Keeping Your Data Secure – Three Top Tips

As a home worker, you are the sole person who is responsible for all of your security. Security is your priority. As well as holding vital information about your financial transactions, you will be responsible for information that pertains to others. This is not just important for your own peace of mind; it is essential for making sure you keep all of your clients happy; if you lose or compromise their work, you can say goodbye to your reputation, as well as their business. So how can you make sure you stay safe and savvy? Here are three simple tips you should consider:

1. Keeping your files encrypted

Home worker security relies heavily on not letting others gain access to information you need to keep private. It would be lovely to submit a file via the Internet worry free, but in reality you need to do what you can to make sure others don't access personal details. When using an encrypted file system, you need to make sure it is strong enough to protect anyone who has physical or remote access to your files from seeing what is inside them. When you encrypt a file, it needs to be consistent and up to date. With that in mind, you should select a file encryption software package that encrypts on a real time basis. You may also want to consider selecting a package that provides you with 'plausible deniability', available with the ever-popular TrueCrypt software. That means that if, for whatever reason, you are forced to open your file by using a password under coercion, you can make it so that a false one is entered, and it looks as though you have genuinely misplaced it. By using a file encryptor as a home worker, you ensure all documents are as secretive and secure as you need them to be.

2. Using a drop box as a home worker for added security

For any home worker the next most terrifying thought is losing data altogether. Even in today's innovative technological age, home worker security can be compromised by hard drive crashes and accidents around the home. Using a drop box or cloud drive, such as Dropbox or Google Drive, will allow you to store your data remotely. Not only is this great for ensuring you do not lose your work as a result of accidents or theft, it also means you can work on the go. With tablets that have the Android market installed and the iPad offering document apps that can be used in tandem with drop boxes, you can access your files even if a customer contacts when you are away from your office. Do remember to encrypt all files before using them with an online storage facility like Google Drive.

3. Use a traditional safe or a fire data safe

Last but not least, make the most of a traditional safe for extra security or if you want to protect your back up media then a fire safe is the answer. Homework security can be enhanced significantly by using a safe to protect cash, documents, and vital hardware from theft. Small security safes for home workers are inexpensive, but they can keep your documents free from prying eyes. Don't worry about whether you have to keep a big bulky piece of kit hidden away in your office; safes now come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose to purchase a small, basic one for keeping petty cash and documents, or you can choose something larger with fire resistance to keep your hard drive or tablet locked away and protect it from fire damage. There are essentially 3 types of Fire safes - Fire safes for paper documents, fire safes for digital media (such as cd/dvd, usb sticks, external hard drives etc.) and fire safes for tape data, which are the only type suitable for computer back up tapes.  Whatever you choose, a safe is a fundamental piece of equipment for any home worker who is serious about safety.