Sometimes, there are files on your computer that are meant for your eyes only. This sensitive information needs to be protected from hackers especially if you are connected to the internet regularly to safely secure documents. Exposure of sensitive documents and information like your social security number, credit card numbers and bank information could subject you to information theft. Your company documents could also contain company secrets, information regarding clients and employees or financial records.
Here are some ways you can safely secure documents to prevent unauthorized access.
Backup Regularly and Often
Backing up is one of the most important steps you can take in protecting your files from data loss. How often you backup depends on how much data you can afford to lose. You can backup a month’s week’s or hour’s worth of data since this is a personal choice.
For people who use Windows, the easiest thing to do is to use the backup utility (ntbackup.exe) built into the operating system. You can also use Wizard Mode to simplify the backup process including restoring the backups. You can also reconfigure backup settings manually so that it performs backups automatically and safely secure documents.
There are also many different 3rd party backup systems you can use, if you don’t like or don’t use Windows. Whatever backup system you use, it is important to store a copy in an offsite location in case of fire, flood or other natural disasters.
Always Install Operating System Updates
Always install updates especially security updates in your computer. Not installing updates could leave your computer vulnerable to remote users hacking into it or viruses exploiting bugs to gain access to your computer. Thankfully, updates to your PC are easy to install. Most updates do all the work for you and all you have to do is click on the prompt to allow the updates to install to safely secure documents.
Do Not Use Same Password For Every Site
Remembering all your passwords for every site you log into is impossible but using the same password is also very risky. To help, you can use password management tools like Keepass to help you remember and store all the passwords you store for different sites.
If you don’t like using programs like these, you can use a password in the format !55. If you want to create a password for Facebook for example, you can use this format to remember your password easily. If you’re birthday is in 1980, your password for Facebook would be 1980facebook!80, if you want an account for CNN, your password would be 1980cnn!80. Using this format gives you a strong password that is easy to remember.
Install and Update Anti-Virus Software
This should be a no-brainer but you would be surprised to how many people do not use or update an anti-virus software. Having an updated anti-virus means that your emails will be scanned as you download them. You will also be prevented from entering suspicious websites or stop you from running dangerous programs. Aside from installing, you also need to update your anti-virus software. Updates enable the software to recognize new viruses and worms that have been released since you installed the program.
Protecting confidential data and personal information should be a priority for all people who use and access the internet on a regular basis. Protection could save you money and days of hassle trying to recover lost data.
