Not all data In Self Storage Is Secure

The Internet is not secure.

The number 1 reason most computers in Self Storage sites get hacked is through little or poor Internet security. If you have a computer connected to the internet (we will assume you are connected to the Internet as you are reading this article) on your computer is vulnerable unless you have the latest in antivirus and malware software. If you are still running Windows XP, your computer may be vulnerable as there are exploits on the Internet designed to attack window XP machines that even the best software cannot protect.

Is your ADSL modem router secure? Do you have the firewall turned on? Do you even know what a firewall is? A firewall in your modem router can help you stay protected in the event of a malicious attack. There are hundreds of known attacks and viruses on the Internet and if your router is not secure, your computers are not either.

Your Physical Computer Environment.

How many Self Storage sites have had a computer stolen? Plenty. It’s very easy to leave a notebook or a tablet by mistake somewhere, they are easily stolen. Is your data secure on your notebook? Most likely not. We all get annoyed by login passwords, but they are very valuable if someone picks up your laptop or notebook and tries to use it. If you did not password protect it, you’re very vulnerable. It’s easy for you to leave your desk and a customer could easily see data on your screen. If you leave the room, blackout your screen and make sure that your screen is password protected.

Consider your computer environment and say to yourself “if I lost my computer in the next five minutes would my data be safe?” Do this test and you will make some changes. One of the best changes that you can make is to ensure that sensitive data is backed up on a daily basis to a cloud-based secure service, DropBox is as good as any and it’s free. If you lose your computer, your house burns down, business is broken into, or a twist of fate blows up your computer, your key data is stored elsewhere. Don’t thank me now, wait till you have a disaster! Self Storage sites on busy roads can easily be targeted by smash and grab merchants demanding you hand over the computer.

We have heard of stories of business computers being stolen in 10 seconds. A site in Sydney a few years back was ram raided and they took the computers in less than 20 seconds. Keep doors locked during the day from add many areas and make sure that computer equipment is in a secure place of an evening and weekends. Most thieves know that the real bounty is stored on your computer so it’s important for to protect it and you have responsibility of customers to do so.

Basic Passwords.

Do you use basic passwords like 1234, password, or your dog’s name, all of these passwords the basic hacker can find easily? Even complex passwords can be targeted by hackers. Use complex passwords and change them regularly and this will help prevent your passwords being stolen. Many people write down their passwords into a file on the computer, some even put it on the desktop so that it’s easy to find. You muzzle leave the keys to your car on the bonnet as well! It’s just not secure. Management software like SiteLink Web edition have four levels of security for login purposes to protect your data.