subject: How Secure Is Your Data? [print this page] As the business world continues to change and people tend to do more of their work away from the office, security is becoming more and more of a problem. If you just keep a few things in mind, however, you can remain secure while you are working remotely and even while you are far away from the office. Here are a few things that can assist you in keeping your information safe and away from those that would use it for their own benefit.
One of the more important things that you can do is to lock your computer and to keep it locked when it is not being used. The newer computers allow you to do this, enabling a security code that must be breached before they are going to be able to access any of the programs. Just taking the time to do this can be one of the more important things that is done. It is also important for you to be cautious about any paperwork that maybe laying around while you're on vacation or perhaps even at home. This could be anything from tax returns to credit card information that would be able to be used by others.
Data security is also important, especially if you are going to be sending information across an open network. The newer computers have a certain amount of security built into them but even though that is the case, you would want to add security in some way or another. On the remote end, make sure that the information is encrypted when it is in transit. It is also important to have a firewall established so that others cannot browse your computer while you are on the open network. At your office, consider the Web server security that is in place. Hire an IT team that is able to lock down the server so that problems cannot occur or better yet, begin working on the server that is being monitored by others.
Are you somebody that uses your computer in a public location? Consider adding a privacy filter to keep any prying eyes from seeing the information that is on your screen. You can pick these up at most office supply stores and once they are put into place, nobody is going to be able to see the information that is on your screen clearly unless they are sitting in your position. Even a passing glance at certain information by somebody that is standing behind you can be detrimental to your business.
Finally, have a plan in place in case something should happen to go wrong with the information that is being carried with you on the road. If somebody should happen to intercept some data or perhaps even steal your laptop, make sure that it is a relatively easy thing for you to change any passwords and other information that will keep them locked out. Of course, there is always going to be the danger that could occur during the time that they have access to your information but if you are quick about it, you can limit your losses.
