Data Storage and Security Tips
There are different levels of security required for different types of data storage and it is dependant on the type and value of the data itself.
Some of your data could be of interest to thieves or competitors while other data is valuable because it would be hard or impossible to replace.
With your personal information and identity never give out more than is required and always ask what the information is going to be used for. Often times an employee will be working from a standard preprinted form with blanks that cover every subject of your life right down to your pets name. If the bank or whatever only needs your mother’s maiden name, that’s all you should give them.
This goes for both online and offline transactions, but use much more care when online.
Most online retailers are honest businesses but as with anything there are those that are not so honest. Fortunately, credit card companies will reimburse for fraudulent charges. Another option is to use one of the online payment services that totally mask and block your personal name, address and credit card numbers. One of the most important combinations to block is the card number and the 3 or 4 digit code on the back of the card. When someone has both of these they can easily use your card online.
Most of us have some form of electronic data that is valuable only to us, so we have it stored on CD’s somewhere. This is a good first step, but depending on how badly you would feel to lose the data, a simple backup may not be enough.
The best way to store your electronic data that is not valuable to anyone but you is online. I have two personal email accounts (one on each of the big search engines) and I simply email a copy of the data to myself and move it from my inbox to a file called “personal”. It is that simple and 100% safe from everything from thieves to house fires and even tornadoes or hurricanes.
It is nice to have your data with you on a memory stick or CD also but the email is the ultimate backup for data.
Other data that would not be safe being stored in a non-private location (government agencies and law enforcement do scan private emails from time to time) should be stored in a safe. Depending on the level of security you feel this information needs will determine what type of safe you will want.
Your absolute highest level of security is coincidentally one of the most affordable types also. This is with an underground hidden safe. With a big safe in your home people will know it is there and possibly request or demand access to the contents. Additionally, these types of safes are very expensive.
A small inground safe that is specifically designed to keep the contents protected from the elements and buried under ground is perfect because it is totally hidden from sight. Nobody can take or ask for what they do not know exists.
Theses types of secret safes are also ideal for storing and safeguarding other valuables. Because your belongings are stored underground they are not only safe from thieves but also from fires and any form of natural disaster.
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