Computer Privacy and Security
If your computer was lost or stolen or accesses by a thief what would they have access to? and could you replace what you've lost?
Everyone is probably aware of the need for backups of important data. How many actually do it methodically is another point, but at least they are aware of it.
However most people aren't aware of the need to protect the data on their computer. This is particularly important for laptop users but affects all computer user
So what do you have on your computer that is so important?
If you use your computer for private use only then you probably have.
- Private letters with names and addresses
- Ages and Birthdays of your family
- Private pictures
- Bank account numbers contained in letters and maybe passport numbers and social security numbers.
- Email addresses and email account details
- User accounts and passwords to most password protected sites stored in cache.
If you Have a small business then you will have in addition to the above:
- Customer database.
- Invoices.
- Business banking details.
- Product details
- Sales details
So can this information be useful to a thief? Well they will have all the information they need to pass most security questions.
Protecting Your Data
There are some very simple things you can do to keep your data reasonably secure and they are inexpensive.
- Always use a password to logon (disable auto logon)
- Change your password periodically and use a secure password -min 6 characters a mixture of letters, numbers and special characters.
- Never write your password down.
- Use a method for password generation that is easy to remember so that you don't forget it.
- Keep all your private data in a single location and encrypt it using encryption software.
- If your computer is scraped make sure you remove all traces of personal data by reformatting the disk or using disk wipe software. ( see
Darik's Boot and Nuke)
- If you take your computer into repair ensure that your personal data is encrypted and Clear all temporary Internet files, passwords etc either manually ( see
remove temporary internet files) of by using Privacy Protection Software.
Related Articles and resources:
