How to safeguard our personal and financial data?

Today, most people rely on computers especially the Internet to create, store and manage critical information. Information transmitted over the Internet is more vulnerable and has a higher degree of security risk than internal networks because they are open to anyone.Therefore, it is important that users take measure to protect their data from loss, damage and misuse.

Safeguards against unauthorized access and use

Usernames and passwords are used to ensure security. Longer passwords provide greater security than shorter ones. Once you select a password, change it frequently. Do not disclose it to anyone.You should also be careful about where you save your password on your computer. Some dialog boxes, such as those for remote access and other telephone connections, present an option to save or remember your password. Do not select that option.

Biometric device is also an access control to safeguard our personal and financial data. Biometric devices grant access to programs, computers, or rooms using computer analysis of some biometric identifier. Examples of biometric devices and systems include fingerprint scanners, hand geometry systems, face recognition systems, voice verification systems, signature verification systems and iris recognition systems. Biometric devices are gaining popularity as a security precaution because they are a virtually foolproof method of identification and authentication.

Other measures that safeguard against unauthorized access and use include firewalls and intrusion detection software. Users can use firewalls to protect their computers and data from unauthorized intrusions. Personal firewall utilities constantly monitor all transmissions to and from the computer and inform the users of any attempted intrusion.

Safeguards against information theft

To protect information on the Internet and networks, individuals may use a variety of encryption techniques to keep data secure and private. Encryption is a process of converting readable data into unreadable characters to prevent unauthorized access.

Sunday, June 22, 2008