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Security should be a priority for anyone that wants a laptop. Whether it’s personal data or critical organization-level data, every laptop user should find ways to guarantee the safety and security of the data. After having a substantial amount of personal data stored on a laptop, every laptop owner has probably asked themselves how they can guarantee the safety and security of the data. It is especially the case for people with compromising data on their laptops.
Personal data refers to any information that can identify someone, and it could be anything ranging from bank account information to credit card information or any other sensitive data. But how can one make sure that the personal data stored on a laptop is safe? Almost every laptop comes with some degree of protection, but a laptop user needs to adopt strict measures to improve security further. Such measures include:
Install an Antivirus Software
An antivirus program is security software that prevents and eliminates malware infections. Antivirus programs protect networks, IT systems, and personal computers to protect personal data. Although antivirus programs initially detected and stopped viruses from computers, they have undergone numerous modifications over the years to provide more advanced protection from threats such as spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, botnets, and other threats.
Some antivirus programs come with firewalls that prevent unauthorized access to personal networks. Although most devices have built-in firewalls, installing an extra layer of protection can help protect personal data. Firewalls monitor outgoing and incoming traffic to identify and prevent threats from accessing the data and add a layer of protection for the laptop.
2. Backup Data
Backing up personal data refers to copying virtual and physical files to a secondary storage location to preserve a cyber-attack or equipment failure. Having a backup for the data on the laptop can come in handy in case of a significant data loss, as it is essential in data recovery. It is also the most effective way of recovering from ransomware attacks. It is crucial for people with critical personal or business data on their laptops to create a backup on a different drive, location, and device. Everything the personal data on the laptop changes over undergoes modifications. Always remember to update the backup data as well.
3. Create Robust Passwords
People can easily guess weak passwords. Brute-force attacks can also reveal strong passwords. However, a more robust password makes it difficult for someone to gain access to a laptop. For people with multiple applications on their laptops, having different passwords for every application can improve security. Do not write down the password at all costs. Password managers can help recover hard-to-remember passwords.
4. Update Programs Regularly
Always keep an eye on every piece of downloadable data before clicking the download button. Avoid files and updates with odd-looking words and extensions. If any laptop owner doubts the authenticity of a downloadable file, always scan them using antivirus software before downloading it. Although browsers such as Firefox and Chrome have updates enabled by default, restarting them every once in a while allows the security updates to occur. Enabling the auto-update feature or manually updating programs and operating systems limits vulnerabilities since it updates the security patches.
The ability of a laptop to detect viruses depends on the latest virus signatures and definitions, so using programs and software with automatic updates enabled improves security. If software or program does not come with auto-update capabilities, have a regular reminder on when to update the definitions on the laptop.
5. Encrypt the Hard Drive
Encrypting the hard drive provides the best level of defense against cyber attacks and theft. Login passwords do not provide sufficient protection. By encrypting the hard drive, laptop owners convert the files on the laptop into code, making it difficult for hackers to access the information. Encrypted data also makes it impossible for thieves and hackers to boot the computer without entering the correct encryption key. Encryption provides a solid level of security against unauthorized access. Always have the encryption key stored on a different device such as a phone or a USB drive. Also, encrypt any backed-up data.
Overall, it is a fact that no laptop owner wants to jeopardize the security of safety of their data. Adopting strict measures such as installing reliable antivirus programs, encrypting the hard drive and backed up data, backing up the information on the laptop, updating programs and applications frequently, using strong passwords can help improve security. Check out Software Lab today for more information on the best ways to protect a laptop.
