If you use technology to store information and data, then it’s crucial that you do so in a way that’s safe. The internet, despite technological advancements, is still a very dangerous place. It’s overrun with hackers and budding scammers. If you don’t store your data in a way that is safe, then it could fall into the wrong hands. With people’s personal information, hackers are able to make an absolute fortune. Most data is sold on the dark web. Financial information is also sometimes used to make fraudulent purchases on the internet by the hackers themselves.

Here are six tips to help you store your virtual data more securely:

SSD

SSDs are a great storage option. SSD stands for solid-state storage, and they are devices that work alongside your computer system’s processor in order to better manage data. There are two types of solid state storage, Peripheral Component Interconnect Express SSDs or Non-Volatile Memory Express SSDs (PCIe/NVMe/PCIe-NVMe) Serial Advanced Technology Attachment SSDs (SATA). If you are planning on using an SSD, then it’s very important that you find the type that’s right for you. The best way to do this is to research the individual types, and then find out what they are used for most.

Cloud

The Cloud is another storage option, though rather than relying on hardware, it is exclusively online. In order to store your data in the Cloud, you just need to subscribe to a Cloud service. The benefits of using Cloud storage are that it is usually very affordable, is very secure, helps to maintain business continuity, improves collaboration, and provides automatic updates. Cloud software is also scalable, which makes it a good option for growing businesses. If you are a business owner, then you should be able to get a Cloud package for a very reasonable price. The best part about Cloud software is that you can cancel your subscription at any time, meaning that you aren’t locked into any fixed contracts. You can also increase the amount of storage that you have at any time.

Encryption

If you want to ensure that hackers and con artists aren’t able to access your data, then it’s a very good idea to encrypt it. Encryption doesn’t just offer security, it is also very cheap to implement, can save you from regulatory fines, can help to protect your remote worker’s data and information, and increases the integrity of your business’s data (or your personal data), and increases consumer trust. If you own a business, then taking steps toward data protection like encryption can instill confidence in your customers and convince them that you have their best interests at heart.

Back-ups

Make sure that you regularly backup your data. Back-ups are especially important if you use Cloud software. If you don’t back your data up, then it could become damaged or lost. It is also important to back your data up if you use hardware storage. By backing your data up, you will ensure that there are digital copies of your data stored online, for you to access if your existing data becomes corrupted. Having backups can protect your business and ensure that you don’t ever suffer large-scale data losses, which are a very big problem for many businesses.

Anti-malware

One serious risk to your data is malware. Many people have active malware infections on their electronic devices but simply aren’t aware because they do not perform routine virus check-ups. It is very important for your data’s security that you download anti-malware software.  Anti-malware software is more often than not free, although if you want extremely robust and reliable protection, you might have to pay a little extra. In addition to getting malware coverage, you should also get software that protects you against spyware and ransomware, two other types of viruses that can be devastating to one’s data.

Updates

One last thing to remember to do if you want to protect your data is to regularly download and perform updates. If you have Cloud software, then you won’t need to manually perform updates. You can instead just change your Cloud software’s update settings to automatic, and the software will do it for you. If you use hardware then make sure that you manually perform updates as often as you need to. You can find out when updates are due by following your software manufacturer on social media or by signing up to their email list, where they will be able to provide you with updates.

If you store data online, then you need to go out of your way to ensure that you manage it securely. Data theft is very common. If your data falls into the wrong hands, then you could become a victim of fraud.