While working online, how many times do you stop what you’re doing, and actually give thought as to the safety of your documents and information? How many times do you question if the sensitive information you are entering or working with is in fact secure? The answer for most people is that you probably don’t give it too much time, or spend much time worrying about it. Unfortunately, cyber-crimes have proven to be on the rise over the past few years with businesses of all sizes and in all industries finding themselves victims.
So, knowing that you could become a victim at any time and that your sensitive data could be breached, what can you do about it? How can you keep your documents safe when working online? There are actually a few tips that experts suggest using.
Choose Difficult Passwords and Change Them Often
The first tip is a very simple and basic one, but a tip that everyone can follow and instantly beef up their security level. By choosing difficult passwords that seem random with a variety of letters, numbers, and symbols you will make it much harder for anyone to hack into your data. Also, your passwords should be changed on a regular basis, always picking difficult and random combinations.
Of course, this one should go without saying, but your passwords are meant for you only and shouldn’t be shared with anyone else – inside or outside of the workplace.
Use Dedicated and Secure Software Solutions
You’ll also want to be sure you’re using dedicated secure software solutions, including those that may offer any sort of cloud-based storage or sharing. Let’s say you want to make use of a virtual deal room, where you can host a virtual meeting in order to close a deal. You need to know that the documents you are sharing, signing, and marking up are being kept secure between the parties. This is where dedicated software comes into play.
Only Use a Secure Network
If your desktop computer or laptop is connecting to the internet via a network, you need to be sure that the network is secure. It needs to be encrypted so that no-one outside of that network can hack into it and steal information.
Sometimes this will require updating your router software so that you have access to the latest and most effective encryption standards. If this isn’t possible, then it’s probably time to invest in a new router altogether.
Be Careful How You Get Rid of Unwanted Data
Finally, there is the question of “trash”. What do you do with data that is no longer needed but it is sensitive? Simply throwing it in the recycle bin isn’t enough. You need to be sure that it has been removed from your computer’s hard drive completely.
Simple Steps Lead to a Secure System
Each of these steps is quite basic and simple, yet when used in conjunction with one another, they ensure you are working within a safe and secure system.