Keep your Research Safe in The Digital Age

As the internet becomes more and more integrated into our daily lives the constant threat of cyber attacks looms over those of us who do not practice proper security measures. These attacks can come in the form of phishing, malware, or confidential data leaks — all meant to extract your personal and financial information from you. While security features are becoming more sophisticated throughout the years, so too is the innovative malware used to break through firewalls and anti-viruses. This article will discuss a few of the ways you can stay cyber secure in your every day life and keep your confidential information safe from virtual attacks.

Document Security

A pertinent method of staying cyber secure is by keeping all confidential data and documents in a safe place and out of reach from unwanted third parties. Virtual data rooms are the ideal place to store company and client information during complex deals and transactions to ensure that only invited users can access the data. An effective VDR offers two factor authentication when signing in as well as a high level of encryption for data in transit and at rest. Furthermore, it provides permission settings that are complex enough to ensure only the right people see your information while still easy to navigate for new users.

It is also important that any new documents are constantly being backed up and uploaded to your chosen document storage platform. The one time you forget may be the one time you lose important information or your system is hacked.

Changing & Creating Passwords

Passwords are your first level of defense when it comes to your computer and your online accounts. Be sure to constantly change and create complex passwords so that you leave little room for undesirable third parties to figure it out. It is also important that you don’t use the same password for every account — if one is hacked the rest are also left vulnerable and susceptible. By staying aware of when you created your last password and if your password is strong enough to withstand hacking attempts you can save yourself the stress and trouble of having to cancel credit cards or recover lost and stolen information in the future.

Don’t Get Click Happy

Being inundated with advertisements, emails and shareable social media makes it easier to lose track of what you’re clicking on. Opening that email link or entering an unknown website without encryption can open you up to potential threats that leave your online identity and computer vulnerable. Stay weary of emails from an unknown source offering you money or asking for extremely personal government information, like a social insurance number. And know what site you are entering and shopping on before you leave your credit card number on it. Awareness is key to recognizing these threats and avoiding them before it’s too late.

Stay Aware of Scams

Alongside staying aware of unfamiliar websites and emails, you should also stay up to date on the newest scams circulating your online community. A few common ones are emails regarding inheritance from a long lost relative, or a prince in another country offering you money for bits of confidential information before you can collect it. While those of us familiar with the threats of the online world, younger and elderly users are susceptible to falling for these well-crafted deceptions. If you have a child in your family, new to using the internet, make sure to share examples of what phishing or malware may look like so they know to avoid them.

Beware of Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is one of most convenient and most dangerous ways of staying connected when not at home. The ability to browse the web or shop online without charging your phone plan might seem ideal, however, many public Wi-Fi networks do not have a sufficient level of security to protect your phone from being hacked and your credit card information from being stolen. Whenever you opt to allow these networks to connect to your phone, you are leaving any personal information on your device open to potential attacks. You are far better off going over your data allotment on your phone plan to make that impromptu purchase rather than risking your financial information being stolen and used against you.