How To Protect Your Personal Data

The average person uses technology for all manner of activities. People engage with technology throughout their lives, from saving baby photos to completing professional projects.

Nefarious forces seek access to personal data as a control and bargaining tactic. Secure your data to stop unpleasant online experiences before they start.

Consider the following recommendations as you take steps to protect your data.  

1. Survey Your Current Security

The first action that you should take is a thorough audit of your current security picture. Evaluate whether you have data at rest on devices and check for vulnerabilities.

Try to remember all of your passwords and whether you logged out on recently used devices. Be mindful of computer and phone applications that request access to your data.  

2. Backup Your Files

Protect yourself against hardware catastrophes and device account infiltration by backing up your files in a secure location.

An external hard drive can store a large amount of data in a portable manner. Important files should be backed up before you make any major device updates or switches. 

3. Change Your Passwords Frequently

You cannot be sure about password security if you access your accounts in public places, or even in front of familiar faces.

Secure yourself against multiple modes of vulnerability by changing passwords regularly. Program a notification to pop up on your device as a simple reminder to change passwords throughout the year.

4. Set Random Passwords

Choose security over upfront ease and set random passwords. Do not use the same one or two passwords for several accounts, as this can enable one infiltrator to access numerous profiles.

Use unique combinations of symbols, letters, and numbers rather than favorite pet or place names. 

5. Optimize Phone and Tablet Security

Modern phone and tablet settings allow users to access their devices through facial and fingerprint recognition.

Using such settings can allow people near the device owner to access their devices with relative ease. Setting a device passcode halts hacking efforts more quickly, especially when the device is set to lock after a short period of inactivity. 

6. Use Secure Cloud Storage

A well-encrypted and password-protected cloud can protect your photos, videos, and documents. Cloud storage is a great addition to using an external hard drive backup.

Secure cloud storage can be accessed from multiple approved devices and handle a high volume of data. 

7. Opt-In to Two-Factor Authentication 

Approve two-factor authentication settings to fortify your online accounts. This login method requires users to have access to an additional approved account or device in addition to traditional password information. The standards vary from requiring two-factor every time you log in to only using it on new devices. 

8. Check Social Media Settings

Enable two-factor authentication for your social media accounts and check all other security settings. Social media can provide unseen actors with a wealth of personally identifiable information.

Set any public account to private during this process and turn off location services. Choose to obscure your full name, birthday, location, and real-time movements. 

9. Setup a Private Network

Securing your home network is an easy step. Set your network to private and require a password for access. You may share the password with guests and change it regularly. 

10. Use Public VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) can add a privacy film to your public online activities. Use a VPN at coffee shops, airports, hotels, libraries, hospitals, campuses, and vacation rental homes.

The subscription service can obscure your device’s identity on public networks.  

11. Open Emails Carefully

Be mindful of scams, phishing efforts, and viruses as you sort through your email inbox. Only open messages from known and trusted accounts. Remain wary of links in promotional emails and check for unprofessional or uncharacteristic spelling errors. 

12. Update Antivirus Software 

Just in case, set your antivirus software to run automatic updates. Run device scans every week and check that all service settings are enabled. 

Protect your memories, finances, and intellectual property by enacting a personal data security plan.