You’re Doing it Wrong: Common Data Security Mistakes

Data is the form of currency for many hackers. It can take the shape of stealing your data to sell on the black market or gathering information via social engineering in hopes you comply by giving sensitive data. Because data is so valued, it’s important to refrain from making these mistakes.

Failing to Update Software

I get it, it’s annoying when we receive the software updates on our phone. They can be cumbersome due to the time it takes to download them. However, some software updates include important components such as security patches to fix vulnerabilities found in the software.

With this in mind, if you continually decline to keep your phone or computer updated with the latest software, it puts your information at risk. Some hackers operate based on opportunity, meaning they search for vulnerabilities and attack. So even if it’s a time-intensive update, it’s well worth it.

Using the Same Password

If you had a bank safe, chances are you wouldn’t select a code that would be easy for others to identify. Yet, that’s what we do when we choose passwords for our logins. And once hackers figure out one password, they could access your entire system and all your logins with it.

Instead of trying to remember dozens of usernames and passwords, have a password manager do the work for you. They’re an extra layer of security between you and prying eyes, and they’re inexpensive.

Practicing Unsafe Behaviors

Hackers bank on us reacting emotionally. This is why they’re adept at crafting effective phishing campaigns. What’s phishing you might ask? It’s where a hacker sends you an email disguising themselves as a bank, online retailer or a friend and they need your help. Once you click on the link, it takes you to a malicious website where once you enter your personal information in, the hackers have it.

Phishing doesn’t exist only in emails. They’re common in social media too. If you do receive a message from a friend or loved one that doesn’t seem right or out of place for them, contact them to double check. It’s also important to understand banks and retailers won’t ask for personal information online like your credit card number since they have that information.

Neglecting to Have a Data Backup

If hackers gain access to your data via ransomware and you don’t have a data backup in place, it puts more pressure on you to pay the ransom since you don’t have other avenues to consider. What’s more, even if you pay, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive the data back.

To keep from playing the hackers’ game, it’s vital to have a data backup. This could include storing files on the cloud and/or using hard and flash drives for storage. If you use flash drives test them regularly to ensure they work and store them in a remote place such as a lockbox. That way if your office or home suffers fire or flood damage, you have access to them.

Protecting your data involves a few more steps, but they’re well worth it. Meanwhile, if your device lost data for any reason, know our team at Outsource Data Recovery will help. For years, we’ve conducted successful recovering for businesses and personal users alike. Allow our expertise to work for you by contacting us today.