Practical Ways to Secure Your Information on Data Protection Day

It’s Data Protection Day! In recent years, the amount of data being generated and retained globally can only be described as exponential. In our modern, fast-paced world, it’s never been more important to safeguard your information.

What is data?

This Data Protection Day, you may be wondering what exactly data is and perhaps thinking it’s too late to ask. Don’t worry gang, Priority Pixels have got your back!

The concept of data is rooted in the context of computing and mathematics. However, these days it means so much more. Essentially, data is information that has been translated and recorded for the purpose of processing and analysing. These days it can be anything, from imagery and videos to demographic information like your age, location and gender. The most well-known form of data these days is the type of information we generate online through our searches, likes, dislikes and shares.

What is data protection day?

Data Protection Day is an annual celebration marking the anniversary of the Council of Europe’s Convention 108. On the 28th of January in 1981, for the first time in history, the convention saw the passing of a legally binding international law protecting one’s personal information and data. In 2018, the protocol was amended and modernised to keep up with the challenges of new technologies.

How can I protect my data?

Data loss or even theft are a massive threat these days for small and large businesses alike. Small businesses and organisations in particular are often lacking in security under the guise they won’t be targets for data theft. In reality, their lack of protection can make them easy prey for cyber attacks as well as at risk of losing their data due to a failure in their digital infrastructure and/or assets. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to safeguard your data and information.

Nine ways to secure your data

1. Back up your data – Regularly back up your data and store it separately from your main devices, such as a laptop or desktop computer.
2. Use strong passwords – This one is a doozy. Your accounts and devices should be locked securely with strong passwords. A strong password includes different characters and numbers, and shouldn’t be easily guessed.
3. Secure your devices when working remotely – As more people transition from centralised offices to at-home working environments, it’s never been more important to ensure employees can access files and complete their tasks securely and efficiently.
4. Be wary of phishing emails – Perhaps most important, it’s absolutely paramount we remember that not everyone has grown up with advanced technology at their fingertips. What seems like a malicious spam email to you may look perfectly genuine to another employee. Be wary of phishing emails, and make sure your fellow peers are also aware of the dangers.
5. Install malware and anti-virus protection – Put an additional digital wall between your data and anyone with malicious intent.
6. Don’t leave your devices unattended – Data breaches and loss can occur when well-meaning employees leave their paperwork or devices unattended. It could be sitting on a desk at home (unlocked) or in the back of their car. It’s important we take steps to protect both our personal and work data by storing it away securely.
7. Secure your WIFI – Make sure your WIFI is secure. Using a public or insecure connection could put you at risk of data theft. This is particularly important in a world where we access financial information such as bank account statements online or through an app.
8. Lock your screen – This applies to both personal and work devices. Always lock your screen when you leave your desk to prevent anybody else from accessing any sensitive data.
9. Dispose of old equipment and data securely – Before binning and reselling any old equipment, make sure you clear all of your data off it.

Protecting your data at Priority Pixels

As a leading digital marketing agency here in the South West, the team at Priority Pixels are handling all sorts of data every day – from HTML code and website copy to the personal details of a client. We know better than anyone that in this day and age, it’s never been more important to back up and secure your data. This Data Protection Day, use our easy checklist to ensure your data is safe and locked away.

Oh, and if you need any help getting your digital ducks in a row give us a buzz.