The issue of security is nothing new. We have been around the block before with household and corporate budgets delegated towards making a space secure and safe, like a home, office, or factory. From burglar alarms, expensive break-in proof doors, locking mechanisms and even manned security teams, the industry is teeming with products and services that are sworn to protect our physical assets.
In the last few decades however, a new threat has emerged: hacking. By using the internet and digital tools like computers, we expose ourselves to a different kind of vulnerability. Through facets like unsecured networks, infected links or spammy emails, those who want to can violate our sense of digital security.
Think of everything that you use the internet for, from searching for recipes, navigating to your friend’s house, banking, and shopping, these could provide valuable information for someone hoping to control your assets, whether physical or digital. You could find yourself robbed, personified, or stalked. Even in a good case scenario, they could cause damage to your computer or mobile device, rendering you useless for days.
Is there anything you can do to protect your digital assets like you do your physical ones?
The good news is that there are quite a few options. You will probably need to combine several of them to get the full effect, just like you would for your business or your home.
Email Threats
Many viruses can be passed through emails, and that’s why an email checker is essential for getting only safe emails that are actually supposed to be sent to you. Though each server, whether Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo or whatever has its own system checker, they are not always fine tuned to your particular situation. They might block some emails that you want to be getting while letting others come through, cluttering your inbox with spam. Getting a cloud email security solution that protects against advanced email threats is especially important if you have your own corporate email system that is independent of the regular public servers. Look for options like quick quarantine to stop viruses from spreading if one does get through.
AntiVirus
Apart from emails, an easy way to get a virus is by clicking something contaminated on a website or downloading them inadvertently with something else. Installing a legitimate anti-virus system in your browser will stop you from clicking on something you shouldn’t explore or quickly dealing with the problem if you do. With so many things now stored on the cloud, you want to make sure that all you do is clean and therefore safe for your documents, pictures, and files.
Common Sense
The digital and physical worlds collide in some ways, and the threats can overlap as well. Just like a virus can actually cause your physical computer to self destruct, so can someone walking by and accessing your computer allow them to access your credit card number. That’s why it’s important to use common sense when protecting yourself and your property. Don’t use the same password for everything, don’t store your credit card information in your computer, and remember to lock you desktop or laptop as you walk away from your desk. You don’t want someone getting in there!
Though your home and auto insurance company likely don’t have a digital extension, the world is moving in that direction. For now you’ll have to do the best you can in protecting your assets yourself through using common sense and good habits, and investing in strong anti-virus and email threat blocking software and services.