Tip of the Week: 5 Ways to Keep Your Data Safe

The basics are called “the basics” because they are the information you need to know first before you can get a genuine understanding of any concept. In many ways, the basics of network security are extremely important and cannot be ignored. Here are five basic ways you can keep your devices as secure as possible.

Keep Your Computer Protected
Any device, from the most advanced workstation to the smartest of smartphones, uses software in order to function. Malware and digital threats try to take advantage of software solutions by finding vulnerabilities in code. The only way to keep your devices as secure as possible is by staying ahead of the game through proactive security solutions. Through the implementation of software patches, antivirus, malware protection, and firewalls, you can keep your devices as secure from external entities as can be. Encryption also aids in this endeavor, allowing for more secure exchange of important data.

Keep Your Computer Physically Protected
Even if an emphasis is placed on the digital nature of cyberattacks, there can be no underestimating the importance of physical security as well. By this, we mean not leaving your laptops or desktops unattended and unlocked. This is especially important if you’re working remotely or out of the office, as there’s no telling who could just sit down in front of your device. At best, they play a prank; at worse, they steal data or install something threatening on the device. Regardless, it’s a situation that you don’t want to deal with.

Keep Your Wits About You
Some attackers might try to fool you into thinking they are someone else to gain your trust. These types of attacks, phishing exploits, are often experienced by businesses, and they can have severe ramifications if they are allowed to move forward unimpeded. Even something as simple as an email with an attachment laden with malware could create a situation within your organization that nobody wants to deal with. Other similar tactics include free online downloads for software that isn’t really free--after all, if it’s free with literally no downside, chances are there’s something you’re missing.

Keep Your Backups Close
If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. Whether it’s someone messing with your desktop and accidentally deleting files, or it’s someone who steals your laptop (and all of its data) from your table at the coffee shop, you’ll be glad to have a backup copy of your data in a worst-case scenario. With a well-maintained data backup solution, you’ll have nothing to fear from even the worst hackers or natural disasters, as your data will be backed up and secured in an off-site data center for later restoration.

Stay Alert and Aware
Keeping your business’ network secure isn’t something that happens once and is left untouched forever. It’s constantly shifting and evolving to the point where if you’re not paying attention, the entire cybersecurity industry could shift in a matter of weeks. We’ve seen this before with the popularity of ransomware as an attack method--people weren’t prepared for it, and it exploded in their faces. Stay aware of what’s trending and you’ll never be blindsided by new and emerging threats.

SCW wants to help your business stay as secure as possible with the latest and greatest technology solutions. To learn more, reach out to us at (509) 534-1530.