In today’s digital age, everything is as easy as 1-2-3. However, with our reliance on the Internet also comes the threat that lingers in all our every click and scroll. Sure, there are lots of things that the Internet can help you with. There are also lots of malicious elements online that make a living out of planting threats and hacking other people’s data. Since that is their living, you can surely bet that they are systematized, insistent, and out for blood. This does not mean that you should stop your activities on the Internet altogether. All you have to do is be aware and be smart with all the security measures that you can do to protect your data and your computer. Here are some of the things that you need to do:
1. Secure your word documents before sending
We have all been using emails even before. However, since the pandemic, we cannot deny that there have been restrictions on how we connect with our colleagues. Especially if you are working from home, you cannot be readily available to fact-check documents that you send to your colleagues when you are just staying in one office. With this, it is important to secure your documents before sending them in your email. You can convert word to PDF to maintain their integrity. For a safer choice, you can also lock your PDF file with a password.
2. Apply strong passwords
Since we talked about passwords, maybe this is the right time to set the record straight. When logging in or signing up to applications or other platforms, we may think that it is easier to use a weak password. There is a truth in that. However, using weak passwords will also be detrimental because hackers will find it easier to enter your system. It is also the same thing when it comes to using only one password for different accounts.
If you are having a hard time tracking all your strong passwords, you can check out and try a password managing app.
3. Know how to encrypt
Some people may think that encrypting is only for computer geeks. The truth is that everyone must learn how to encrypt their files, especially those that are the most confidential. Encryption is easy when you learn it and not only for computer geeks. Encryption uses a key for you to access a protected document. The more confidential the document is, the stronger your encryption and key must be.
4. Backup your file
You must already know how important backing up your files is. The only question here is if you truly can back up your files. You may have backed up your files, but is it as regular as you should do it? Do not worry, skipping your file backup is a common thing that most of us forget. But you will only realize the importance of backing up files once you experience losing important documents. This is the reason why it is still better to be prepared.
Some software programs and gadgets are available to help you with backing up your files automatically. This way, you do not need to worry about forgetting that you have backed up your files. You can also toggle the options for these digital tools on how often it would back up your files.
5. Choose a reliable online storage
Since we are already talking about backing up your files, here is another idea if you want to secure your files and keep them protected. Instead of using offline software programs, you can just create your documents in online office programs like Google Sheets, Google Docs, and more! These kinds of programs also have an autosave feature that will save your file even when your computer accidentally crashes or any other situation that will make you unable to save your files. It will also allow you access to different features that will help you with your document.
6. Try switching to eSignature
Technology has certainly gotten a long way. Today, you can now use it to sign documents legitimately. The old way of sending the signed document via email exposes your documents to many risks. By using a reliable program like AdobeSign or DocuSign, you can now sign your documents legally without the need to print them.
7. Have an organized system
The key to being more secure is to have an efficient organization. This way, you will find it easier to manage and oversee your documents. It will also be easier for you to compartmentalize your files based on confidentiality.
Be more cautious
Here are just some of the precautionary measures that can guide you in protecting your files. You can research other ways to secure your files, but you need to be careful with the right tool or application that you will trust.
