Remember the good old days? The days where all of our data was stored locally? Of course, we still store most of our data locally, but many companies—from Microsoft to Apple to Google—prefer cloud storage, where our data gets stored to one of their servers somewhere else.
While cloud storage is convenient, it’s not exactly as secure as storing data offline. Cybersecurity is important, and the use of cloud storage makes practicing proper cybersecurity difficult. Don’t worry, though: I’m here to help.
How to Ramp Up Cybersecurity Efforts
In this article, I’m going to go over three ways you can tighten up security, whether you’re an individual working from home or the CEO of a business. Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Use a VPN
The Internet being accessible from anywhere at any time is great and allows for people to get work done from anywhere. However, we rarely think of the consequences of doing so.
Most public networks or phone networks are unencrypted, meaning that anyone on the same network can observe what you’re doing and—possibly—steal your data. This can lead to identity theft and fraud, leaving you to pick up the pieces.
I would recommend avoiding the use of public networks, but that’s not possible for many people. Plus, many home networks lack encryption as well, making this a problem at home too.
You can fix this lack of encryption by using certain software, such as a VPN. According to ExpressVPN’s guide to “what is a VPN,” a VPN stands for virtual private network and allows you to encrypt the data of your devices and network (granted you have the right hardware).
Using a VPN is simple, and I consider it to be the easiest form of encryption next to Microsoft’s encryption software on Windows devices.
2. Always Update Your Devices
I know for a fact I’m not the only one who gets annoyed by Windows’ constant update reminders. It seems like every time I turn on my PC, there’s an update waiting to be downloaded. It’s annoying, it’s tedious, and it’s time-consuming.
But it’s also necessary.
Hear me out. In-your-face updates may be annoying, but they are a good reminder that you should update your device. If it weren’t for them, I’d never remembered to do so. And updating your devices is important. These updates typically come with security patches, bug fixes, and a bunch of other miscellaneous fixes that make managing security a whole lot easier on that device.
Microsoft introduces security patches often with small updates. With these updates, it’s harder for hackers and cybercriminals to, you know, hack your device. Always update your devices, no matter how annoying said update may be.
3. Keep Yourself ‘In the Know’
You may be wondering what I mean by “keep yourself ‘in the know,’” and I wouldn’t blame you. See, when we go on the Internet, we never really think about the multitude of dangers that lurk around every corner. It wasn’t until I received security training that I started doing so, anyways.
Not knowing the dangers that lie on the Internet makes you more susceptible to becoming a victim of these dangers, of these viruses, hacks, malware, scams, and vice versa. It’s important you keep yourself “in the know” about these things.
Staying aware of what you’re doing on the Internet and the dangers you may run into will help you stay safe, helping you avoid the eventual headache that comes from removing a virus on your laptop.
Conclusion
It’s becoming increasingly aware that cybersecurity is essential nowadays. Without practicing proper cybersecurity, it’s not a question of if you become a victim of a hack, but when.
This goes double for digital marketers. Digital marketers hold a lot of information that, if it goes out to the public, their career is done, and the company they’re with can suffer.
Practice proper cybersecurity etiquette at all times, and make sure you are constantly aware of what you’re doing on the Internet.
