For many of us, our computers hold a vast array of personal data; from tax returns, and financial information such as bank account names and numbers to medical information. The digital age, where business is transacted via email, file transfers and websites, exposes our computer data and therefore personal data on a day to day basis. It is important for computer users to keep their computer data as safe and secure as possible. Below are five ways to keep your computer data and personal information safe.
Passwords
Protect your computer data by securing both your computer and the data it contains with a strong password that is changed regularly. Any passwords that are used to access your personal data that is not stored on your personal computer, such as banking records and brokerage accounts should also be secured by a strong password that is changed frequently.
Finger Print Scan
Many newer computers and laptops have a fingerprint swipe mechanism to secure the computer against unauthorized access. This takes a couple of minutes to configure, but ensures access only by intended users.
Virus Software
Virus software protects your computer and personal data from computer virus, Trojans, spam mail and phishing attacks. In one way or another all these types of attacks aim to secure your personal data. Protect your computer from these attacks by keeping your virus software up to date. Configure your virus software to run a daily scan the remove any unwanted and suspect programs or files.
Shared Computers
Beware of using shared computers to access your personal information, whether it be by accessing your data via online banking or brokerage or when using services such a LogMeIn to access your own remote computer. A minimum precaution is to close your web browser after use on shared computers. When youa re using shared computers you are trusting the administrator or owner of the computer to keep their computer free of viruses and the virus and spamware software up to date. If you don’t believe this is true, be very selective about the type of data you access via shared computers.
Unsecured WiFi
As tempting as it can be to take advantage of a free unsecured WiFi connection if you are unfamiliar with the provider of the network, DON’T. Even if you are familiar with the network provider, think twice before exposing everything you do while connected to an unsecured WiFi network. This includes your own home WiFi network. If it is not secured by a security protocol, you are exposing all your actions of the internet for anyone savvy enough to see.
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