly, data breaches can be avoided. Be it as a businessman or an employee, one should have a thorough knowledge of these standards and their practical applications in order to reduce the threats of security risks.

Educate Employees and Family Members

Data security isn’t all about technology; it’s also about people. Be it at home or in the workplace, raise awareness among people around you on data protection. In the workplace, train employees to spot phishing emails, suspicious attachments, and other social engineering methods used by cybercriminals. At home, educate your family members, especially children and elderly relatives, on online scams and how not to get victimized by them. Encouraging safe online habits and awareness can go a long way in significantly reducing the chances of falling victim to any cyber threat.

Conclusion

Data security is an ongoing process. It requires proactive and reactive approaches. Employing strong passwords, two-factor authentication, keeping software updated, securing your Wi-Fi, following data security policies relevant to your work, and educating people around you are the ways guaranteed to reduce this risk of breach. Be it at home or work, the steps you take in protecting your data today will save you from throbbing headaches and financial loss later on. Now is the time to face the music: data is the new treasure, and one should make sure the chest is tightly locked.

The last couple of years were very hard and attiring. So much so that, in the wake of recent pandemic and economic turmoil, we almost forgot that security threats to our companies don’t take a vacation during the periods like these. On the contrary – after a slight drop during 2020, property and violent crimes were once again up in 2021.

Elsewhere in the digital world, cybercrimes increased 600% during the COVID-19 pandemic causing total damage of $6 trillion worldwide in 2021.

These threats are as real and present as it gets. Let us take look then at a couple of security essentials you can use to keep them at bay.

Make cybersecurity a part of the company culture

A vast majority of cybercrimes occur as a result of irresponsible online behavior. At a bare minimum, you should make sure that your employees are aware of these threats and know how to approach them correctly. So, consider organizing a couple of seminars and training sessions about cyber security and encourage responsible behavior through various perks and incentives. Put a special focus on password management since password policies make a cornerstone of modern online security.

Conduct data audit and classify digital properties

This will help you get a full grasp of the things you are dealing with here and focus your security efforts where they matter the most. Namely, although you should try to enforce a zero-trust policy toward any kind of threat, ranking digital assets according to their importance will help you create a more comprehensive security policy and provide better directions to your employees. Having a set of clear directions for each of these groups will also allow workers to engage in a more responsible behavior with critical assets.

Secure the physical premises

As we mentioned in the introduction, the number of property crimes is on the rise again and the only way to make sure your company is well protected is to give the same level of attention you are giving digital assets to the physical premises as well. First of all, you should consider installing secure flat top gates and then spread the motion sensors and motion-triggered alarms near all entry points. As for the cameras, even the dummies will discourage the criminals from attempting the burglary in the first place.

Back up files and develop a first response plan

This, of course, applies both to physical and digital documents. Both these groups need to be backed up and stored in some remote, secure location – preferably encrypted Cloud storage. Also, it is very important to have a fully developed first response plan that will outline what steps your employees need to take in the case of disaster, theft, or data breach. This way, even in the case of the worst-case scenario, your company will be able to quickly get back on its feet and continue with the operations.

Create a device security manager role

If you are concerned with the expenses, just think of the alternatives. Of course, all of your employees should be encouraged to take care of their devices and use them in a responsible manner. But, creating one centralized system that will monitor and take care of these issues and putting it under the charge of a single person will make all device security actions from troubleshooting to data recovery much faster, simpler, and more efficient. You can even go a step further and organize a cyber-security committee.

These few suggestions are far from a complete story but they should give you an excellent starting point for creating a fully developed security strategy that will take good care both of your online and physical business assets. The problems we experienced the last couple of years made us forget we are living in a very uncertain world where way too many people can try to take advantage of your company. It is in your best interest to do everything in your power to prevent that.

Tag: privacy-security

6 Tips for Protecting Your Data at Home and Work