These Mistakes Could Leave Your Data Exposed
Are you worried about your data? You should be because there are a lot of mistakes that could leave your data exposed. Here are a few to keep in mind.
Getting Rid Of Old Tech
One of the easiest ways to accidentally leave your data exposed is by getting rid of old tech. It might surprise you to learn just how much personal and financial data could be stored on your old computer or laptop. It could provide criminals with your passwords, your ID numbers, and access to different accounts.
That’s why you should never just trash an old piece of tech in a typical way. It’s incredibly difficult to destroy a piece of technology to ensure that the data stored on it can no longer be accessed. Essentially, you’ll need to rip the tech apart and cut the hard drive into pieces. If you don’t do this, then there is the potential that tech is out there with data that leaves you vulnerable.
You should also be careful about passing on old tech. If you are passing tech on or giving it to a recycling service, make sure that the device is wiped clean. Deleting the files isn’t enough but there are professional services that can handle this task for you the right way.
Accessing Networks That Aren’t Secure
Another way to leave yourself exposed is by accessing networks with your tech that don’t provide the right level of security. These days, you can find a hotspot virtually anywhere. There could be one in a supermarket or perhaps in your favorite restaurant.
You might be able to access the hotspot for the theater or train station. However, it’s important to realize that these are designed to be as easy to access as possible. It’s not as complicated as most people think to access a piece of tech remotely that is connected to this type of network. This means that you need to be careful about the sites that you access and the activities that you complete.
At the very least, you should make sure that you avoid looking at financial details when you are connected to a network such as this. You might also want to think about using a VPN. There are plenty of VPNs that you can access and download on your phone.
Be aware though that it’s often worth paying for the best solution here. You should check out a few reviews before settling on the right one for your needs. You can typically gain access to a subscription service that will provide a VPN for multiple tech devices and users. If you’re wondering how to play safely on a mobile, this is definitely one of the best tips.
The Wrong Storage Solution
You need to make sure that you are using the right storage for data in your business. There are lots of ways to store data but they don’t all provide the same quality of the solution. For instance, you might choose to use a portable storage device for your data. This is always going to be a mistake as they are easy to misplace or lose. If that happens, then all your data can get up in the wrong hands. Once again, this will leave you vulnerable.
Instead, you should make sure that you are using a cloud server to store your data. The right cloud server will provide an encrypted solution. This means that your data is going to be more difficult to access and will be kept away from your home.
You might have heard about various hacks and security issues with cloud servers over the past few years. While it is possible for a cloud server to be hacked, it’s far more likely that data will be stolen off a physical device. If you store data on a hard drive you will also be exposed if someone breaks into your home.
Poor Passwords
Finally, you should think about the passwords you’re using. A lot of people find creating new passwords annoying and time-consuming. It’s also frustrating when you forget your passwords and this is completely understandable. However, you should still take the time to guarantee that your passwords are as difficult to guess as possible. This means that they should not include any personal information that would be associated with you and your profile. Don’t forget, there’s a lot of personal data floating around the web, connected to your profiles. A skilled hacker will be able to use this to guess your passwords.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key ways that you could be leaving yourself exposed to the potential theft of your data.
