Security

With new GDPR regulations, it is essential that you keep your data safe. You can help to keep your data secure using a few of our simple tips below.

Passwords

Passwords are the lock to your data and therefore it is essential that you keep them as secure as possible. If you do not then you risk that anyone can steal or corrupt your data. With new European GDPR rules, this will not only cost your reputation but can also cost you a great deal of money in fines!

Follow the tips below to keep your passwords secure.

Use a strong password. I.e. Complex combinations of words, symbols and numbers
Avoid use of dictionary words except in strange combinations.
The longer the password the better. Never have a password shorter than 12 characters.
Avoid: substituting numbers for letters (3 for e etc), use Dates of Birth in any combination; Postcodes; Children’s names; Towns; Football teams/players.
Never share your passwords – or use common themed passwords.

Connection

HQ pages are secured using HTTPS pages. You will get a green secure link icon in your browser. Occasionaly, if you have viewed an external image in an email or document, then the image may not have been on a secure page and you will see the orange icon, indicating that there is mixed secure and insecure content on the page. This sign will persevere even when you navigate away from the page with the linked image. However it will not cause any problems.

If you see the insecure icon in the connection bar of the browser – there is a potential problem – Contact us!

Email

Many attacks on your system come from poor use of email. There are some simple measures that you can take to avoid exposure to virus and other exploits such as phishing.

Try these tips:

Never click on links in an email unless you are absolutely certain it has come from a reputable source. Banks and similar organizations should never send links in emails. If they do – then treat with extreme suspicion.
Do not open email that is clearly Spam. If you open the email – the email may contain links to alert the spammer that you have opened the email. This can be done by simply opening the email if it contains images. Once a spammer is aware that you have opened a spam email, you could be opening the floodgates for much more spam.
Do not open email that does not contain an expected subject or sender. Often spammers spoof email addresses so email could look like it has been sent by someone in your own domain, or even sent from your own email address.
Do not view images in an email. There is an option to show content/images of emails that you can switch on briefly if you fully trust that the email is legitimate. But switch it off once you have viewed it, because the next email may not be so benign.
Never send emails out to large groups of people. If you must do this, use the BCC field, otherwise all of the email addresses can be extracted if any of the recipients computers have been compromised by a virus.
Never open links or attachments in email unless you are expecting someone to send you one.
Do not circulate jokes emails or virus warnings – these are more likely to be viruses.
Do not use your main email for signing up to newsletters, shops, subscription services etc.
Use a strong password for your email account.

GDPR / Data Protection

GDPR regulations, starting in May 2018, will put the control of personal data back into the hands of the individual, allowing a number of rights including access to their data and the ability to withdraw it. It also means that organisations cannot simply gather data without good reason and must prove that they are doing all they can to protect the data they do hold.

The law applies to any company that is targeting consumers in the European Union and holding or transporting data relating to them; meaning YOU!

It is vital businesses understand the importance and the responsibility tied to these new regulations. Non-compliance penalties could lead to fines of up to €20m or 4 per cent of a company’s annual turnover. You cannot opt out.

Find out more here