Guard your clients’ information
When you work for a client, they’re putting their trust in you for some task, whether it is a large one or a small one. It’s often best to simply have a safely kept print copy to work from, and then make sure to keep backup copies of the files on a flash drive or two that are also kept somewhere safe. If the file was important to you, you’d want it well protected — so do the same for your clients. You cannot presume to know precisely how important a file is, even if a client tells you!
Take basic security steps This means:
Use complex passwords that you change often
Update your computer whenever new updates are available
Use a computer security program (this is an absolute must if you want your computer to last more than a few months)
Keep up to date with the latest developments on internet security, because everything could change over the course of a few days and you never know when you might be at risk
Protect your blog and other accounts
Your blog and social media accounts are your connections to the world and to your work. Make sure they’re protected in the strongest way possible. Consider installing extra security plugins or add-ons to your WordPress account. Double check your Facebook privacy settings are exactly how you want them. Do the same with any other major websites that you use. This should also go for any online accounts you have. Try to get rid of any accounts you don’t use anymore so you can’t be traced.
Protect yourself outside your home
The best way to protect yourself if you go out a lot or travel while working is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It will create an encrypted connection that acts like a tunnel between you and an outside server. This will be safe so you can use the internet privately and freely. If your client’s data is compromised on a public network, you may well lose that client.
Back up everything
Try several different backup methods until you find the ones that work best for you. For example:
Back your files up in redundant hard drives on your computer, which is a strong and ultimately convenient method — but an expensive one, and it puts all your files in one place.
Back up your files to the flash drive whenever you’re working and keep it in a safe place.
Consider using a cloud backup solution. The downside is that files uploaded to the cloud are not in your absolute control anymore and should the cloud come under attack there’s very little you can do about it.
