Data security has become vitally important for everyone, from large corporations to home computer users, especially as more people shift to remote work. Keeping personal and business data safe from hackers has become a crucial measure for tech experts providing IT support in San Diego, CA and beyond.

In October 2019, Statista reported that 53 percent of users are more concerned about their online privacy than ever before. Considering that there were over 600 data breaches involving identity theft in 2018 alone, it’s understandable that individuals and businesses are worried about their digital security.

Below, we’ll discuss several steps you can implement to ensure your information remains protected online. Let’s take a look!

Best Ways to Keep Your Data Secure

The most effective data security strategies involve a multifaceted approach that includes one or more of the following steps:

Upgrade Your Email Account – If you use a free email service like Gmail or Yahoo, consider upgrading to a paid service for better built-in security.
Browse the Web with More Privacy – Web browsing leaves a trail of information behind you. However, you can obscure your usage by investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or using a free tool like the Tor browser.
Update Your Operating System – As a leader in computer repair, we often find that customers easily miss (and sometimes ignore) notifications to upgrade their operating systems (OS). Updating your OS is crucial because it helps to enhance your device’s functionality, and many upgrades include patches that contain important security improvements.
Back Up Your Data – As cyber-attacks become more commonplace in corporate and private sectors, it’s more important than ever to back up your information to an external solid state drive (SSD) or one of the many cloud solutions available today.

While each of the above tips is essential for maintaining digital security, backing up your data is of primary importance. Keeping an up-to-date copy of your information on-hand at all times is not only beneficial for mitigating the effects of data loss, but it can also give you the upper hand if you fall victim to a ransomware attack. This is because you’ll already have access to the data that hackers are holding for ransom.

Benefits of Solid State Drives

External SSDs are a popular choice for storage due to their security capabilities and other defining characteristics. While hard disk drives (HDDs) were once the norm, SSDs are slowly becoming the go-to choice, especially as more affordable options enter the market.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of investing in a solid state drive for your data backups:

Unrivaled Speed

SSDs are known for their speed, which runs from 35 to 100 micro-seconds, delivering 100 times the performance of HDDs. This means that you’ll enjoy instant load performance, which translates to quicker computer boot times as well as faster loading speeds for applications and software.

Reliability & Efficiency

One of the most valued traits of SSDs is that there are no moving parts. Instead, these devices use flash memory as storage, which offers improved efficiency and reliability. With HDDs, which must spin to retrieve and read data, there is a higher risk for malfunctions with continued use. On the other hand, the non-mobile nature of flash storage minimizes the chances of parts breaking due to general wear and tear.

Ample Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of solid state drives has improved dramatically over time, and today, it directly rivals that of hard disk drives. The only pitfall of SSDs with larger capacities is the price; however, customers tend to value the quality of the device over the quantity of data it can store.

Ramp Up Your Data Security Protocols with Computer Support from NerdsToGo

Whether you use your technology for corporate or personal tasks, it’s essential to take as many precautions as possible to safeguard your information. At the very least, you should take the time to invest in an external SSD to back up and house your data. That way, you can ensure that you have access to all of your files, even in the event of a ransomware attack.

Data security is a vast topic, and determining the best steps to take to protect your information can be overwhelming. Luckily, our certified Nerds are here to help! As a leading source for computer repair, we have the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to ensure your information remains as safe as possible. Our team can analyze your current security protocols and identify any weak points. Then, we’ll recommend actionable steps you can take to improve your data protection.

For more information about the IT support services we offer, contact us today!