Technology has become the cornerstone of communication in homes, schools, and businesses nationwide. Electronic devices are used for various purposes, including security cameras, health monitoring, tracking goods, watching storms, managing schedules, etc., which means these devices store significant amounts of personal information. As technology has evolved, hackers have devised different ways to extract information from users, and scams are getting more challenging to detect. Cybersecurity is more important than ever in the digital age, and it is critical to take steps to ensure your data is protected against data theft.
There are several ways to enhance data security. Below are some tips to help safeguard data and prevent hackers from accessing information.
Take Safety Precautions to Prevent DataTheft
- First, and arguably the easiest thing to do, is to keep your software up to date. A good suggestion for those who typically forget to check for updates would be to turn on Automatic Updates. This goes hand in hand with using secure browsers such as Firefox, or Chrome, which frequently receive security updates.
- Change passwords periodically. Using password managers to create strong passwords is one way to safeguard against passwords that may be easy to guess. It’s easy to fall into the habit of using the same or similar passwords for everything, but one password means one key to all of your personal information and accounts.
- Beware of suspicious emails and links prompting you to visit webpages that may contain viruses or enable hackers to access your accounts.
Methods of Data Protection
- Passwords and safe browsers only go so far. Data protection is key to cybersecurity and can be achieved in several ways. First, keep security information such as SS numbers, bank account information, or health information off computers and devices. Many of today’s applications require some level of personal information to use the app, in this case safely remove personal data immediately when it is no longer needed, or employ data encryption when handling sensitive information.
- Many computers and phones become susceptible to viruses over time if not correctly updated and protected. One way to combat losing information to viruses is by installing antivirus or anti-malware protection from a trusted source and keeping the programs up-to-date to ensure they remain effective.
- Keep your information backed up in case of a security breach that may result in data erasure and reinstallation of software.
Data remains on devices until it is properly wiped. A common misconception is that a simple reset will clear any data from a device, but data must be professionally erased. Many IT assets such as laptops, tablets, phones, and desktops are retired without proper data erasure, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to data theft. ITAD providers offer data security services, including onsite data erasure, that ensure that data is protected even after disposition.
HOBI International, Inc. is an R2v3, RIOS, ISO 14001, and WBE-certified IT asset management and disposition provider with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. We prioritize data security in every step of the disposition process and ensure clients that their data is in capable hands even after retirement. Our value-added services and customizable solutions provide accountability and transparency throughout the disposition process.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.