Data Security: How to Keep Your Files Safe from Prying Eyes

Every move you make, I’ll be watching you. The Internet works like that. There are law enforcement agencies collecting your data for national security purposes; advertising companies monitoring and tracking your browsing behaviors, and then there are the hackers, intercepting your data to use it for their personal gain. This is why maintaining data security is imperative when using the Internet.

Data Security: How Do Others Track Me?

If you’re like some, you might feel you don’t have anything to hide, so you’re not concerned about tracking. That said, consider the more willing you are to share information with others, the more vulnerable you’ll become. Here are a few examples:

When Ads Attack

Companies use cookies on web browsers, which track, collect, provide the company with data on your browsing behaviors. They do this so they can market more effectively to you. This is why it isn’t uncommon to see ads or emails marketing items you’ve been looking to buy online.

With that said, ads can become more dangerous as well. Some ads that pop up might contain malware. If you click an ad that has it, your device could become infected as well.

Wi-Fi Hacking

Hackers can monitor your web traffic by using software to guess your Wi-Fi’s password-this is often found on a sticker on your router. If they are able to hack in, they can gain access to your files, even stealing your information to sell on the black market.

Software Vulnerabilities

Some of us hate updates. They seem to pop up at inconvenient times and they can take a long time to do. However, updates also provide security patches that fix vulnerabilities. If you ignore these updates, it leaves your device more susceptible to attack from malicious apps and websites.

Data Security: How Do I Stay Safe Online?

Now that you know the risks, there’s a multi-prong approach to employ safe data security measures. The first is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs are effective as they connect to a secured server before connecting to the Internet.

This is beneficial for multiple reasons. For starters, you remain anonymous when online since the server you connect to shields your information from others. It’s akin to having a blank driver’s license online.

In addition, many VPNs contain ad-blocking software. This provides another layer of protection in that companies won’t be able to track your online behaviors so they won’t be able to flood your screen with ads, which might contain malware. This is a win-win.

Now, it’s important to add many VPN providers charge to use their services, but considering you gain access to features such as ad-blockers, it’s well worth the money. The only detriments to consider are your browser might not run as fast, and it’s important to choose a VPN provider that allows you to control your data.

On a final note, it’s also crucial to do the system updates on your devices as they become available. This helps to reduce your device’s vulnerabilities so you can keep your data safer.

Meanwhile, if you have experienced data loss due to a corrupted device, the team at Outsource Data Recovery can help. We have engineers who possess a wealth of experience in recapturing files that were lost through corruption. Our team works securely and efficiently to help you regain the files you need. To learn more or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today!