How to Prevent Your Data from Being Stolen: 10 Tips

Learn Our Best Practices for Securing Your Data & Digital Assets

At By Design Law , we know that no two clients have the same needs and concerns when it comes to cyber security and data privacy. When you need a customized, adaptable plan for online protection, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (206) 593-1519 to get started.


Online data is the crude oil of the digital age. Nothing is more valuable to companies and merchants—or to cyber criminals.


Not only can online data expose your personal identifiable and financial information, but it can also convey information about your browsing habits, geolocation, social media activities, communication, health information and online purchase history. As you can imagine, access to these details provides limitless opportunities for mishandling and abuse.


The reality is that without a comprehensive data protection strategy, you’re browsing the internet with a target on your back. Luckily, we can change that.


As leading cybersecurity and data protection attorneys in Seattle, we understand the necessity of safeguarding your data. Perhaps more importantly, we know exactly how to make it happen. Keep reading to learn our 10 tips to prevent your data from being stolen.


Can your company withstand a data leak? Can your personal life? All it takes is one cyber attack to devastate your finances, and unless you employ a full-spectrum security strategy, you’re vulnerable to online threats. Fill out our
online intake form to explore your protection options.


1. Strengthen Your Passwords

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent your data from being co-opted is by using strong, unique passwords and changing them at regular intervals. It can be tempting to choose an easy-to-remember password for convenience, but if it’s convenient for you, it’s convenient for cyber criminals, too. The strongest passwords are complex and use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.


2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Many email, social media and financial applications will prompt you to set up two-factor authentication. Take it from a cybersecurity expert: You should always enable two-factor authentication when given the opportunity. It only takes a couple of minutes to set up, and in the event of a compromised password, two-factor authentication can safeguard your data.


3. Keep Software Up to Date

Despite what your phone may lead you to believe, software updates are more than just routine annoyances—they typically contain critical security patches that address system vulnerabilities. By regularly updating your operating system, antivirus software, applications and web browsers, you can ensure you’re being protected by the latest security measures. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to enable automatic updates so that you’re protected from emerging threats.


4. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts

You don’t have to be digitally illiterate to be caught in a phishing scheme —it only takes letting their guard down for a moment for even the most tech-savvy people to open or download a malicious attachment. That’s why it’s critical to exercise caution when opening emails, especially from unknown senders. Look for red flags like grammatical errors, urgent requests and unfamiliar email addresses to help you avoid revealing personal information to scammers.


5. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Skilled cybercriminals can easily infiltrate your home or office Wi-Fi network when you fail to secure it. That’s why it’s a good idea to change your default network name—as well as your password—to unique and hard-to-identify values. Enabling network encryption and disabling its broadcasting feature can also provide additional security against potential hackers.


6. Use Secure Networks

If your devices are set up to automatically connect to public networks, you may be unintentionally exposing your sensitive data to hackers. For example, you may make a quick trip to Starbucks before work when your phone connects to the store’s public network. Without thinking, you log in to your online banking app to check your balance, compromising your data. Sticking to secure networks and using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection is an effective way to shield your data from prying eyes.


7. Regularly Backup Your Data

Cyberattacks, hardware failures and natural disasters can all result in a devastating data loss. Regularly backing up your most essential documents and files can ensure that even if your data is compromised, you have a copy from which you can restore it. Good backup methods include external hard drives, cloud storage or, preferably, both.


8. Be Mindful of Social Media

Social media is anything but harmless. Your social media accounts are a veritable treasure trove of personal information that can be exploited by cybercriminals. Even if you’re not particularly concerned about data theft (which you should be), it’s critical to review your privacy settings and restrict visibility to trusted friends and connections. It’s also a good idea to be wary of engaging with unfamiliar accounts as cybercriminals increasingly use social media to conduct their scams.


9. Educate Yourself and Your Team

When you run a company that deals with sensitive information, it isn’t enough for you to be educated about cybersecurity and potential threats—your team needs to be on the same page. As a collective responsibility, data security needs to be a priority for everyone whose lack of cybersecurity awareness could negatively affect your company. It’s your job to stay informed about the latest data protection strategies and conduct regular trainings for your colleagues.


10. Consult with a Cyber Protection Attorney

As a busy attorney, you don’t have time to learn every pertinent aspect of cybersecurity. Luckily you don’t have to when you partner with a skilled cyber protection attorney . As legal professionals specializing in this niche field, the team at By Design Law can provide you with the necessary guidance, security strategies and data protection plans to keep you and your company safe.


By Design Law: Top Cybersecurity and Data Protection Specialists in Seattle

Cyber threats aren’t going away anytime soon. And at some point, no matter who you are, your valuable digital data will come under attack. The only real question is whether you’ll be prepared for it. Luckily, we can help with that.


Ready to get started? Contact By Design Law online to
schedule a free consultation or give us a call at (206) 593-1519 to speak with a cybersecurity specialist today.


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