3 Robust Strategies to Protect Yourself from Data Leaks
By Space Coast Daily // July 23, 2020
Back in the early 2000’s, the Internet was populated with hackers and scams. Phishing scams ran rampant, websites were plagued with malware and viruses, and catching a virus was as easy as clicking the wrong link.
Well…now that I thought about it, nothing has changed. Catching a virus is just as easy now, scammers send out phishing emails every day, and cybercriminals are finding news ways to use websites for their own gains. What I’m saying is, cybersecurity is just as important as before, if not more.
One major threat plaguing users and companies alike is the threat of data leaks, the unauthorized transmission of data. More specifically, the unauthorized transmission of data to someone outside the network.
3 Cybersecurity Recommendations
Today, I want to talk about how to defend yourself from data leaks, especially as a company. Data leaks can kill small businesses, so it’s essential that you know exactly how to make sure your company doesn’t become a victim of data leaks.
1. Create a Secure Router Network
Routers are essential to a home or business network; not everyone wants to be connected with ethernet, and dragging around a cable in your mobile device isn’t exactly optimal. However, many people buy a router, go through the basic setup, and do nothing else.
Not spending time optimizing the security of your router opens you up to cyberattacks, including the aforementioned data leaks. Hackers thrive on unprotected networks, so spend some time securing your network.
But what can you do to secure your network? Well, you have a few options:
• Put a password on your network if you don’t already.
• Routinely update the firmware of the router.
• Whitelist the devices often used on the network.
• Avoid default passwords.
These tips will ensure your network stays secure. After all, a secure router can be the difference between a safe network and a horrendous data leak.
This is especially important for people who work from home since the data they handle can be used against them and paints them as a target.
2. Train Your Employees in Cybersecurity
One way to keep your business safe from data leaks and other cybersecurity threats is by training your employees and coworkers in cybersecurity. What I mean by this is, you need to show your employees what proper cybersecurity looks like—locking your device(s), avoiding clicking on phishing emails, not giving out information, etc.
After all, most cybersecurity accidents happen due to user error. Either someone clicks on the wrong link, downloads a sketchy program, visits a sketchy website, or something else that can be easily avoided.
If you feel as though you could also use a refresher, there are plenty of seminars you’re able to hire and bring to your workplace. These will ensure that your employees will be trained in avoiding common cybersecurity threats, keeping your business safe in return.
3. Encrypt All Data Transmissions
We tend not to think about what we do on the Internet. We login to what we need to access, visit what we need to visit, and call it a day. But our every move online can be traced if we’re not careful. Hackers can view what we’re doing and use that information to hack us or our network.
This not only leads to a loss of privacy but data as well. To avoid this, I recommend taking advantage of the various encryption tools out there. VPNs actively encrypt your data, the TOR browser makes sure you keep anonymity while online, and encrypted messaging apps allow you to talk with a peaceful mind.
Conclusion
Your business (and your wellbeing) count on practicing proper cybersecurity. Whether you decide to encrypt your network or become more aware of the countless scams that plague the Internet, all that matters is you work hard on protecting yourself from data leaks.
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