The Destructive Nature of Data

In the twenty-first century, the opportunities to have private, personal data and information stolen and used are ripe. In the past few years, people such as Edward Snowden have sought to show the world that there are powers at be who would like to monitor perhaps more aspects of your life that you’d be comfortable with, and the statuses of these whistle-blowers are disputed. Some people call them heroes; others would call them traitors. But in a time of panic and confusion regarding the nature of data and private security, it is essential for people such as Edward Snowden to exist in order to raise the level of public awareness. How, then, can we protect the data of businesses?

Simple Solutions

There are some easy, quick fixes which will ensure that your personal data stays private on your machines. Firstly, make sure your workplace uses a VPN network, which creates a private, secure internet environment for all members of your company to plug into. Similarly, you can buy a business licence of antivirus software which will save you a lot of time and money downloading multiple copies of a domestic licence.

Your antivirus protection is extremely important, and most good ones have multiple uses. Not only do modern internet security packages contain antivirus protection to ensure that no harmful viruses can escape onto your network and corrupt your data, but they also contain cloud storage which enables you to save a back-up of your work to a digital locker which you can access from any internet-enabled location.

Physical Data

As with the Snowden case, data can be attained from the inside of your business, not just from external sources. To protect this from happening to your machine, you should ensure that you have encrypted your local computer with a password. The importance of this point cannot be overstated. Anybody who accesses your machine locally can get hold of all of your internet history, and all websites where cookies are saved – such as your social networking accounts – are also accessible.

It is not just digital information which needs to be protected. Paper still makes up a significant part of the way we communicate in a business, and getting rid of classified documents can be a real issue if you have a lot of them. As an option, you could consult a specialist who can advise you on best practice for destroying your documents correctly, giving you peace of mind. The question you have to ask yourself is whether the knowledge that your private information has been destroyed in a correct and permanent manner is worth the services of an industry specialist. If it is, then you should seek one out.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

In an age defined by digital omnipresence, the threat of data breaches looms larger than ever. This insightful article, by acknowledging figures like Edward Snowden, immediately grounds the discussion in a contemporary context of heightened public awareness regarding privacy. It deftly shifts from the macro concerns of government surveillance to the critical, yet often overlooked, challenge of protecting business data, thereby offering practical guidance in a world where data is both currency and vulnerability.

Simple Solutions for Digital Fortification​

The piece effectively addresses immediate and actionable steps businesses can take to bolster their digital defenses. The recommendation of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is spot-on, emphasizing its role in creating a secure, private internet environment. Equally pragmatic is the advice to invest in a business license for antivirus software. This not only streamlines deployment but also highlights the multi-faceted nature of modern internet security packages. Beyond merely warding off viruses, the article points out the invaluable inclusion of cloud storage for secure data backup and remote accessibility. This dual utility underscores how contemporary security solutions are evolving to offer both protection and operational flexibility.

Safeguarding Physical and Local Digital Assets​

Crucially, the article extends its focus beyond external cyber threats to the often-neglected domain of "Physical Data" and internal vulnerabilities. Drawing a direct parallel to the Snowden case, it emphasizes that data breaches can originate from within. The strong admonition to encrypt local computers with passwords cannot be overstated. It serves as a stark reminder that physical access to a machine can compromise vast swathes of personal and business information, including Browse history and saved login credentials. This point is a vital call to action for every individual within an organization to prioritize basic, yet powerful, security measures.

Furthermore, the article intelligently broadens the scope of data protection to include physical documents. In a world increasingly digitized, the continued reliance on paper in business communications means that proper disposal of classified documents remains a significant security challenge. The suggestion to consult a specialist for document destruction offers a pragmatic solution for ensuring permanent and secure eradication of sensitive information. This holistic approach, encompassing both digital and physical data, underscores the article's comprehensive understanding of data security in the twenty-first century, providing businesses with a well-rounded strategy to protect their invaluable information assets.