Investigation Hotline Outlines the Importance of Data Security
Unfortunately, many people neglect the necessity of data security on their home computers, tablets, and smartphones so we will discuss the Importance of Data Security. This leaves them vulnerable to hackers, identity thieves, and other unsavory characters on the Internet.
While exposing private information on the Internet is dangerous, there are several concrete ways in which the average computer user can secure their data. Investigation Hotline explains the best ways to secure your data online, beginning with virus protection programs.
Virus Protection Programs
Many new computers come with a one-year trial subscription to an antivirus software package, but they neglect to renew the membership after the trial period is complete. Residents of Toronto are vulnerable to viruses, like computer users from around the world.
Windows computers come with a basic antivirus program built into the operating system, but this program does not always catch all the malware, Trojan horses, and viruses that could be lurking in suspicious downloads. Subscribing to an antivirus program should be considered a must-do when using a computer that is connected to the Internet.
There are many reputable providers for these programs, including McAfee, Kaspersky, and Norton. Whichever program you choose, make sure that it is installed on your computer as soon as possible.
Phone Vulnerabilities
Even when they have protected their computers, many people in Oakville forget that their phones could be another source of attacks. All phones can be vulnerable to attack. The most important thing that you can do to set up your phone securely is to require a passcode and two-factor identification.
Every time you log into your phone, you should have a password protection screen come up. Biometric information, like fingerprint scanning and face recognition, is used by iPhone and iPad devices. This system should be considered mostly safe, though a backup of two-factor identification is recommended. Two-factor identification involves both entering your phone’s regular passcode and a code sent to a different device via text or instant message. This is generally triggered when a hacker tries more than three passwords to get into the phone.
Password Security
One of the most important things that Toronto residents can do to protect their information is to avoid repeating or reusing passwords. Repeating or reusing frequently used passwords or using a pet’s name, birthday, or other easily accessible information can cause hacking and identity theft.
Make sure that all of your passwords are strong, containing at least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and characters. When passwords are randomized enough to be secure, it is difficult to remember them.
Another serious mistake that many Internet users make is keeping their passwords in an unsecured file on their phone or computer. If a hacker can access the machine, passwords are one of the first things they will look for.
It is especially crucial not to put bank or credit card passwords on your phone unencrypted. Fortunately, there are many excellent services that provide password vaults that can be accessed with a single password. Take extra care with this master key password, because if you lose it, you may not be able to access your passwords again. Password managers include LastPass, Nordpass, Roboform, and Dashlane. Any one of these programs can provide the protection you need to keep your passwords secure.
When it comes to changing passwords, you should do this far more often than most people in Oakville believe is necessary. Banking and credit card passwords should be changed every few months. Other sensitive passwords should also be changed periodically.
