How can you ensure data security when sharing with others?

3 Compress and password-protect your files

A third way to ensure data security is to compress and password-protect your files before sharing them. Compressing your files reduces their size and makes them easier to send and store. You can use compression tools, such as 7-Zip, WinRAR, or PeaZip, to create compressed archives of your files. These tools also let you password-protect your archives, adding an extra layer of security. When you share compressed and password-protected files, make sure you choose a strong password that is hard to guess and different from your other passwords.

4 Scan your files for malware

A fourth way to ensure data security is to scan your files for malware before sharing them. Malware is any software that can harm your computer or data, such as viruses, worms, trojans, or ransomware. You can use antivirus software, such as Avast, Norton, or McAfee, to scan your files for malware and remove any threats. You can also use online tools, such as VirusTotal, MetaDefender, or Jotti, to upload and scan your files for malware. Scanning your files for malware helps you avoid infecting your own or others' devices and compromising your data.

5 Delete or shred your files after sharing

A fifth way to ensure data security is to delete or shred your files after sharing them. Deleting your files removes them from your device and frees up space. However, deleted files can still be recovered with special software, such as Recuva, EaseUS, or Stellar. To prevent this, you can use shredding software, such as Eraser, File Shredder, or CCleaner, to overwrite your files with random data and make them unrecoverable. Deleting or shredding your files after sharing them helps you prevent unauthorized access, duplication, or leakage of your data.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?