Data security is a crucial aspect of using electronic devices, especially if you store sensitive or personal information on them. Whether you use a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, or a flash drive, you need to protect your data from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. In this article, we will discuss some of the best practices and tools that can help you secure data in electronic devices.
One of the most effective ways to secure data in electronic devices is to encrypt it. Encryption is a process that transforms your data into a code that can only be read by someone who has the key or password. Encryption can prevent hackers, thieves, or other unauthorized parties from accessing your data, even if they physically get hold of your device. You can encrypt your data using built-in features of your operating system, such as BitLocker for Windows or FileVault for Mac, or using third-party software, such as VeraCrypt or AxCrypt.
Encrption is best method to secure data in electronic devices ,while disposing old storage devices i.e ssd,hdd make sure to zero level format before disposing or physically damage.
1. Back up your data 2. use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication 3. Be aware of your surroundings 4. Be wary of suspicious emails 5. Install anti-virus and malware protections. 6. Protect your device when it's unattended 7. Make sure your WI-FI connection is secure 8. Limit access to those who need it 9. Take care when sharing your screen 10. Don;t keep data for longer than you need it 11.DIspose of old IT equipment and records securely
Creating strong passwords is important. A good strong password can be created using phrases and a combination of letters numbers and special characters. You don't want to use consecutive numbers or anything easy to guess. Please do not use the same password for everything. This is just one way to secure your data.
You truly can’t go wrong with encryption at all, the way I look at is I wouldn’t leave my house or car unlocked if I’m away and same thing goes with my data but even if I’m always watching my data it’s still a best practice to have it locked securely
Encryption with proper backup of keys and similar is almost mandatory, especially for top-level individuals (since they often disregard even the simplest ways of security, like stronger passwords and two step verification).
Another way to secure data in electronic devices is to use strong passwords. Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your device or account. A strong password should be long, complex, unique, and unpredictable. It should not contain any personal or common information, such as your name, birthday, or favorite color. You should also change your passwords regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts or devices. To manage your passwords securely, you can use a password manager, such as LastPass or KeePass, that can generate and store strong passwords for you.
Password managers are great, when used correctly. A password manager should be secured to a specific account. The password generator should operate without any network connections and should only require the file or database location of the passwords being managed. The file, or database, should also have at least 2 layers of security. One layer controlled by the organization, and another controlled by the user.
Strong passwords are great - but constant changing of passwords leads to laziness in password creation and writing passwords down on notepads. Consider using a password vault like BitWarden and making your master password something long and memorable. Even better yet, do away with passwords and start using modern authentication schemes. Back that up with something like a yubikey.
System Administrator at Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill & Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital
While all is important for securing your device, it's definitely a must to start is securing the devices with a strong password, consider it as the main entry door to your house. If they are able to get in, and there is a lot of things that they can do. So having a really strong password is key.
Even better than a password, try a pass phrase, which may be even easier to remember but harder to crack! Ensure Multi-Factor (MFA) authentication is enabled on all services that offer it. Gone are the days where just a password is secure enough. Enabling MFA helps prevent compromise and ensure authentication even if your password gets compromised somewhere else.
Another way to secure data in electronic devices is to use strong passwords. Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your device or account. A strong password should be long, complex, unique, and unpredictable. It should not contain any personal or common information, such as your name, birthday, or favorite color. You should also change your passwords regularly and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts or devices. To manage your passwords securely, you can use a password manager, such as LastPass or KeePass, that can generate and store strong passwords for you.
A third way to secure data in electronic devices is to backup your data. Backup is a process of creating a copy of your data and storing it in a separate location, such as an external hard drive, a cloud service, or a DVD. Backup can help you recover your data in case of device failure, damage, loss, or theft. You should backup your data frequently and regularly, and test your backups to ensure that they are working properly. You should also encrypt your backups to prevent unauthorized access to them.
Lakukan Backup Data : 1. Lakukan "Compress" Data (*.rar / *.zip /yang lainnya) dan Buat Password; 2. Backup Data Harus Dilakukan Berlapis, Salah Satunya Lakukan Backup Data Secara "Offline".
