With the increase in technology, hackers and data thieves are also embracing digital approaches to steal your private and confidential data. With each passing day, we are living more in an online space and so it is our duty only to protect personal data. Data is the most valuable asset which if compromised, may suffer huge and crucial losses, sometimes irreversible. That is why banks and financial institutions often send messages to not share your CVV number, debit card information, and online banking passwords. Hence today security of your data is of the utmost importance and inevitable. Read this full article to know that how expert IT professionals protect their data from intruders and hackers.
Passwords
Passwords are like keys to unlock your data. This key must be handled with care otherwise everything will be open. We create accounts and register at so many places on the internet that we have a long list of passwords to remember. Many of us keep identical passwords everywhere, thinking that they will easily remember them. But unknowingly, they are taking huge risks and making their data vulnerable. Passwords must not be the same on all websites. One should keep changing the passwords even on the same website. IT experts suggest that passwords should be changed at every regular interval say every 10 days or so. Never set DOB, crush name, self-name, or any other thing that everyone knows about you. Make a strong password which is a blend of letters in upper as well lower case, numbers, and special characters.
Antivirus and Firewall
A firewall is software that prohibits the entry of unauthorized viruses and malware into the system. Nowadays, firewalls come pre-installed on devices. It regulates the flow of traffic in and out of the network system. When firewall software feels any threat in the network, it immediately blocks the entry of such websites into the network system. Similarly, it audits the network traffic thoroughly and finds the suspect in case of mishappening. Another security tool is Antivirus software. There are premium as well as free antivirus available on the internet. Antivirus TotalAV will provide you with maximum protection hence it’s highly recommended. This software can identify and remove malware like botnets, spyware, keyloggers, and ransomware from your device.
Data Backup
Data backup is not complete protection. It can prevent you from loss of information but not if data is compromised and falls into wrong hands. IT experts recommend backing up your data on a safe device to restore lost data at times of need. Data backup is the best way to escape virus and ransomware attacks. Data backup is nothing but preserving your crucial data on some other separate device for which utmost security measures have to be taken. Usually, it is suggested to take regular backup because you never know when your time goes wrong.
Anti-Theft
Your data is vulnerable even when not in use or at rest. Most of us feel that data loss happens only while its transmission from one device to another but that’s not the case. When data is at rest or not in use, its accessibility needs to be protected. Anti-theft software is designed for the protection of such data. It monitors the access of data by any unknown or unauthorized sources, threat monitoring, and use of firewalls. Most big business enterprises make use of Anti-theft software but looking at the need of an hour, individuals are also making use of it.
Public Wifi
Public Wifi is tempting but sometimes it may prove dangerous and unhealthy for your data security. Public Wifi is an open network for all. So, it is quite likely that your network and device information is open to all who can connect to Public Wifi. Sometimes fraudsters and cheaters also take advantage by faking Public Wifi names from their phone or laptop nearby. So beware! You should check whether the connection has secure SSIDs and is safe to connect. When you are traveling or somewhere your network fails, try to connect with some trusted person’s network only.
Impersonators
With the rise in social and financial digital freedom, the Internet is flooding with Impersonators who steal the identity of one person as their own and then make undue use of it. You may have received some kind of email writing that you are charged for something that you don’t know. When you click on such emails, you will be taken to a website that is solely designed for stealing your username, password, date of birth, mobile number, etc. To stay safe from such impersonators, one needs to be very careful before clicking on any suspicious links, no matter how tempting it sounds.
Device Operating Software Update
Whatever device you’re using, always keep its OS up to date. Device manufacturers provide the latest updates and security traits to ensure that it performs well. Outdated system software may break down easily due to less robust security and safety measures. It is suggested to turn on the push notifications on desktop and mobile phones so that you will timely receive the software updates.
App Privacy Settings
Today we have a smartphone connected to the internet 24×7. Now and then we install different applications on our mobile phones and laptops. These applications demand certain permissions and the right to access certain features on your device. Keep the privacy settings turned on while allowing such apps to access your device features. Do not hesitate to deny it if you feel anything is wrong with it. Check the developer’s information and the authenticity of the website or app store from where you are downloading such applications. In case of even a minor doubt, avoid using such apps if possible.
