This week is Data Privacy Week. This is a great time to ensure you and your customers are protected from data breaches. There are some things you can implement for yourself as well as for your business. In today’s world, everything is digital, leaving a risk to anyone’s data. Follow these steps to help protect your data and your businesses data.
Identity Theft Protection
Identity theft happens every day. According to Experian, Identity theft affects about 1 in 20 Americans each year. To keep your data safe, make sure you enroll in some type of identity theft protection. Some companies to look into are LifeLock, Identity Guard, Experian, and IdentityIQ (great option for seniors) to name a few. A lot of times, your credit card companies now offer identity protection too.
Computer Antivirus Software
Make sure your data is protected while you are browsing. Antivirus Software blocks spyware and malware from taking residence on your computer. Make sure to keep up with your regular scans as well. Some software that can protect your computer are Norton, McAfee, BitDefender, and ESET.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Cyber Liability insurance is a must for businesses that handle ANY type of data including pictures. Cyber Liability protects you, the business owner, from any liability if you are breached. If you want to learn more check out our interactive infographic. Learn how cyber liability insurance can protect you and your business.
Secure Wi-Fi
Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure at your home and business. If you are traveling or working remote, avoid connecting to any unsecured Wi-Fi on your phone, laptop, or tablet as most people have apps with information such as your bank information and business data. This is an easy entry for someone wanting access to your information.
Strong Passwords
Make sure you are using strong passwords. Avoid any common things in your life such as names, birthdates, social security numbers, phone numbers, addresses, and the like. These make it easy for hackers to get into your data. Use numbers, upper and lower case, and symbols of something completely random. Also, avoid using numbers and letters in sequence or repeating.
Suspicious Emails
Don’t know who that email is from, and it doesn’t look quite right? Don’t open it. A lot of times you will see an email from one of your contacts, but a different email address. If they are asking you to go purchase a gift card, give any personal information, or credit card information, avoid opening it and delete immediately. A lot of times you will see a subject line along the lines of the following:
- “Do you have a minute? / Do you have a moment?”
- “Request”
- “Follow up”
- “Urgent/Important”
- “Are you available? / Are you at your desk?”
- “Payment Status”
- “Hello”
- “Purchase”
- “Invoice Due”
- “Direct Deposit Change”
Sharing Information in Email or Text
Avoid sharing personal information such as full name and social security number online, in email, or text if possible. If you need to give this information this is a great time to just give a quick phone call or in person visit.
Freeze your Credit
Most people do not know you can freeze your credit when it’s not in use. You will have to contact each credit bureau, Experian, Transunion, and Equifax to request a credit freeze. This is a great way to prevent anyone using your credit. When you want to use your credit for something such as a house, car, or even cable just simply contact the credit bureaus to unfreeze it.
Freeze Credit Cards
Have some credit cards you don’t typically use often? You can freeze those too. Most card holders can now simply lock their card on the credit cards app. This prevents anyone using your card that may have acquired your card number. Want to use the card? Go into your app and simply unlock it.
There are a lot of ways to protect your personal data as well as your business data. However, someone or something can always slip through the cracks. Make sure you have identity theft protection and cyber liability insurance to help you clean up the mess and avoid any liability. If you have any questions or don’t know where to start when it comes to cyber liability insurance, you can give us a call at 770-720-1314 or request a quote online.
Want to learn more about cyber protection, Semsee published a great article you can view here.
