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7 Ways to Keep Your Personal Data Safe

Kevin Gardner
As technology evolves, the importance of staying up to date with digital security becomes even more significant. The theft of confidential data can result in severe financial loss, identity theft, damage to your reputation and more. There are many strategies you can incorporate to keep you, your data and your devices protected.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Always use two-factor authentication to help lock down your important accounts. Two-factor authentication is available through many apps and will allow you to have two layers of security when it comes to accessing confidential data and accounts. This will help keep your accounts safe even if one of your passwords gets compromised.

Backup Your Computer

Make sure you have backup solutions in place. This will ensure you will be able to easily recover your important data in case your computer is damaged or compromised. Research different backup solutions that will provide different layers of security whether it involves physical backup options or storing data on the cloud.

Limit Access to Your Network

Prevent unauthorized users from accessing your network by taking a zero trust approach to security. Make sure your network is password protected and that you regularly limit what devices have authorized access to your network. You can take things a step further by ensuring that only certain devices can access your accounts across social media platforms.

Keep Everything Up to Date++

Go out of your way to ensure that everything is kept up to date on your various devices, including your operating system, software and apps. Keeping everything up to date will ensure that everything is running as it should be, particularly as many updates come with patches and fixes for discovered issues or security concerns.

Install Anti-virus Software

Keep antivirus software installed on your computer to keep your device protected against everyday malicious activity that is commonly encountered on the web. Take into consideration what sort of activity you engage in on a regular basis and select an antivirus option that suits your needs. As already noted, keep your antivirus software up to date.

Create Strong Passwords

Always create strong and unique passwords for your many accounts. Avoid the common mistake of using the same passwords for all of your accounts. Make sure you create strong passwords that are more than 8 characters long with special characters, numbers, upper and lowercase letters. Avoid easy guess passwords such as your birthday or the street you live on.

Be Wary of Unfamiliar Emails

Many users fall victim to various malicious techniques that involve tricking users through the use of emails. Be cautious when you receive email from an unfamiliar address and when navigating your spam folder. You will also want to display caution if you receive an email with strange contents from a known user as it is possible their account was compromised.