--- title: 5 Tips to Keep Your Data Safe Online description: Data security should be a top focus for businesses of any size. Here are some cybersecurity tips to keep your businesses protected and your data secure. image: https://blog.seedspark.com/hubfs/kon-karampelas-HUBofEFQ6CA-unsplash.jpg --- [![logo-white-2020](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-white-2020.png?width=80&height=80&name=logo-white-2020.png "logo-white-2020")](https://seedspark.com/) [![logo-square](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-square.png?width=55&height=54&name=logo-square.png "logo-square")](https://seedspark.com/) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips&title=5%20Tips%20to%20Keep%20Your%20Data%20Safe%20Online&description=Data%20security%20should%20be%20a%20top%20focus%20for%20businesses%20of%20any%20size.%20Here%20are%20some%20cybersecurity%20tips%20to%20keep%20your%20businesses%20protected%20and%20your%20data%20secure.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips&text=5%20Tips%20to%20Keep%20Your%20Data%20Safe%20Online%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips&title=5%20Tips%20to%20Keep%20Your%20Data%20Safe%20Online&summary=Data%20security%20should%20be%20a%20top%20focus%20for%20businesses%20of%20any%20size.%20Here%20are%20some%20cybersecurity%20tips%20to%20keep%20your%20businesses%20protected%20and%20your%20data%20secure.) 18 January 2022 Tuesday # 5 Tips to Keep Your Data Safe Online By [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) In: [cybersecurity](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/cybersecurity) As of 2021, the world’s digital population– active internet users – reached 4.66 *billion* people. An even more staggering statistic is the saturation of internet use itself. According to Statista, 99 percent of adults aged 18-29 are online alongside 98 percent of those aged 30 to 49. Even 96 percent of those aged 50 to 64 are connected. In short, more people are online now than ever before regardless of their age. Unfortunately, more people online means more targets for attackers. Passwords, financial information, sensitive personal data – even your location *right now* are constantly circulating online, bringing potential risks for user privacy and data protection. As the number of total internet users rises, so does the number of scammers, hackers, and social engineers trying to take advantage of the system. It’s more important now than ever before to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your data safe online. So, what can you do? ### **1. Automate Updates** ### **![black and white laptop computer](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1620843002805-05a08cb72f57?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=80)** Engineers at the industry’s biggest tech companies are constantly researching and developing new software updates that create ever-improving ecosystems for their users. At the same time, these developers are fighting back against criminals by baking in security updates. From patching newly discovered flaws to implementing the newest discoveries in the cybersecurity industry, these updates are imperative in keeping you safe online. Automating the update process on your system keeps you safe, all while removing another point on your to-do list. ### **2. Improve Your Passwords** While easy to remember, simple or common passwords are often the easiest to crack. Create strong, unique passwords for each account: bake in numbers, mingle uppercase and lowercase, throw some punctuation marks in there. Some security professionals even recommend using "passphrases" – a string of related words – to go the extra mile in improving your account security. It may be easy to remember a small handful of passwords that are used across every account, but one breach could put the rest of your accounts at risk. ### **3. Use a Password Manager** ![person holding iPhone](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504203700686-f21e703e5f1c?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=80) Once you’ve beefed up your passwords, you still have to keep track of them. While using a notepad app or keeping a master list at your desk still leaves your information vulnerable, password managers simplify password management and improve security. For power users, most password management services require a premium subscription to access all of their features on all of your devices. However, popular choices like LastPass subscriptions to help maintain your ever-growing list of logins. ### **4. Use Multi-Factor Authentication** Two-factor authentication (2FA) doubles down on account security, requiring two different steps in the login process. For example, if someone were to obtain or correctly guess your password, then they’ve only gotten halfway through. A text, email, or app notification with a confirmation pin gets sent directly to your device to confirm your login attempt. This process is largely unobtrusive for regular users but creates a headache for criminals cracking into accounts. ### **5. Turn Off Your Computer** ### **![black and silver laptop computer beside smartphone](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1533908279087-2448f4554f18?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=80)** It may sound simple, but an easy step in adding protection is by completely turning your computer off when you’re finished working. A logged-in, powered-on computer (especially in a public place like a coffee shop or co-working space) gives anyone access to your information simply by walking up and taking a look. With constant internet connectivity, many modern tools help hackers strong-arm their way into your system remotely from anywhere in the world. Powering down when you’re wrapping ensures you're covered.   --- Cybersecurity teams around the world are using the latest technology to keep users protected, but hackers are working just as hard to crack those defenses. SeedSpark partners with today's top providers to deliver network security, email security, password management, and device security solutions for every device. Contact our team today to learn more about our tools and schedule a free 30-minute cybersecurity audit. We'll analyze the protection that you have today, identify potential risks, and share solutions that can help keep you safe in 2022 and beyond. [![Learn More About SeedSpark](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/c1831282-148d-4393-b6c7-608071d67dcd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/c1831282-148d-4393-b6c7-608071d67dcd)   ** ** **Tags:** [cybersecurity](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/cybersecurity) Share: - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips&title=5%20Tips%20to%20Keep%20Your%20Data%20Safe%20Online&description=Data%20security%20should%20be%20a%20top%20focus%20for%20businesses%20of%20any%20size.%20Here%20are%20some%20cybersecurity%20tips%20to%20keep%20your%20businesses%20protected%20and%20your%20data%20secure.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips&text=5%20Tips%20to%20Keep%20Your%20Data%20Safe%20Online%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips&title=5%20Tips%20to%20Keep%20Your%20Data%20Safe%20Online&summary=Data%20security%20should%20be%20a%20top%20focus%20for%20businesses%20of%20any%20size.