Tag Archives: data
The Importance of Solid and Secure Computer Data Storage
Are you thinking about computer data storage yet? Because with the rainy season approaching, your backup computer files might be the only thing between secure records and utter chaos. And if youre thinking thats a well-placed bit of exaggeration, try asking the residents of Freehold, NJ how many of their personal emails, financial records and pictures they wish they still had.
But what happened in Freehold is an excellent reminder of why computer data storage is so vital. When you dont backup your computer files, you run the risk of losing everything during power outages not just because the power is out and your computer wont run but because the surges in power can corrupt your files and hard disk. There are ways of protecting your computer at home a power strip is a good idea, and saving files to a thumb drive is smart but theyre not comprehensive enough for people who use their computer for more than just creating documents or updating social media. Offsite backups are a far better idea for keeping your most important files safe and sound.
So: what can you do to keep your files safe in the wettest season of the year? Weve compiled some ways of protecting your computer and its contents so that you dont end up with a very expensive paper weight the next time a hurricane rolls through town.
Offsite Backups: There are a number of reputable companies out there who can help you protect your information. Outside computer data storage facilities will store your information (for a fee, which can be nominal or not depending on the company) at their facility. Be Things to watch out with this so be careful of where your data is and how secure it is. That will be another article.
The Cloud: It seems strange to recommend putting all of you stuff into space, but thats essentially what the Cloud is. You can backup computer files online for free, which is great. Just be conscious that a computer hacker can wipe out those files a bit easier than s/he could if you use a company that specializes in computer data storage for your home or business.
USP: Thats an Uninterruptible Power Supply, and its a pretty cool gadget. It sends a steady stream of power to your computer even if a storm causes a power surge, giving you time to shut it down correctly. Some of them will even initiate the shut down for you, if you cant get to it yourself because you are away. Its one of the better ways of protecting your computer because it keeps the machine and its contents safe. Just make sure to “comparison shop” first, because some of them are a little pricey. Be aware that they do need to be configured properly in order for them to work the way they are meant to work.
Electricians: How good are your wires? If you live in an older home or if your area is particularly susceptible to sever storms, then all of the computer data storage in the world might not be able to save you. May be time to invest on a home generator to help keep your lights on during and after a storm. You never know how long it may take the electric company to get your lights back on. No matter what, remember to backup those computer files ASAP before it is too late.
Dont Wait to Backup Computer Files
The most important thing to remember is that sometimes believe it or not the weather reports are wrong. Some storms blow right over, while others cause levels of devastation that are almost unimaginable. (Just ask anyone from the Gulf Coast.) The best ways of protecting your computer mean nothing if you dont implement them. Thats why its so incredibly important that you backup computer files often. Offsite backups at reputable companies can keep your files necessary and precious safe when the lights go out.
Should You be Using a VPN?
You may already know what a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is but are you using one? If youre not using one, theres a high likelihood that you really should be using a VPN. When it comes to the reasons why there are a number of them. But before we get into those it would probably be beneficial to review exactly what a VPN is for those of you out there that dont know.
A VPN, according to Wikipedia, is “a technology for using the Internet or another intermediate network to connect computers to isolated remote computer networks that would otherwise be inaccessible.” Utilizing a VPN will give a user varying levels of security so that the traffic sent through the connection stays isolated from other computers on the immediate network. They can be used to connect individual users to a remote network or even to connect multiple networks together, depending upon the needs of the user. In doing so it gives users the ability to access resources on remote networks, such as databases, files, or printers. Also, due to the way VPNs function it gives users the impression that they are directly connected to the central network.
One of the most significant things to know about a VPN though is that it secures your computers Internet connection to guarantee that all of the data youre sending and receiving is encrypted and secured from prying eyes. This very reason is why VPNs should probably be utilized more often by businesses and their employees. Also, a VPN alone is just a way to reinforce your security and access resources on a network youre not physically connected to.
So why does all this matter? It matters because there is a growing trend within todays workforce for employees to work remotely or while on the road. As a result, there are many times when that employee is using a public wifi connection to perform their work which can pose a major security risk depending upon the data being transferred. This security risk occurs because many people dont realize that it isnt too terribly difficult for snoopers to capture that data. So whether its what youre writing in your email messages, posting to your Facebook page, or even buying on-line they are able to capture that with any of the readily accessible and easy-to-use programs that are out there.
Meaning that if the employee is sending sensitive and confidential emails at a local cafe shop those emails have a possibility of being intercepted and the sensitive information contained within them being exposed. Thereby potentially putting your business at risk. Which is definitely not a good thing.
Although there are many more good examples for why you should be using a VPN, for the sake of brevity, we wont get into them. The main purpose or intent, if you will, in discussing the issue of VPNs is to inform you as an employee or you as a business owner of the potential security risks that could already be occurring within your business on a day-to-day level and to make sure that you are fully aware of those risks so that you can take the necessary actions to ensure your business isnt unnecessarily vulnerable.
Should You be Using a VPN?
You may already know what a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is but are you using one? If youre not using one, theres a high likelihood that you really should be using a VPN. When it comes to the reasons why there are a number of them. But before we get into those it would probably be beneficial to review exactly what a VPN is for those of you out there that dont know.
A VPN, according to Wikipedia, is “a technology for using the Internet or another intermediate network to connect computers to isolated remote computer networks that would otherwise be inaccessible.” Utilizing a VPN will give a user varying levels of security so that the traffic sent through the connection stays isolated from other computers on the immediate network. They can be used to connect individual users to a remote network or even to connect multiple networks together, depending upon the needs of the user. In doing so it gives users the ability to access resources on remote networks, such as databases, files, or printers. Also, due to the way VPNs function it gives users the impression that they are directly connected to the central network.
One of the most significant things to know about a VPN though is that it secures your computers Internet connection to guarantee that all of the data youre sending and receiving is encrypted and secured from prying eyes. This very reason is why VPNs should probably be utilized more often by businesses and their employees. Also, a VPN alone is just a way to reinforce your security and access resources on a network youre not physically connected to.
So why does all this matter? It matters because there is a growing trend within todays workforce for employees to work remotely or while on the road. As a result, there are many times when that employee is using a public wifi connection to perform their work which can pose a major security risk depending upon the data being transferred. This security risk occurs because many people dont realize that it isnt too terribly difficult for snoopers to capture that data. So whether its what youre writing in your email messages, posting to your Facebook page, or even buying on-line they are able to capture that with any of the readily accessible and easy-to-use programs that are out there.
Meaning that if the employee is sending sensitive and confidential emails at a local cafe shop those emails have a possibility of being intercepted and the sensitive information contained within them being exposed. Thereby potentially putting your business at risk. Which is definitely not a good thing.
Although there are many more good examples for why you should be using a VPN, for the sake of brevity, we wont get into them. The main purpose or intent, if you will, in discussing the issue of VPNs is to inform you as an employee or you as a business owner of the potential security risks that could already be occurring within your business on a day-to-day level and to make sure that you are fully aware of those risks so that you can take the necessary actions to ensure your business isnt unnecessarily vulnerable.