How to Prevent Computer Data Theft

In today's technology driven world, computers are used everywhere - business, home, hospitals, banks and many other places. They are used for nearly every kind of activity from banking, buying, communicating to simply browsing. With such widespread use, computers can also tell a lot more about yourself than you would want to reveal. Many of us give out sensitive data like social security numbers or credit card details online or store personal data on our hard disks. If you have opted for business computer rentals, it is even more important that you protect sensitive personal and business data from unauthorized persons. Here are some ideas on how you can prevent data theft.

Digital safeguards

Protecting your data while you are working on the computer requires installing proper digital safeguards. These come in the form of firewalls, effective anti virus software and filters. Once these are in place, your personal information cannot be transmitted to outside parties by concealed programs. Unauthorized persons are restricted from entering your personal digital area or accessing your private files. Make sure your safeguards are updated and renewed periodically to stay effective against new hacking methods and viruses.

Restrict data copying

If all your business computers are equipped with data transfer software and hardware, it can get really difficult to track who is making copies of what business data. Remove CD burning drives and avoid installing data transfer software on machines which are used by a large number of people.

If you use business computer rentals, ask your rental provider to do this before he supplies the equipment. Keep these capabilities on a few systems in a separate cabin where the user can be tracked easily in case of a data leak. Alternatively, have a small pool of systems to carry out these functions and put them under the care of a single administrator who records users and actions carried out.

Safety devices for personal use machines

There are many devices which help keep your personal data safe on your own personal computer whether it is a laptop, notebook or desktop.

? USB Block- This simple metal plate covers your USB port and locks in place. Unless you have a key to remove the plate you cannot insert a USB storage device and copy data from the computer onto it.

? Biometric fingerprint reading- This is an advanced security feature which can effectively seal your personal computer from unauthorized users. You can opt for restricting access to specific files or even prevent your computer from booting up unless the right fingerprint is plugged in to the biometric reader.

? Privacy screens - These are simple but effective aids to preventing a curious passersby or an unscrupulous data thief from catching sight of sensitive data displayed on screen. These are clear sleeves which fit onto your laptop screen and let you see the display clearly from your position in front of the screen. For anyone who is trying to catch sight of the text onscreen from the side, only a dark screen is visible. These screens are very helpful when you are using the computer in public places like airports or trains.

Ensuring that your private data is protected can help prevent damage to your business or your personal finances. Implement these safeguards today on your computers or ask your business computer rentals providers to ensure it is done on the equipment supplied by him.

For more information on computer rental and projector rental contact Vernon Computer Source.