If you know your files have sensitive, personal, and private info, then it’s time for you to get file security. Without security, you risk the chance of getting malicious attacks by hackers. The average cost of a data breach worldwide has reached $3.9 million and you don’t want to add to that.
The best way to protect your data is by having file security. How do you keep your data safe? Read on for some steps you need to follow for better protection and learn why you need file security.
Reasons You Need File Security
With file security, you don’t have to panic when you send files to the wrong person. Other people shouldn’t be able to open the files without a code or password. It also increases your online security and makes it harder for your files to get copied and shared over illegal sites.
With a hacker trying to attack every 39 seconds, file security makes sure to hide your device’s vulnerabilities. Your increased digital security lessens losses and damages on you or your business.
File Security Steps for Your Computer
The more secure your files are, the lesser the risk of losing important content. Use the steps below to protect online, digital, personal, business files.
1. Use Unique, Strong Passwords
Most programs and software need your login credentials. You should avoid using the same password for all your accounts. Having different passwords makes it harder for hackers to log into your accounts and steal your identity.
If you have trouble remembering your passwords, you can get a password manager like Keeper or LastPass. You can even password protect a ZIP file and other documents. Here are some tips you need to keep in mind when making a strong password:
- Mix in upper- and lower-case letters
- Put some numbers
- Add different symbols
- It should have no ties to your info.
- Don’t use dictionary words.
To add extra protection, be sure to enable two-step verification (2SV). The two-step verifications work when you log into an app or website with a new device. It asks you to verify your identity by asking for a PIN code sent to another device than what you have.
2. Encrypt Your Files
Proper file encryption is like scrambling all the letters in a secret document. It makes it virtually unreadable by anyone unauthorized to use it. When a file or document gets encrypted, it will appear in ciphertext.
The best way to ensure your files don’t fall into the wrong hands is to encrypt your data. Encrypted data will need specific tools to decrypt it. It makes it enough to deter a hacker from pursuing action.
You can encrypt more than one document and even encrypt your hard drive. Make sure to encrypt your folders, emails, tax info, credit card info, and other sensitive info. You can store and pass your data through multiple devices without worrying about potential theft. If a hard drive can result in a possible data breach, it’s better to destroy it physically. You can try looking for hard drive shredding in California or the city you’re in to locate the nearest service.
3. Use a VPN
A great way to step up your security is by using a Virtual Private Network or VPN. With a VPN, your internet traffic will tunnel through a server in a separate location. It encrypts your device, making it harder for hackers to find your exact location.
A VPN makes your device protected when you connect to a public network. It adds an extra layer of digital security for online banking or when you online shop in another country. A VPN makes sure to keep your profile as anonymous.
You can also choose a server location based on your need, such as faster speeds or unlocking geo-locked content. A VPN hides your IP address and keeps your online life safe from prying eyes. Some of the best VN services include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
4. Don’t Forget to Have a Backup
If you have a lot of files, consider having a backup of all your essential data. It’s a great alternative in case you forget your master password or if your files get lost. You can buy one of the major types of external storage:
- CD: stores up to 700MB
- DVD: stores up to 4.7GB
- External hard drives: stores 500MB to 1TB
- Flash drive and PC card: stores up to 32GB
- Memory card: stores up to 512GB
If you don’t want physical storage, you can pick a cloud storage service with online security. Make sure the website of your online cloud storage service has a secure URL with “https.” Cloud storages are sure to protect your data and also prevent your files from getting stolen or lost.
With cloud storage, you can access your files on different devices with your permission. Some popular cloud storage services include Dropbox, Google Drive, and IDrive. Start making a habit of copying your files into a storage every month.
5. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
If your network is not secure, other people can access your system and get the files on your computer. They can hijack your internet connection and hack all devices connected to your Wi-Fi. You also risk having hackers monitor everything you do on your devices.
Be sure to check your Media Access Control or MAC addresses. You can check all the addresses of devices connected to your Wi-Fi. If you see a device that’s not yours, it’s time to change your password or router.
If you plan to change or upgrade your router, go for ones with WPA or Wi-Fi Protected Access. Wi-Fi encryption comes in several types: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Don’t go for WEP encryption since it’s the weakest and easy to crack.
Put a password to protect your wireless network. Go for a long, randomly generated password to make it harder for intruders to hack your system. You can also make a separate network for your guests.
Protect Your Data with File Security
No matter how many or what you store on your computer, it’s prudent to protect the content from snoopers. So, do yourself a favor, create strong passwords, and avoid suspicious websites or downloads. Make sure to have anti-malware software and do a daily scan of your computer.
You are struggling to protect your company’s data and endpoints. Your employees are using unsafe cloud storage, sharing files via email, etc. Use primasecure’s endpoint security platform to ensure your data is protected!
Of course, tech security doesn’t end here. Continue reading our other articles today to pick up even more tips to stay safe!
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