What is data security and why should you know about it?

In today’s digital world, data is one of the most important assets of almost every person. And so, the protection of this data is also playing an increasingly important role – or at least it should.

The goal: all of a person’s data should be protected from threats of any kind, including cyber threats. Simply put, as a healthcare business in Brooklyn, you will need to responsibly keep every patient’s data secure. Managed IT services in Brooklyn is one solution to help you navigate this desired state: data security. In this article, we will, of course, explain in more detail what is meant by this, why data security is so important, and what measures you need to take to ensure it.

What is data security? Definition:

Data security deals with the protection of data of any kind against manipulation, theft, unauthorized access, or other malicious threats. This not only includes personal data but also data without personal references.

The term “data security” describes the desired target state where all data in the system is sufficiently secured and protected. To achieve and maintain the state of data security, one must take various measures and steps.

Tips to protect the privacy of your data online:

While it is true that the digital world, social networks, WhatsApp, and everything we do online help us to inform ourselves, entertain ourselves, and communicate, it is also a reality that what we share on these digital platforms can reach unknown hands exposing the privacy of the online data.

In these moments when many are using platforms for video calls, webinars, and more, it is important to mention that, even if they are free, you will have to register, either with an email or a telephone and this information will go to the database of at least two companies.

That is why we want to give some recommendations for you to take care of the personal information you share on the Internet and also protect that of your family, friends, and acquaintances.

How to take care of the privacy of your data online?

Configure privacy settings on social networks:

Many times, we do not give importance to having a Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account that is private. And at the same time, we share a lot of personal information there, from where we are to who our relatives and friends are.

Some even share more intimate details like their home address or their exact location if they’re in a public place, for example. This can reach the wrong hands on the internet and cause risks.

At the same time, by having your social networks public and sharing too much information about your life, you also expose the people who are close to you and are part of your posts.

Avoid uploading highly personal information to the cloud:

If you have the option to automatically save your information to the cloud as a backup on your cell phone, be careful what you upload. Because once it is on the Internet, anyone can have access to it.

Imagine that photos of your bank cards, your identification, and your passport are in the public domain. Risky, right?

This is why we recommend you avoid sharing this type of image or private data on digital platforms since they will be stored on your phone. And then, probably without realizing it, you will end up uploading them to the cloud and exposing yourself.

Create yourself a different email:

It may seem annoying to have two emails, but this way you will prevent your personal email from being filled with things from work or your professional email from being filled with SPAM.

If you like to subscribe to pages, blogs, or different platforms, avoid using the email where you have personal or work information. In this way, you can reduce the risk of hacking or information theft.

Avoid easy passwords to protect your privacy:

Many people, to avoid forgetting their passwords, put very simple passcodes or use exactly the same password for everything. What if someone gets hold of that key and has access to your entire digital life?

In these cases, it is worth resorting to the old paper and pencil technique and writing down your passwords on a sheet of paper at home, at least the most important ones such as banking, work, or where you keep your personal information and that of your family.

Or you can get a password manager that will not only create strong codes but also store all the passwords for you.

Keep your Wi-Fi network private:

When you have your Wi-Fi network open, you basically give anyone computer-savvy access to everything you do while connected to that network, from the messages you send, the pages you visit, and all the information you share.

Use a firewall: 

This server will allow you to protect your computers against threats that could put your information at risk, lock your computers, or even steal your passwords or sensitive data.

Constantly update operating systems, applications, and software (including antivirus): 

The origin of most security incidents is a lack of update or security patch that serves as an entry hole for cybercriminals. Computer updates carry necessary patches to existing loopholes. Failing to update the system may lead to hackers taking advantage of those loopholes in your devices.

Be careful while sharing your personal or financial data:

Be careful when sharing any financial and personal data on any social media with any unknown person. Check their accounts, look for other social media profiles and see if these people seem genuine. You can even use Nuwber to look them up and see if all the info matches with what they provided you with.

Sharing with others is great, but you should always stay alert in order not to spill something too personal and sensitive with someone you don’t really know as they may later use those details against you.

Conclusion

Controlling everything that happens on the internet is impossible, but you can reduce the margin of risk with these little tips.