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Importance of storage security in corporate and digital lifestyle

The increasing demands of a mobile lifestyle require that your most precious data can readily be on the go yet securely stored.

Peace of mind is priceless in the laptop industry. Whether it be a confidential business document, that favourite song you recently downloaded, or a picture of your most recent beach getaway, each file is equally important and needs to be stored in the safest place. Thus, along with the need for lightweight, portable laptops packed with performance and added security, are reliable hard drives that can securely store every data and a regular backup performance to safeguard your electronic files.

Data loss

Lost data can cause a major impact in carrying out daily tasks. According to a report on data loss in Europe, over 6% of PCs will suffer data loss in any year. The report identifies six main causes of loss of data: hardware failure; human error, including accidental deletion; software file corruption; virus-infection; theft, especially laptop theft; and hardware loss, including floods, fires, lightning, power failure.

Given this, it is a vital routine to perform a comprehensive data backup before any viruses or human errors cause data loss. Top benefit of regularly backing up files is the capability to store lost files.

Data protection

Here are essential measures to ensure your files are given proper protection before any form of disaster strikes your PC.

Never write down passwords

Never write down or leave access numbers or passwords in your laptop carry case.

If a laptop is stolen, immediately do the following:

* Report the theft to the local police and to Corporate Security.

* If customer data was on the laptop, contact your manager.

* Change the password associated with the corporate user ID.

* If you cannot, contact your helpdesk for assistance.

Download the latest antivirus, antispyware and firewall software

For maximum security, ensure that the latest antivirus software is loaded and running on your laptop. Also, you will want to make sure the firewall on your computer is turned on. You can visit http://www.microsoft.com/spyware for more information on spyware and links to some of the many spyware scanners that are available for download.

Get the latest software updates

Regularly keeping your laptop up-to-date with the latest software updates will maximse efficiency. For Microsoft Windows, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.co. For other software, go to the manufacturers’ websites.

Use encryption

Use the Encrypted File System (EFS) on all folders containing sensitive corporate or customer information. To use this, your computer must be using a NTFS file system.

Use strong passwords

Use a strong password on all local accounts, especially the Administrator Password. Use a strong password on your Exchange personal folder (pst) file. Do not select the Save this password in your password list check box.

Use a password-protected screen saver

Use a password-protected screen saver set to activate after a maximum of 15 minutes of inactivity.

Disable dial-up networking password

Disable the Save password option in Dial-Up Networking.

Store removable hard drive

If the laptop has a removable hard drive, disengage it from the rest of the device and store it in a separate, secure location.

Write down asset information

Record in a safe place the laptop serial number, asset number, and model number.

Use portable hard drives with complete system backup

Back up all data that is sensitive or cannot be easily replaced. Back up data to a safe location on the corporate network. Most portable hard drives come with a complete system backup, including password-protected encryption for added security and enhanced software features. Enhanced backup features combined with password-protected encryption create a true digital safety net that any consumer can use to protect against system failure and unauthorised access to their digital content.

After confirming a successful backup, delete all data - both corporate and customer related - that is not essential in performing your job. Be sure to empty the Recycle Bin as part of the process.

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