5 Simple Data Security Steps: An IT Expert’s Advice

Discover 5 steps to boost data security with expert tips from an IT professional. This guide covers essential, easy-to-implement practices to safeguard sensitive information and protect your business from potential cyber threats.

Highlights

• 80% of breaches start with weak or stolen passwords – secure them and update frequently. (Source: identityweek.net)
• Multi-factor authentication can block 99.9% of attacks on accounts – enable it now. (Source: microsoft.com)
• Data backups save companies millions in recovery costs; schedule regular backups. (Source: en.wikipedia.org)

Co-Founder

Harsh Abrol

5 min read

With Over 14 years of Experience in the IT Field, Helping Companies Optimise there Products for more Conversions

In today’s world, online security has become a big problem for everyone. Keeping your data secure is important whether you are using the internet for personal services or running a business with sensitive information. Cyber-attacks are a growing problem, and the harm they cause can range from losing money to having your details lifted. Luckily, there are 5 simple data security steps you can implement today, with advice from IT experts to keep your data safe. 

Use Strong Passwords

One of the most effective ways to secure your data is by using strong and unique passwords. Passwords are the initial security walls that protect your accounts and personal information from hackers. A weak password can lead to a data breach, compromising your sensitive details. Implementing strong password practices is essential for robust data security:

Characteristics of a Strong Password

A secure password must be between 12 and 16 characters in length and must consist of capital and small letters, numbers, and special characters such as @, #, $, and so forth. The more complicated your password is, the more challenging it is for someone to crack it. Organizations focusing on data security posture management, PCI DSS compliance, and encryption recommend complex passwords to minimize risks.

Avoid Common Passwords

Avoid using common passwords such as ‘password’ or ‘123456’ or even worse information that can be easily tied to you such as your name, date of birth, etc. For instance, hackers typically work with different passwords that are readily available to them.

Unique Passwords for Different Accounts

Avoid using common passwords such as ‘password’ or ‘123456’ or even personal details like your name, date of birth, or phone number. Hackers often exploit databases containing leaked passwords to breach accounts. Companies offering data protection services, such as IBM Guardium and Dell Cyber Security, emphasize the importance of strong passwords in preventing unauthorized access.

Use a Password Manager

A password manager is an essential tool that helps generate and store complex passwords securely. Solutions such as Rubrik Security Cloud, encrypted cloud storage, and McAfee DLP ensure that your credentials remain protected. Password managers also assist in PCI security compliance, helping businesses protect sensitive customer data.

Change Passwords Regularly

As a protection, it is also recommended that you change your passwords from time to time, say after every two or three months. This reduces the chances of an unauthorized person accessing your account. If a cybersecurity incident occurs in any of the services that you subscribe to, go ahead and change your password right away.

By focusing on strong password techniques, you can seriously reduce the chances of someone gaining unauthorized access to your accounts.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) helps to provide additional layers of protection to your accounts. While with 2FA, you are required to remember two different types of things to get inside your account. So what does that mean? Let us explain.

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Successful login using a password, you will be requested for, a second thing, which is usually a code, sent to your mobile phone or email. Therefore even if that person has the password, they will not be able to access the account without entering the second factor.

Types of 2FA

Common types of 2FA features are.

1. SMS Codes: A text message containing a code sent to your phone.
2. Authentication Apps: Apps such as Google Authenticator create codes that change every 30 seconds.
3. Email Verification: A code is dispatched to the email address you provided.

Select the convenience option you appreciate the most. However, do not use SMS codes 100% as they could be accessed by cybercriminals.

Where to Enable 2FA

Turn on 2FA on all possible accounts, especially your most sensitive ones such as emails, online banking, and social networking sites. These days, many services already include 2FA as a basic security feature, it is also an easy way to keep your secrets safe.

It is undetectable that the two-step verification feature exists, for this makes all the accounts you have a strong lock system. It becomes complicated for cybercriminals to get through every account you possess.

