Modern-day technology like cloud services increases our connectivity and innovations such as this can bring tremendous benefits. However, they can present great concerns over privacy breaches, and they put the onus squarely on each of us to protect sensitive information.
Consider the following tips to keep your data safe.
- Perform Regular Maintenance and Updates
Your computer systems should be regarded as the professional tools they are and should be monitored for updates with security foremost in mind. It’s critical to set a regular schedule for routine maintenance on all computer equipment, make time for all updates and stick to a plan.
- Back up Data
Data backup should be a routine procedure. Data backup involves reorganizing, copying, and storing of digital data on a set schedule. You can do this using a dedicated server, a cloud server, and/or an external physical data storage device. Make sure you’re performing these tasks to ensure your data is safe, secure, backed up and accessible when and where you need it.
- Use Firewalls
A firewall is a network security structure that monitors the network traffic and controls it based on the set rules. Essentially, it’s a barrier between an external and internal internet network. It can restrict access for any suspicious incoming or outgoing traffic. That means that when you use a firewall and keep it updated, you are better protected from malicious software that can steal data off of your computer or leave you with a troublesome virus.
- Use File Encryption Software
This software scrambles your data with an algorithm before it’s transferred. That means only the individual with the encryption key can decrypt and read the contents of your file. So, ensure that both you and anyone you are transferring files to installs and uses the latest, fully updated encryption software.
- Honor Your Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements
Ensure that you have read and fully understand your duties with regard to any confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement you sign. It should outline, step-by-step, the tasks to perform to keep your data safe and secure. If you have questions, it is always best to contact your company representative to iron out any issues to prevent a breach from ever happening.
- Work with Like-Minded Companies
Data breaches are bad for all concerned and can have serious negative consequences for everyone involved. Before you begin working with any legal transcription company, do some research to ensure that the company take data security seriously. Essentially, they should implement all these security protocols before you agree to do business with them. With proper security protocols in place, your data –and your professional reputation — remain intact.
The statistics are shocking. In a recent study by Juniper Research, cybercriminals stole 12 billion online data records in 2018 alone. And it’s estimated that more than 33 billion records will be stolen in 2023. Some of the records include names, addresses, personal information shared with family and friends, social security numbers, and credit card information. Cybercriminals can use this information to steal identities, money, or for other nefarious purposes. It’s no wonder that the U.S. government spends more than $15 billion annually on cyber security. Experts agree that it’s easier to prevent a breach than recover from one.
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Managing Interruptions
It took losing an entire hard drive of data before I learned the hard way. Since then, I always back up everything every night!
Tom, we are so sorry to hear you lost everything like that, but glad you have a solid backup plan in place now. Thank you for your visit!