How to SAFEGUARD our personal and financial DATA

Nowadays, computer and Internet become needs of people. We cannot ignore that, computer and Internet connections are became crucial part of our daily life, besides of hand phone. People use computer to record their daily life or business transaction; use Internet connection to conduct trading activities, gather information and etc. However, there is always a risk that our data will be exposed to others. In addition, we may not aware is it attacker will attack our computer to steal our personal or confidential data, or damage our computer. Therefore, it is important to safeguard our assets from those risks.

Below are some approaches that users can safeguard their personal and financial data:

1. Avoid from accessing financial data in public

Users are advised not to check their financial data in public such as coffee shop that offers free wireless access. These systems are trustable, yet it still unknown whether our data can be accessed by others who sharing the same wireless connections. Hence, users are recommended to check their Internet settings that can give them a highest security protection.

2. Use separate user account

If you are sharing computer with few people, you may be worry that your data will be accidentally access, modify, delete or misuse by others. Therefore, create separate users account is a most effective way to solve their problems. By using separate user account, each of the users will be assigned specific access right and privileges by administrator. This approach limits the risk of private and confidential date been accessible and modifiable by other unwanted users. However, it will not give a full protection by using separate user account against vulnerabilities that may give an attacker administrator privileges.

3. Use and maintain antivirus software and firewall

Antivirus software can helps you to detect and eliminate viruses and Trojan horses than can modify and access to your personal data stored in personal computer. You need to update your antivirus database regularly to avoid your computer being infected by newest viruses. Furthermore, firewall helps to provide protection in favor of users by safeguarding network from malicious or unnecessary Internet traffic. Most of the computer comes with the firewall that integrated with their operating system. Nevertheless, if you using old computer, you are advised to buy firewall and install by yourself.

4. Use password to encrypt sensitive/confidential data

Passwords and other security features add layers of protection if people know how to use it appropriately. By encrypting files, you can ensure that your data not being accessed by unauthorized person. Even if they can physically access to the data, yet the file is not readable or viewable by unauthorized person. Whether the data stored is permanently or temporarily, the data still need to be encrypted. Once you use encryption for your data, it is important that you need to remember the password or passphrases, if not, you lost access to your data and data lose as well.

5. Do not open unknown attachments/links

Never open any unknown files or links that send by an unknown party. Most probably those attachment contains viruses can lead to damages to your data. Besides, it could be one of a way that an unknown party steals your data by sending those attachments or links. Moreover, if you click on the links, most probably it will guide you to a website where they ask you to enter or fill in any personal or financial data.

Related Links:

Safeguarding Your Data
Six Ways to Safeguard Your Online Assets
Understanding Firewalls