Consistently back up your encrypted data. This ensures you can restore information from a secure source in case of device compromise, minimizing data loss and maintaining data integrity.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Make sure you use strong passwords on smartphones, laptops, tablets, email accounts and any other devices or accounts where personal information is stored. They must be difficult to guess. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends using three random words.
SaaS products like M365 and Google Workplace are NOT backups. It is important to have appropriate backup solutions in place for user data and SharePoint sites.
A fourth way to secure data in electronic devices is to update your software. Software updates are patches or improvements that fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or errors in your operating system, applications, or drivers. Software updates can enhance the performance, stability, and security of your device and protect it from malware, ransomware, or hacking attacks. You should update your software as soon as possible when new versions are available, and enable automatic updates if possible. You should also avoid downloading or installing software from unknown or untrusted sources.
Securing data on electronic devices is crucial to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or compromise. There are several measures you can take to enhance the security of your electronic devices: 1. Use Strong Passwords or Passphrases 2. Biometric Authentication 3. Update Operating Systems and Software 4. Install Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: 5. Encrypt Data: 6. Secure Wi-Fi Connections 7. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 8. Regularly Back Up Data 9. Control Physical Access 10. Be Cautious with Email and Internet Usage 11. Enable Remote Tracking and Wiping 12. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) 13. Regular Security Audits 14. Educate Yourself and Others
Regularly update your encryption software to address vulnerabilities, ensuring it remains robust and effective in safeguarding your data from potential security threats.
In my opinion end to end data encryption must be incorporated. In addition strong password with a schedule to update passwords should be there. In addition antivirus and operating systems must be up to date to avoid any vulnerability.
A fifth way to secure data in electronic devices is to use antivirus and firewall. Antivirus is a software that detects and removes malicious programs, such as viruses, worms, or trojans, that can infect your device and compromise your data. Firewall is a software that monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic on your device and blocks unauthorized or suspicious connections. Antivirus and firewall can prevent malware from stealing, deleting, or encrypting your data. You should use reputable and updated antivirus and firewall software, such as Avast or Norton, and scan your device regularly.
Employ reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to detect and neutralize potential threats, enhancing the overall security of your electronic device. Regularly update these tools to ensure they effectively combat the latest malware and safeguard your data from malicious attacks.
Using antivirus software and a firewall is essential for protecting your electronic devices from various online threats. Here's an overview of each and some best practices: Best Practices for Antivirus and Firewall Use: Regular Updates: Keep your antivirus and firewall software up-to-date. Regular updates ensure that the software is equipped to handle the latest threats. Use Two-Way Firewalls: Two-way firewalls monitor both incoming and outgoing traffic, providing a more comprehensive defense against malicious activities. Be Cautious with Email and Downloads: Avoid opening email attachments or downloading files from untrusted or suspicious sources.
A sixth way to secure data in electronic devices is to dispose of your device safely. When you no longer need or use your device, you should not just throw it away or sell it without erasing your data. Your data may still be recoverable by someone who can access your device, even if you delete it or format it. To dispose of your device safely, you should wipe your data using a secure erase tool, such as DBAN or Eraser, that overwrites your data with random data multiple times. You should also physically destroy your device or its storage media, such as by shredding, smashing, or drilling, to make it impossible to recover your data.
There are many things to consider. It starts with a strong password policy. Good 3rd party Antvirus not the free versions. 3-2-1 Encrypted Backups using something like Acronis Cyber protect which also comes with malware and ransomware prevention tools. Encryption of a complete device like your hard drive or SSD is not always feasible, it slows the machine down and you also need the TPM chip on the motherboard. Disposing of a device without encryption, a format won't do the data can be recovered you need to do a military-grade wipe. Stolen computers are a problem if not encrypted fortunately in South Africa the criminals are only after a quick buck not data. Move to the cloud files and e-mail with Microsoft 365.
Dont use open network as they are vunerable to packet sniffers to steal data ie coffee shops and any wifi network that does not require log in
A reliable way to protect your data is to use multi-factor authentication on devices connected to the business network. With MFA, users are required to enter a password and a one-time passcode sent to another device to gain access. This way, the user needs at least two devices or “factors” to log into the system.