With work increasingly being done online, it's important to know how to up your digital security. By taking a few extra steps, you can protect yourself and your company from any potential risks that come with working online. Here are some of the most effective ways to increase digital security:
Passwords
Passwords should be your top priority in terms of security. By regularly changing them and making them strong, you're setting up a powerful first line of defense against any potential breaches. To make a password stronger, use a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and if possible, symbols - and avoid using common words or phrases. By regularly changing your password, you can cut down on the chances of someone guessing or saving it. Make sure that only people you trust know the password, and that it isn't something easily guessed. You can also use a password manager app to make things easier for yourself.
Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification is a process that can save you from hackers, even if they know your password. With this system, after inputting your password, you will also be required to identify yourself in another way. For example, the system may send a code to your phone which you would then type in order to gain access. Pretty much all companies have adopted this, and it should be applied to digital workplaces as well. This is an extremely reliable defense since it only permits people with listed numbers to enter.
Phishing
Phishing is a term for people who trick users into clicking a link that can cause a security breach. They are known as phishers. If you see any suspicious pop-up or email that you have never received before, delete it immediately or avoid opening it at all costs; these emails usually contain viruses that can take over your computer and potentially lead to identity theft. Thankfully, many companies nowadays utilize email authentication technology to help block these types of emails from getting through. However, even with this technology in place, always double-check links before clicking on them just to be safe.
Secure Wi-Fi
Hackers can easily find your data if you have a weak Wi-Fi password, so it's crucial to have a secure and reliable network. A great way to keep your information hidden and private is by using a virtual private network (VPN), which will make it difficult for anyone to intercept or hack into your device. However, not all VPNs are created equal - be sure to use a reputable service that offers high-quality features at an affordable price.
Backup
There will be moments where you could potentially lose your data to a ransomware attack or perhaps something prevents your company from accessing their business data. Creating backups can save you in these scenarios. Keep everything important like files, account information, and data secure by storing them on a separate device like USB, hard drive, or another computer.
Backing up on the same device doesn't make sense because if that one device fails, you've lost everything. Look into online storage options where your documents are backed up automatically - like cloud storage. This way, even if something happens to one of your devices, you can still access your backup from any other device.
Physical Security
Not only is digital security crucial, but physical safety measures are essential as well. Avoid leaving confidential papers or account passwords where they can be easily found and stolen. Designate certain rooms for important files and always ensure that these doors are locked with the key hidden in a safe place. In addition, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings at all times so that you can tell if anything seems off. After all, human intuition is often more accurate than any other method. Although there are many ways to increase digital security, the following suggestions are easy to implement.