Keep Software and Devices Updated

Regular updates are a simple yet powerful way to secure your data. Software developers often push the updated versions because of the security issues and also to improve the features. Let us see the reasons why it is super important to update the software and devices regularly:

Why Updates Matter

Most of the time, software version updates come as a security measure in order to close loopholes that may be created by hackers. When you fail to carry out the update of such software, you end up exposing your gadgets to attacks. Besides, most cyberattacks have been known to use faults that exist in old versions of software.

Enable Automatic Updates

To make sure that you, always, have the most recent security fixes, turn on the automatic updates on the devices and applications that you use. In this way, you will not have to bear the stress of remembering to do the service updates for them manually.

Importance for Businesses

If your company provides web design or mobile app development services as a business, there is a need to keep the system up to date. Not only does this protect your information but also earns the confidence of the clients knowing that you care about security.

Regularly Update Passwords and Security Settings

But, apart from software updating, security settings also have to be reviewed from time to time. Most programs have additional personal security features that may not be turned on. Review these settings for better security.

By keeping your software and devices updated, you significantly decrease your exposure to cyber-attacks.

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Backing up your data is crucial for protecting it from loss due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or cyberattacks like ransomware. Here are some important aspects of data backup:

Backup Locations

Backups can be stored both in physical storage devices as well as on cloud services. Physical backups can be performed using external hard disk drives or USB flash drives while cloud-based backup services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and others provide storage services over the Internet.

Automate Your Backups

Automatic backups can also be enabled to spare you the time spent on backing up your files as well as to help you not forget to perform the backups. Most operating systems also include the option of scheduling regular backups.

Test Your Backups

Having backups is only useful if you can restore your data when needed. It is advisable to try and check your backups from time to time to make sure you will be able to get your information back without any issues. This practice makes one feel better as one is assured of the security of their data.

Create Backup Copies

Multiple backup copies in various sites should also be considered. For example, you can keep one copy saved on a physical disk in the house and another saved in an online cloud interface. In this case, it helps in cases of one backup goes down, and you can still recover your data.

Regularly backing up your data can save you from substantial headaches in case of data loss, whether it’s due to a hardware loss or a cyberattack.

Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks, despite their accessibility and efficiency, create several serious security risks. Over these networks, data traffic can be blocked by hackers, which may result in identity theft or compromised accounts. Below are suggestions on how best you can use public Wi-Fi without the risk of getting hurt:

Avoid Sensitive Transactions

Do not try to perform activities that involve sensitive information such as those related to banks and purchases when in a public Wi-Fi environment. Instead, if you have to conduct such activities, stay off the internet until when you are connected to a secured connection.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

By using a software called a VPN, one is guaranteed that whatever they do online no matter the socket used, the data will not be available for any third party. Therefore, each time you are going to use public Wi-Fi, it would be better if you remember the importance of a VPN as an extra security feature.

Forget the Network After Use

If you are done with a public Wi-Fi network, there is no need to keep the network on your device. This will help avoid cases when the device connects back to the unwanted network posing risks to the data stored in the device.

Look for Secure Networks

Remember to always try to go for the safer options when attaching your device to public Wi-Fi. Security or a password may be the indication of such networks. If possible, always go for the most reputable network available.

By being cautious with public Wi-Fi, you can minimize your risk of falling victim to data breaches and protect your personal information.

Final Words

It is important to protect your information nowadays. You can easily improve the security of your data with the help of IT expert advice and by these five measures: creating strong passwords, activating two-factor authentication, installing the latest versions of software, making backups regularly, and avoiding public Wi-Fi whenever possible.

Protecting data should not only be seen as a concern of one individual but rather as a measure that promotes the safety and security of all members of society. Moreover, if you provide web development services and mobile applications for your customers, implementing these security principles will also win you their trust, as it will indicate that their security is very important to you.

Secure your Data Security with IT Expert Advice of Digittrix

In today’s digital landscape, data security is paramount to protect users and build trust. For any business or organization, safeguarding data isn’t just about compliance – it’s about fostering reliability and a safe user environment. At Digittrix, we specialize in implementing secure web and mobile applications, ensuring that user interactions remain protected and confidential.

With over 14 years of experience, we at Digittrix are dedicated to enhancing data security through robust practices.

Ready to protect your platform? Call us at +91 8727000867 or email digittrix@gmail.com