Ensure Protection Of Your Data With These 5 Suggestions

It is easier than ever these days for a hacker, scammer or identity thief to gain access to sensitive personal or corporate data. The good news is that there are easy and effective ways that you can protect this information. In many cases, protecting your data requires nothing more than using common sense and basic software.

Don't Give Out Passwords to Anyone You Don't Trust

One of the best ways to refrain from being a victim of data theft is to not give out your passwords or other identifying information to anyone who you don't trust. This means that you should refrain from giving a password to a coworker or the answer to a security question to someone over the phone. If someone asks for such information in a cold call or in an email, presume that this person is looking to use it for shady purposes.

Never Save Information on Public Computers

You should always logout of an online banking, social media or other session if you used a password to get into your account on a public computer. Furthermore, never enter personal or corporate information while using a public WiFi network. This is because there is a chance that there is shoddy or no encryption taking place over that network. In some cases, individuals will create an unsecured WiFi connection simply to steal data that passes through it.

Don't Let Employees Use Personal Devices on a Corporate Network

Many companies take elaborate measures to secure their corporate network from unauthorized access of any kind. However, this could all be for nothing if someone brings in a virus, spyware or malware that was located on their personal device. As soon as an employee connects his or her phone, laptop or tablet to the company's network, the virus or other harmful items could spread to the business network.

While it may be possible to limit the damage if caught soon enough, it is a financial risk that you don't want to take if it can be avoided. Data breaches could also result in a loss of goodwill toward a brand that can be difficult or impossible to recover.

Hire a Professional IT Team

To ensure endpoint protection for your data, be sure to have your company's network designed by an IT professional. While an in-house team can better protect corporate data, even a remote IT staff can make it easier to prevent data breaches or react to any that do occur.

While you may have a basic understand of data security and how servers operate, it is your responsibility as a business owner to put the company in the best position to succeed. Therefore, be ready and willing to spend the money for a technology department that can keep data safe from any attack.

Make Use of Antivirus Programs

Whether you are using a personal or corporate device, be sure to run a basic antivirus software program. Today's programs can scan a phone or computer on a regular basis and install updates as needed. For about $50 a year, you can get the type of protection that will keep your credit card, social security and other personal information safe. If you run a small business, it can prevent trade secrets from being lifted from your computer or tablet.

Keeping your data safe from the outside world should be a top priority for anyone who has a laptop or mobile device. It only takes one person accessing a bank account to wipe out your life savings or take all the money that your business has. Furthermore, data breaches could lead to your child's identity being stolen or employees having their personal information revealed to those who will use it improperly.