7 Simple Security Mistakes You’re Making Right Now
Although revolutionary, the ease and convenience of information dissemination online also present several security threats. Many unknowingly engage in risky online activities.
In fact, you’re probably making some major security and privacy errors on the internet right now. Here’s what to do about it.
1. Divulging Too Much Information on Social Media
For many people, social media serves as a creative outlet. They can share their inner thoughts, post daily experiences, or even create an entirely different persona online. It’s a fun, fulfilling form of self-expression.
While sharing on social media helps you find like-minded individuals, it also puts you at risk of identity theft. Your profile contains sensitivePersonally Identifiable Information (PII). Hackers can do sizable damage with the quasi-identifiers on About Me pages, e.g. race, gender, home address, contact number, or birthdate.
You don’t have to go off the grid—just filter your posts. Good practices like hiding your current location, turning off your GPS, clearing your profile bio, and posting less frequently willprotect your social media account against hackers.
2. Overlooking Data Backup on Crucial Files
Many people are guilty of ignoring data backups. They find the process tedious and would rather avoid it altogether. Creating file duplicates could take anywhere from a few seconds to over an hour, depending on their sizes.
While the process sounds unappealing, it’s essential. Data backup solutions help combat several cybersecurity threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, IT system failure, and data corruption. Personal and work files alike need backups.
Instead of delaying backing up your data, explore ways you may overcome bottlenecks and hurdles in the process. Focus on speeding up file duplication and migration. You could automate migration viasecure cloud storage systems, use lightweight data backup programs that run in the background, and delete redundant files.
3. Blindly Trusting Free VPN Service Providers
People typically use free VPNs for accessibility and cost efficiency. Instead of paying for a premium VPN you’ll rarely run, you might just download and install free alternatives as needed. Setting up an account takes minutes. You could even make new ones every time you come across geo-restricted content.
Although free VPNs are convenient, they also have security risks. With relatively weaker encryption keys and recycled dirty IP addresses, they won’t hide your online identity effectively. Skilled cybercriminals can work around basic encryption and encapsulation methods.
Don’t get us wrong—you can still usewidely trusted, reliable free VPNs, but understand their limitations. They’re great for bypassing geo-restrictions. But you should consider more sophisticated, premium options for securing your online identity.
4. Failing to Limit Access to Specific Files
Data management heavily relies on file access control. Regulating who accesses your data and how they modify it prevents data breaches. After all, cybersecurity threats like theft, account takeovers, and accidental exposure often stem from unauthorized access.
Despite the importance of access control, many tend to overlook it. They’re unaware of the severity of account takeovers or inconvenienced by the steps involved with setting permissions.
As a rule of thumb, set your documents to private by default. Make a habit of adjusting user accessibility when sharing files, whether for work or personal purposes. Only grant access permission to authorized users.
5. Opening Work Software and Files on Personal Devices
Like many remote workers, you probably use your personal and company-issued devices interchangeably at times. The practice is common but very risky. Even seemingly harmless actions like visiting Facebook on your work laptop or sending office documents through your smartphone come with several cybersecurity risks.
Stop opening work files on your personal gadgets, and vice versa. Your smartphone or laptop doesn’t have the sophisticated security systems set by your employer. If a data breach occurs, they’ll hold you accountable.
Alternatively, company-issued devices are frequently scanned by time trackers andemployee monitoring tools. They take scheduled screenshots, track app usage, and share screen activity. You might not feel comfortable with your employers getting insights into your personal affairs.
6. Hoarding Files and Software Programs
Digital clutter is a common issue nowadays. Even tech-savvy individuals tend to hoard old folders and files they haven’t accessed in years. Some keep them for sentimental reasons, while others won’t bother sorting data.
Whatever the case, hoarding digital files puts you at risk of several cyberattacks, so you should work towardsdecluttering your digital life. Start with small changes like deleting old files. Move them to your cloud storage system, then delete their original copies on your local servers. You could even encrypt them for added security measures.
Also, consolidate your office management programs. Leaving company assets unattended across different platforms compromises security and productivity alike.Workers waste time toggling between work platforms.
7. Not Tracking File Access Histories and Logs
Users rarely track their file access histories. Modern-day employees deal with dozens of files—keeping tabs on everyone accessing their data is a full-time job in itself. It’s not something you can do on the side.
Although going through file histories is time-consuming and costly, it plays a critical role in any cybersecurity strategy.Addressing data breachesstarts with preventing unauthorized access. Should someone take over your files, immediately report them to the appropriate channels.
Most platforms offer basic logging functionality. For instance, Microsoft 365 (i.e. Office) records file edits, storage systems show user access histories, and cloud servers track file downloads/uploads.
But if you need more extensive tracking, use third-party apps. Options likeLEO Privacy GuardandFileAuditcan provide additional user access data on your local and cloud servers.
Incorporate Cyber Hygiene Habits Into Your Daily Life
Cybersecurity starts with good cyber hygiene habits. Adopting sustainable routines like tracking file access histories, limiting public network usage, and minimizing your digital footprint yield better results than drastic, unsustainable changes. Gradually optimize the way you use technology.
Apart from securing personal data, you should also protect your work files, documents, and devices. Good cybersecurity habits extend to the workplace. Using different passwords across platforms, storing files in encrypted locations, and running secure VPNs, among other practices, go a long way in protecting company data.
Working remotely exposes you to several potential security risks. Learn how to avoid these remote work security missteps.
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