%20Here%20are%20some%20cybersecurity%20tips%20to%20keep%20your%20businesses%20protected%20and%20your%20data%20secure.) ### Written by [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) As a lifelong fan of technology, Sam has always had a deep interest in learning about the latest innovations and how they are revolutionizing the worlds of business, marketing, and entertainment. As Social Media and Content Specialist at SeedSpark, he spends time chasing the newest trends and breakthroughs pushing the digital transformation in our personal and professional lives. - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-adams-717b42147/) PREVIOUS POST [** The Biggest Trends from CES 2022 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/ces-2022-recap) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips#top) Next Post [How to Protect Your Business Against Cyberattacks **](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-trends-2022-webinar) [Content Title](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips#) Description ### Search ### Recent Posts [ Building a Resilient Business: Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/building-a-resilient-business-strategies-for-navigating-economic-uncertainty) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Feb 1, 2024 [ Harnessing Data for Business Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Data-Driven Decision-Making ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/harnessing-data-for-business-success-a-comprehensive-guide-to-data-driven-decision-making) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 8, 2024 [ Top Business Trends of 2024: Strategies for Growth and Success ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-business-trends-of-2024-strategies-for-growth-and-success) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 4, 2024 [ Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 26, 2023 [ Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 19, 2023 ### Popular Posts [ The 8 Best Productivity Tools Included with Microsoft 365 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/meet_office365) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Apr 21, 2021 [ Bots Are Stealing MFA Codes and Accessing Accounts - The New Cyber Threat in 2021 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/mfa-code-stealing) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Nov 3, 2021 [ What is Windows 11 S Mode and Should You Use It? ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/windows11-smode) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Sep 17, 2021 [ Alternatives to Using SMS for 2-factor Authentication ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/alternatives-to-using-sms-for-2-factor-authentication) [Robert Griffin](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/robert-griffin) - Mar 9, 2023 [ How to Use Shifts in Microsoft Teams for Your Organization ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/shifts_microsoft_teams) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Jul 2, 2020 ## Related Post - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&title=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit&description=With%20the%20end%20of%20October%20just%20around%20the%20corner,%20that%20also%20means%20it%20is%20the%20end%20of%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month.%20The%20Cybersecurity%20and%20Infrastructure%20Security%20Agency%20(CISA)%20has%20taken%20a%20significant%20step%20in%20this%20direction%20by%20unveiling%20the%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&text=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit&title=Empowering%20Organizations%20with%20CISA's%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit&summary=With%20the%20end%20of%20October%20just%20around%20the%20corner,%20that%20also%20means%20it%20is%20the%20end%20of%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month.%20The%20Cybersecurity%20and%20Infrastructure%20Security%20Agency%20(CISA)%20has%20taken%20a%20significant%20step%20in%20this%20direction%20by%20unveiling%20the%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month%202023%20Toolkit.) ## [Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) With the end of October just around the corner, that also means it is the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. While the month might soon be over, cybersecurity issues and threats most certainly are not. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), has taken a significant step in this direction by unveiling the Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower organizations, IT professionals, and individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of cyber threats.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&description=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&text=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&summary=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) ## [Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) As cyber threats continue to evolve, both individuals and businesses must be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity. Whether you're an individual looking to protect your personal data or an IT professional tasked with safeguarding company information, there are fundamental steps you can take to enhance online safety. Here are four essential steps to consider:   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&description=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&text=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&summary=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) ## [Secure Our World: The New Mantra for Cybersecurity in 2023 and Beyond](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our approach to safeguarding our digital realm. Enter "Secure Our World" – the groundbreaking cybersecurity awareness program launched by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As we delve into 2023 and look towards the future, this initiative promises to redefine our understanding and approach to cybersecurity.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) ## Growth Is Just One Click Away Want to chat? Just share some project details and a member of our sales team will be in touch to learn more about your vision and how we can help!   ##### How can we grow together? [![Call Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/e8917216-677b-4754-8a92-11da535e5577.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/e8917216-677b-4754-8a92-11da535e5577) ## Join Our Newsletter ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Samuel Adams", "url" : "https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams" }, "dateModified" : "2022-01-18T19:21:50.495Z", "datePublished" : "2022-01-18T13:45:00.000Z", "headline" : "5 Tips to Keep Your Data Safe Online", "image" : [ "https://blog.seedspark.com/hubfs/kon-karampelas-HUBofEFQ6CA-unsplash.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/5_data_privacy_tips", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.seedspark.com/hubfs/SS_Logo_R_Blue_Horizontal.svg" }, "name" : "SeedSpark" } } ```