- Backups. Having a backup of your data means having another copy of the data safely stored in case of loss or damage. There are different types of backups that include local backups (backing up data on a floppy disk, CD or hard drive) or cloud backups where your information is kept safely in a remote server that you are able to access. Because cloud backups are digital and can still be accessed if your hardware is lost or damaged, this is the type of backup most used today.
- Encryption. Encryption is the conversion of information from one readable form into another, unreadable form. Most data can be encrypted such as text messages, bank details and pictures. Whilst it doesn’t stop anyone from intercepting your data, it does stop them from reading it.
- Permanent deletion. When you delete an item, it does not actually delete. Instead, it moves it to the trash bin where it becomes accessible to the operating system only because of magnetic traces left on your hard drive. Permanent deletion involves the use of third party software whose sole purpose is to overwrite the data and permanently delete it.
- Two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is a way of double-checking who you are before you access an account or a device. For example, asking for a fingerprint scan after you have submitted your password is an example of two-factor authentication. In essence, it acts as another layer of security.
- Open authorisation 2.0. Open authorisation (OA) and usernames with passwords are two ways of deciding whether to allow or deny access to an account or device. OA is seen on sign-in pages of many sites where you have the option of signing in with your Facebook or Google account.
Thank you Holly Walker for taking the Academy stream of Explore through this session.
