What You Need to Know Today About Data Security

Technology has provided the world with so many wonderful things that make our day to day lives so much easier. Recording data, online shopping and banking as well as researching information on the internet is second nature to many of us now. However, we need to be constantly aware of maintaining data security whether it is on our home computers or in business.

For example it is amazing to think how many different places our personal details are stored. Bank accounts, store accounts and medical surgeries are just a small sample of areas where our details are stored. We rely upon businesses, public sector services and other organizations to ensure that their data security is watertight and our personal information remains confidential.

We have a duty to maintain our own data security as there are many ways this can be manipulated by thieves. Identity theft is one of the biggest and most damaging forms of security breach that can leave individuals in serious trouble. For example, a fraudster can easily use your name, address, date of birth and/or any other personal information to take out a loan against your name.

In fact, data security doesn't just apply to how you manage your business online. Should you be burgled these days, thieves will be just as interested in bank statements or bills left lying around as they may contain vital personal information. However, they may also target your computer as way to obtain important information.

So much data is stored on computers these days that we are also vulnerable to system crashes, viruses, hackers, human error or natural disasters. A vital way to protect data security and avoid losing vital information stored on computers is to have adequate back-up. One way to do this is by saving files on back-up discs, which should then be stored in a fireproof safe.

Another way to protect data security is by having up to date anti-virus software installed on your PC. This is very important as it will protect your PC from viruses and indeed some anti-virus software packages also offer back-up protection. Adding a firewall will stop unauthorised users hacking in to your system and retrieving confidential information and is another vital data security step.

You can also protect data by having secure passwords on your PC, especially at the log in stage where it will help data security. This is so long as you make passwords difficult to work out with a combination of letters and numbers and don't write them down. It is important to avoid using obvious passwords like the name of your dog or favourite singer as you would be amazed how easy it is for people to work these out.

In an office environment data security can be breached by allowing too many people access to files. Again this can be overcome by giving files and documents password protection so that only certain users can access confidential information. This can also reduce the risk of data being accidentally overwritten by a careless employee, although read only access to documents can be assigned to certain users as well.

Some systems encrypt data so that only the authorised personnel can see personal information. Strong encryption algorithm is used to prevent hackers from tracking information as you conduct transactions online. Essentially anything the hackers see as you deal with your bank online will be completely meaningless and is a vital component of data security on the internet.

We all need to have data security protection on our computers, whether we are running a large business or just using a home computer. Our personal data is perhaps the most valuable thing we have, so it is critical to do everything we can to stop it being stolen.

Indit Technology Distribution is a distributor of the world's best computer security solutions for small office home office (SOHO) and large corporate data networks in South Africa. Click here to see their range of data security solutions here, which include Cyberoam, Acronis, Sophos and BioMatch.

Philip writes on computer equipment and computer security issues on behalf of IndIT. IndIT provides equipment, software and other solutions for installing and managing data networks and computers in South Africa. Get their free guide "8 Ways to Future-Proof Your Data Network" here >>> http://www.indit.co.za/download-guide/.