According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the number of cyberattacks increases every year, and it costs companies loads of money. In 2019 alone, cybercrime cost companies $13 million worldwide.

As these cyberattacks increase, it is more important than ever to keep your data updated and secure. However, because of shifting technology, it can be challenging to keep up with cybersecurity trends.

To save you time, we’ve collected 7 of the best safe data tips to ensure your data maintains its security.

1. Backup Your Data

Whether it’s sentimental photos or important work documents, disappearing files is a scary and awful feeling for most people.

That is why the importance of data backup cannot be understated. Though it can take time, backups allow your date to duplicate, protecting your files if the original copy is ever lost or damaged.

Backing up data is often overlooked, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your work. Why risk losing precious photos or work?

If you’re worried about the time it takes to backup files, try scheduling a consistent time every week to do it.

The time it takes for data backup will vary based on the gigabytes. The general rule is that for high-speed hard drives, the transfer rate is one gigabyte per minute. Slower hard drives will take longer, but if you update often, you can reduce that time.

2. Use Anti-Malware 

Hackers are persistent and intelligent. If you don’t take proactive steps to curtail these malicious efforts, you increase your risk of being hacked.

Malware is designed to infiltrate, damage, steal and infect devices with viruses, spyware, and many other problematic bugs. Anti-malware can create a critical layer of security, protecting your device if threats arise.

Malware threats are sent through emails, texts, or useful-looking websites. If you happen to click on one of these links, anti-malware can send you a warning to inform you of the potential threat.

3. Use Encryption for Safe Data

Data encryption is another helpful way to keep your work safe. Data encryption translates data into another form that only those with access (or a secret key) can open.

If you have Apple Mail, you can use GPG for Mail as an open-source plug-in tool for encrypting your mail. Using the OpenPGP standard, you can decrypt, sign, and verify any of your emails.

There is also plenty of other downloadable software that you can use to scramble, encrypt, and decrypt all aspects of your data. This adds an extra layer of protection if your data is stolen.

4. Move Beyond Passwords 

Instead of using a pattern of letters and numbers, try using “passphrases.” Passphrases are more secure than passwords because they use a series of words or a full-sentence that make it harder to hack.

The more characters a passphrase has, the stronger and more secure it will be.

A bonus is that passphrases are often easier to remember than passwords since they align more with the English language.

5. Install Updates for Operating Systems 

Even if it can be a hassle, updates for operating systems are critical for maintaining data security. These updates include security fixes that are responses to newly discovered threats.

The frequency for operating system updates will depend on the system you have. For example, the Windows operating system usually releases updates monthly. And if you are having trouble, you can always visit the operating system’s customer support for help.

You are also usually notified when your operating system needs an update, so don’t ignore it. Make a note and set a time for your computer to update because it’s too important to push aside.

6. Secure Your Wireless Network 

If you are a business owner, make sure your company has secured the wireless network while at work. For families, make sure your wireless network at home is secure.

Securing your home or business network only requires setting up a password for those who wish to connect. This is critical for preventing unauthorized people from joining your network and possibly spreading harmful viruses.

Unsecured wireless networks can also allow your private information to be unknowingly shared, including credit card information and social security numbers.

For more security, you can also choose to hide your wireless network. When you set up a router, there is the option to hide your network name. By hiding the network name, other people will not be able to select or access it without permission.

7. Be Careful About Leaving Your Computer On

One of the simplest things you can do to protect the safety of your data is to turn your computer off when you are finished using it. It sounds silly, but by leaving your computer on, you leave it vulnerable to malware attacks.

This is especially true when your computer is connected to the internet and left running. Hackers can install malware and conduct cyberattacks while the computer is left unused and especially when it’s connected to unsecured networks.

Now You Know How to Keep Your Data Safe 

By following these tips for safe data, your likelihood of a cyberattack will significantly decrease. By backing up your data, you are also protecting your files from being lost or stolen.

The good news is that most of these security tips don’t take much time. It only requires consistent monitoring and paying attention to important computer security updates.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out some of the other awesome articles on this page!

How are you keeeping your data safe?

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