101 Data Loss Protection Tips

Theft continues to be a major problem throughout the world. The Internet has made it easier for criminals to steal identities, because they can access your information without ever seeing you or leaving their homes.

Protecting your passwords, finances, and other sensitive information has long been an important priority for businesses, but it's increasingly necessary for consumers to heed data protection advice and use security practices to keep their private information safe.

While there is much information available to consumers, families, and individuals on how to protect passwords and safeguard desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices from hackers, malware, and other threats, there are also many conflicting opinions on what best practices are for using the Internet safely.

We’ve put together a list of 101 tips for keeping your personal information private and protecting your devices from threats.

SECURING YOUR DEVICES AND NETWORKS

1. Encrypt your data identity 

2. Backup your data.

3. Cloud computing presents a viable backup option.

4. Anti-malware protection is necessary. 

5. To guard against identity theft, destroy the hard drives of old computers.

6. Install operating system updates.

7. Automate your software updates.

8. Secure your wireless network for your work and office premises.

9. Turn off your computer.

10. Use a firewall.

11. Follow the Principle of Least Privilege.

12. Use "passphrases" rather than "passwords."

13. Encrypt your USB drives and SIM cards.

14. Don't store passwords anywhere.

15. Disable file and media sharing when you are not using it.

16. Use full disk encryption for maximum, portable data file privacy.

17. Overwrite deleted files.

18. Delete unnecessary files from cloud backups to free up space.

DATA PROTECTION TIPS FOR MOBILE DEVICES

19. Configure your app privacy settings.

20. Enable remote location and device-wiping capabilities.

21. Keep privacy settings up to date.

22. Use MyPermissions.com to give or revoke app permissions all at once.

23.Lock your smartphone and tablet devices to prevent data theft.

24. Always back up your mobile device data.

25. Disable automatic uploads.

26. For security purposes, disable Bluetooth when you are not using it.

27. Install anti-virus or anti-malware protection on your mobile devices.

28. Review your push notification settings on mobile devices.

29. Apple users should enable Touch ID on their devices.

30. Configure content filters..

31. Configure your device to automatically lock after a period of inactivity.

32. Be aware of the applications you use..

33. Prevent your smartphone from being stolen.

34. Configure an on-device, personal firewall.

35. Before donating or discarding a device, wipe it clean of any personal data and reset it to factory settings.

36. Pay attention to your surroundings when using your mobile device in public.

PROTECTING YOUR IDENTITY

37. Define what constitutes Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

38. Use strong passwords. 

39. Be cautious about sharing information about your personal life.

41. Be aware of identity thieves.

42. Share passwords with caution so that they aren't misused by someone else.

43. Do not use the same password for multiple accounts or services.

44. Be careful to safeguard your government-issued identification numbers..

45. Don't write your passwords down.

46.  Organize your passwords into categories.

47. When faxing sensitive information, always use precautions.

48. Shred old documents and statements for security purposes.

49. Delete old data files you no longer need..

50. Dispose of electronics responsibly.

PROTECTING YOUR CREDIT

51. When using debit cards for purchases, sign for the purchase and do not enter your PIN..

52. Sign up for email alerts to receive transactional information.

53. Review your statements periodically.

54.Observe small transactions.

55. Be cautious to respond to offers of help following a cyber attack..

56. Register for a one-call fraud alert.

57. Shop on websites you're familiar with.

58. Get a free credit report.

59. When shopping online, take care to protect yourself and your business against the risks of fraud.

PROTECTING YOUR DATA ON SOCIAL NETWORKING

60. Share information on social networking platforms wisely.

61. Configure your social networking privacy settings to meet your needs.

62. Be cautious of people who make huge claims about being robbed.

63. Block suspicious or shady users.

64. Protect your Tweets from unauthorized access and use.

65. Check your privacy settings periodically.

66. Choose social friends wisely.

67. Enable two-step verification for LinkedIn.

68. If your account has been compromised, you should contact the social network immediately and let your friends know.

PROTECTING YOUR DATA ONLINE

69. Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi.

70. Set privacy settings for websites you access.

71. Don't forget to sign out.

72. Be wary of opening email messages from unknown sources.

73. Use two-factor authentication.

74. Don't believe everything you read.

75. Always use secure websites to make purchases..

76. Avoid opening email attachments that are from unfamiliar sources.

77.  To protect your reputation, monitor what you post online..

78. Never download programs or files from untrustworthy websites.

79. Consider using a disposable email.

80. Use secure mobile access options.

81. Opt out of ad tracking on the Web.

82. Never save passwords in your browser.

83. It is advisable to use multiple email addresses for different contexts.

84. It is advisable to set up a separate email address for long-term projects.

85. Make sure you’re aware of the digital footprint you create with your activities.

87. Be careful when searching in categories known for malware.

88. Never transmit passwords or account log-in credentials over public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

89. Protect your most sensitive data by storing it in a local hard drive.

90. Password changes might not be necessary on a regular basis.

91. Consider using an encrypted cloud service.

92. Choose a safe, reputable email provider that protects your identity.

DATA PROTECTION FOLLOWING A DATA BREACH

93. Immediately change your credentials after a breach occurs.

94. Verify that a breach in security has really occurred.

95 If applicable, request a new card.

96. Consider placing a credit freeze on your credit reports.

97. Take advantage of free credit monitoring.

98. Do not ignore reports from friends about unknown activity on your accounts.

99. Keep track of the warning signs that indicate the possibility of a data breach or hack.. 

100. If your accounts have been compromised, take steps to regain control.

101. Find out the reason for the breach.

 
Hope you enjoyed reading this list. 

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