It doesn't matter if you are a full-time freelancer or an entrepreneur on the move: Your hard work -- all the files and data you complete for your client / own business is at risk. Almost anything could sabotage hours of hard work in an instant. One spilled cup of coffee on your laptop or one client saving the only copy of a document you sent could ruin your day. Here are five tips on how to keep your work safe and how to avoid data disasters.
1. Whenever you're travelling, your data may be at risk.
You expose yourself to several security risks whenever you take your work with you. Using a Wi-Fi network that's not secure can put your client's confidential data at risk. It's your responsibility to protect this sensitive information if someone else can access it.
What you should do:
No matter where you are, invest in a personal hotspot that you can password-protect. This way, you can ensure the Wi-Fi connection you're using is safe. Check with your wireless provider to see if you can add this feature to your current plan.
2. Sharing is not caring
Your work will undoubtedly need to be shared if you work with multiple clients. How will you handle it if your collaborator accidentally deletes a file from your cloud storage repository? The work may be lost forever.
What you should do:
File sharing is not synonymous with file security. If you send a file to a client or colleague, make sure you have a copy and multiple versions in case something goes wrong during the transfer process.
3. Storage is not always safe
Suppose you use cloud storage as a backup. You may lose data if you mistakenly delete, overwrite or forget to upload files before a disaster manually or a security incident occurs. A recent survey indicates that this is a point of confusion for most, so it is time to discuss it.
What you should do:
Using a cloud backup solution, you can protect your data. Install software that automatically backs up all user files and data and checks for changes along the way -- no manual dragging and dropping required. By investing, you can assure that no piece of work will disappear for good, regardless of what happens.
4. Your laptop is not a lockbox; they are your lifeline.
Your laptop/tablet can easily be swiped in seconds while working in a local coffee shop or airport lounge. Any confidential information on the device is in the hands of the thief. You may also lose any work or projects you have saved only on your laptop. That's unreplaceable hours of work! Money is at stake! -- that you're potentially at risk of losing.
What should you do :
Take an external hard drive with you when you take your laptop outside the house. In case of theft, you'll also want to ensure your passwords aren't crack-able. Easy-to-crack passwords contain actual words or proper names, contain keyboard sequences, and have a limited variety of characters