1. What measures (Operating system, application software, network, hardware, etc...

) are
there in your computer to secure your data from hacking?
There are a couple of applications and software's that I use to ensure that my computer is
secured at all times considering the fact that I have confidential information from some of the
clients I deal with on a daily basis. Firstly, I use Virtual Private Network (VPN) when I browse
online. Because I work from home some days, everything I do on the internet is encrypted and
passes through my works secured server which is always in a separate location. This way, my IP
address isn't visible to hackers and they cannot monitor my activity. VPN also keeps me secured
when using public Wi-Fi for example at Starbucks when I’m out working on school projects. The
second thing I do is to install antiviruses and anti-spyware software. Even though anti viruses
cannot fully protect us from virus attacks such as malwares and trojan attacks, it can still go a
long way. Anti-spywares can protect you from spywares which secretly infects your computer
and gathers information, which is then transported to a third party. Finally, I make sure to
always have a two-step verification to get access to my laptop and information. I use different
passwords for different websites so as not to make it easier for a hacker to access my
information before I am made aware. For my laptop, I actually use biometric logins like my
fingerprint and sometimes my laptop unlocks automatically when I am wearing my apple
watch. Even though passwords wouldn’t completely protect your information, it will go a long
way in helping you.
2. How often do you back up critical data files such as homework files? What type of
device do you use for backing up files? Where do you store the backups to ensure they
won’t be destroyed if a major disaster (such as a fire) destroys your computer? Do you
use online sites for file backups?
With regards to backing up critical data on my laptop, I do this on a daily basis seeing as all
my homework assignments are on the laptop, including client information. Most of my
information is stored on Seagate which I purchased from best buy directly. It has a lot of
space in it and I often delete some of the information that is no longer required to create
more space. It is very secured and trustworthy. The backups are stored on my iCloud which
is done every 24hrs as well. This will prevent me from losing my data in the event that my
laptop gets destroyed by fire. I use online sites like drop box or outlook to store my
assignments where I can access them at any moment if I need to use them.
Norbert Ambe Fru

Student ID 40066511

BTM 200

Winter 2020