Koon's Watch

Is your most sensitive information safe from hackers and thieves?

How can you be sure?

This week marked Data Privacy Day, an international holiday geared toward bringing awareness to the importance of safeguarding data.

A significant amount of our modern-day lives revolve around digital communication and transactions.

How often are you online? Whether for entertainment, paying bills or making appointments, almost everything you do online involves some form of sharing your data and personal information.

One of the best ways to protect yourself online is having strong passwords.

As the front door to your accounts, choosing a password that cannot easily be guessed can help protect your identity. Avoid using your children or pets’ names, street addresses or schools. These generic passwords can be easily hacked.

Consider using abstract, longer forms, including the use of numbers and symbols where available. Enabling 2-factor authorization is another way to protect your accounts from intruders.

How easy is it for you to be found online?

Do you know what information is publicly shared?

Social media accounts provide a wealth of information about your personal life for all to see.

Review your digital presence by checking privacy filters and settings to ensure you’re only sharing information that | and with who you want to.

Protect your data and personal information on a daily basis by utilizing anti-viruse programs and firewalls on your devices. Potential viruses leave your data vulnerable to hackers. Always ensure your computer’s software is up to date.

Data protection is also imperative offline. Utilize shredding systems for sensitive and unused documents.

Do you have old checks or bank statements from 15 years ago? Papers with social security numbers on your desk? In a file cabinet? Find ways to safeguard that information to protect your identity and your family’s.