File Management Tricks to Keep your Business Data Secure

Data plays a crucial role in today’s digitally-driven world, especially for businesses. All major companies and organizations around the globe depend on data and files to perform, assess, plan, and manage numerous tasks and activities. However, since data is not a physical entity, the chances of it getting wiped out are very high. When this happens, it is referred to as data loss. According to Techopedia, data loss refers to the process or activity that results in data getting deleted, getting corrupted, and rendered unreadable. There can be numerous reasons behind the occurrence of data loss. For instance, it can be caused by the actions of individuals, i.e., hackers or cybercriminals. Besides this, data loss could also happen due to faulty programs or apps. 

Losing important files and data is a nightmare for companies and organizations all around the globe, mainly because it negatively affects their business. Thankfully, there are available IT services in Torrance that includes data management. With the help of IT experts, companies and individuals can follow multiple methods with the guidance of the experts to ensure that their data, including digital files and folders, remain safe from data loss. This article will cover some of these experts’ file management tricks that can generally facilitate individuals and businesses to store data safely and securely. Let us dive right into it:

• Protect Files from All Forms of Malware

One of the biggest threats in the digital world that every user and company should be wary of is malware. The advancements in the field of technology have also resulted in the capabilities and power of different forms of malware. Currently, there are tons of different forms of malware, such as viruses, adware, spyware, etc., each of which can harm digital files and systems. Hence, businesses need to ensure that their digital files and information remain safe and secure from malicious files and software. One of the most effective ways to get the job done is to install antivirus software on all work devices. An antivirus application effectively tracks down malicious files and deletes them permanently. Moreover, it also facilitates users to have a safe and secure web browsing and downloading experience. Thankfully, tons of top-tier antivirus applications are readily available for users of all platforms, including macOS and Windows. Some of the most popular ones include Kaspersky, Norton, McAfee, etc. Besides installing and using an antivirus application, businesses can also enable firewalls and email filters to prevent the entry of malicious files into their systems. 

• Keep Files and Folders Hidden

Another way businesses and individuals can enhance the security of their digital files is by hiding them. Doing so will prevent them from getting accessed by unauthorized individuals or sources, thereby enhancing their safety and well-being. Thankfully, all major operating systems, including Windows and macOS, allow users to easily hide files and prevent them from being accessed by unauthorized individuals or sources. For example, if you are a macOS user and are wondering how to make folder hidden on Mac, there are multiple methods you can follow to get the job done without hassle. For starters, you can use the dedicated keyboard shortcut to hide any file or folder you want. All you need to do is select the folder you wish to hide and press the “Command,” “Shift,” and “.” keys, and the selected file will get hidden. Besides this, you can also hide files, folders, or even apps on Mac using third-party applications like One Switch. On the other hand, if you are a Windows user who wishes to hide confidential files or folders containing sensitive information, all you need to do is select the file or folder you wish to hide, right-click on the Properties option, navigate to the General tab and check the box beside the option labeled “Hidden.” This is one of the most effective methods of hiding files or folders on Windows. 

• Create Strong Passwords and Safeguard Them

Another effective way to prevent files and folders from getting accessed by unauthorized sources is to password-protect them. Once users set a password to a file or folder, only those who know the passcode can access, open, and make changes to it. However, thanks to the advanced tools readily available, hackers can easily crack an easy password. Hence, it is immensely important that users set a strong password that is not only tough to guess but hard to crack or pass through. A good password generally includes a combination of alphabets, numerals, and special characters. Another factor that determines how secure a password is its length. For example, an 8-character long password is way safer and more secure than one with only 4 characters. Besides this, companies and businesses should establish proper provisions for remotely-working employees. For instance, they should have rules about employees frequently changing the passwords of their work devices so that the element of surprise stays intact. 

If you own or manage a business, follow the aforementioned tips to keep digital files and folders safe.