Mentoring and coaching are valuable ways to learn new skills, gain insights, and achieve your goals. However, in the digital age, you also need to be aware of the risks and challenges of communicating online. How can you ensure the security of your digital communication with a mentor or coach? Here are some tips to help you protect your privacy and data.
The first step is to choose a platform that offers encryption, authentication, and privacy features. Encryption means that your messages and files are scrambled so that only the intended recipient can read them. Authentication means that you can verify the identity of your mentor or coach and vice versa. Privacy features mean that you can control who can access your data and how it is used. Some examples of secure platforms are Signal, ProtonMail, and Wire.
Avoid using unsecured channels such as regular email or social media. Instead, use a secure communication channel such as an encrypted messaging app or a video conferencing platform with end-to-end encryption.
The second step is to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts and devices. A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique. It should not contain any personal or common information, such as your name, birthday, or favorite color. 2FA is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code or a token that is sent to your phone or email after you enter your password. This way, even if someone steals your password, they cannot access your account without the code or token.
Use strong passwords for all of your online accounts, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This will help to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
The third step is to be careful with attachments and links that you send or receive from your mentor or coach. Attachments and links can contain malware, spyware, or phishing scams that can infect your device, steal your data, or trick you into revealing sensitive information. Before you open an attachment or click on a link, make sure that it is from a trusted source, that it is relevant to your conversation, and that it has a valid extension and URL. You can also scan the attachment or link with an antivirus or anti-malware software before opening or clicking.
Phishing scams are attempts to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Be careful about clicking on links in emails or messages, even if they appear to be from your mentor or coach
The fourth step is to avoid public or unsecured networks when communicating with your mentor or coach. Public or unsecured networks are those that do not require a password or encryption to connect, such as free Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, airports, or hotels. These networks are vulnerable to hackers, who can intercept, modify, or redirect your traffic. If you have to use a public or unsecured network, make sure that you use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt and anonymize your connection.
The fifth step is to delete or archive your communication history with your mentor or coach after you finish your session or program. Deleting or archiving your communication history can prevent unauthorized access, accidental exposure, or data loss. You can delete or archive your messages, files, emails, or chats from your platform, device, or cloud storage. You can also use encryption tools or password managers to store your communication history securely.
The sixth step is to review and update your security settings regularly. Security settings are the options that allow you to customize your level of protection, privacy, and control over your data. You can review and update your security settings for your platform, account, device, browser, or app. You can also check for updates, patches, or fixes that can improve your security performance and fix any vulnerabilities. By reviewing and updating your security settings, you can stay on top of the latest threats and best practices.
Software and Hardware updates often include security patches that can help to protect your devices from malware and other threats. Make sure to install software updates as soon as they are available.