Four ways to keep your information secure
We live in a fast-paced world that is constantly updating, upgrading, and modernizing how we work. Between devices and platforms, it’s impossible to keep track of it all. I can honestly say that I spend more time than I care to admit trying to track down information. I find myself saying:
“Did I see that in an email or maybe it was Slack?”
“Did they send it to me via text or was it in Messenger?”
“I think I saved that in Dropbox, oh, wait… it was Google Drive.”
So, how do we find the balance between leveraging technology and ensuring our information is safe and accessible? It’s overwhelming to think about all the reasons why you should secure your information, but then to layer on the “how-to” can feel impossible.
The good news is that there really is no one right answer on how to get the job done, so all you need to do is simply jump in and start. Here are four things you can do today that will have immediate results in keeping you secure:
Use a system for organizing information. If it’s passwords, a to-do list, or your life wishes, use a system to track your information. Documenting and tracking data allows the brain to focus and prioritize rather than work on remembering.
Security does pay off. Antivirus software, 2-step verification, and spam filters are all second-layer security systems that keep your information protected. If it’s offered, use it. The goal is to make it more difficult for the bad guys to get your data. If you’ve ever been hacked, you know the headache of restoring the damage.
Create data backups. It doesn’t matter if it’s an external hard drive or the cloud, just create a copy. If you turn on your computer to the blue screen of death, you’ll be angry at first, but then you’ll realize you have a backup copy. Depending on if you use a service or do it yourself, you can choose to either automate or do it manually.
Tidy up regularly. The biggest offender for overload is email. Perhaps you are one of those people that keep every email in your inbox. It’s important to treat your inbox how you would treat your physical mailbox. You wouldn’t keep 24,000 pieces of mail in your mailbox at the curb, would you? The same goes for text message threads, piles of paper on your desk (or files on your desktop). It’s essential to tidy up on a regular basis. The more you have to sort through, the harder it is to find what you need.
The digital world is not going away and securing your information needs to be a part of your daily life. It doesn’t matter if you’re using the latest technology or an analog system, the point is to actively be maintaining your data.
Still, wondering how to get started?
