Understanding Data Protection

Data protection is a crucial process that aims to safeguard valuable information from being compromised, corrupted, lost, or made inaccessible. It involves measures to maintain data integrity, ensure authorized access, and comply with legal requirements. Additionally, data protection encompasses aspects like data immutability, preservation, and secure deletion.

Tips to keep your Data safe from Hackers and Cyber Threats

Here are some essential tips to safeguard your data from hackers and cyber threats:

Keep Software Up-to-date

Regularly update your software, including operating systems and applications, to patch critical vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

• Set your device to receive automatic system updates.
• Set your device to receive system updates automatically.
• Maintain the latest versions of your web browser's plugins, such as Flash and Java.

Use Anti-virus Software and a Firewall

Install reputable anti-virus software to protect against malware and other malicious viruses. Use only one anti-virus tool on your device, and make sure it's from a reputable vendor. 

Additionally, use a firewall to filter incoming Internet traffic and block unauthorized access to your devices and network. A firewall protects your device by filtering out hackers, viruses, and other malicious activity that occurs over the Internet and deciding what traffic is allowed to enter. 

Create Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are essential for online security and are are crucial in keeping hackers out of your information! Avoid using easily guessable information and refrain from reusing passwords across different accounts.

According to the password policy framework published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2017, you should think about:

• Getting rid of the wacky, convoluted mix of upper case letters, symbols, and numbers. Instead, choose something more user-friendly that is at least eight characters long and no longer than 64 characters.
• Do not re-use the same password.
• Choose a password that is simple to remember, and never leave a password hint out in the open or in a place where hackers can see it.
• If you forget your password, you can reset it. However, as a general refresh, change it once a year.

Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication, also known as multi-factor authentication, is a service that adds additional layers of security (such as a Personal Identification Code, another password, or even your fingerprint) to the traditional password-based method of online identification.

Enable 2FA or multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security. This requires additional authentication steps beyond just username and password, making it harder for hackers to access your accounts.

Be Wary of Phishing Scams

In a phishing scheme, the attacker impersonates someone or something that the sender is not in order to trick the recipient into disclosing credentials, clicking a malicious link, or opening an attachment that infects the user's system with malware, trojans, or zero-day vulnerability exploits. This frequently results in a ransomware attack. In fact, phishing attempts are the source of 90% of ransomware attacks.

Be cautious of emails, phone calls, or messages from unknown sources. Hover over links to verify their authenticity, and be vigilant for grammatical errors or suspicious content. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from untrusted sources.

Safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is any information that can be used to identify or locate a person by a cybercriminal. Name, address, phone numbers, date of birth, Social Security Number, IP address, location details, or any other physical or digital identity data are examples of PII.

Be mindful of the information you share online, especially on social media platforms. Minimize the disclosure of sensitive PII like your address, birth date, or Social Security Number.

Secure Your Mobile Devices

More than 1.5 million new incidents of mobile malware have been detected on mobile devices. Here are some quick security tips for mobile devices:

• Use strong passcodes (not your birthday or your bank PIN)
• Install apps from reputable sources
• Keep your devices updated to prevent vulnerabilities
• Avoid sending sensitive information via text or email 
• Utilize features like Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager to protect against loss or theft
• Use iCloud to backup your phone on a regular basis, or enable Android Backup & Sync

Conclusion

Staying alert and having reliable software tools on hand are your best defenses against losing data. Hackers are always lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to attack, no matter how vigilant you are. 

Table Of Content

• Understanding Data Protection
• Tips to keep your Data safe from Hackers and Cyber Threats
  • Keep Software Up-to-date
  • Use Anti-virus Software and a Firewall
  • Create Strong Passwords
  • Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • Be Wary of Phishing Scams
  • Safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
  • Secure Your Mobile Devices
• Conclusion