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To keep your data safe, protect both the devices and accounts that hold it: encrypt stored information, keep recoverable backups, use unique passwords with multifactor authentication (MFA), and update software promptly. These steps reduce common risks, but none guarantees that data can never be exposed or lost. If you’re asking “How do I keep my data safe?” or “How can I protect my personal data?”, start by considering what could happen to your information and how you would regain access if something went wrong.
What data security protects against
Data security means protecting information from unauthorized access or tampering while keeping it available to you when you need it. These goals overlap, but they are not identical: a stolen device or compromised account can expose information, while a failed drive or accidental damage can make information unavailable without anyone stealing it. Malware and ransomware can also interfere with stored data. CISA warns that people who gain access to a device may read, alter, steal, or deny access to data that is not encrypted (CISA: How to Protect the Data that is Stored on Your Devices).
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Encrypt devices and important files
Encryption makes stored information unreadable without the right key or credentials. Full-device encryption covers the device’s stored contents; removable-drive encryption protects an external drive; file encryption can protect selected documents. Which option is available and how it is enabled depends on the device and platform, so follow its official instructions rather than assuming one setting protects everything.
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- Use a long, unique unlock password and store recovery keys or passwords securely, separate from the device when practical.
- Check recovery. Make sure you know how to regain access if you forget a password or need a recovery key.
Encryption is most useful when a device or drive is lost or stolen while powered off. It does not, by itself, protect information on an unlocked device or prevent access through a compromised account.
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Keep backups you can restore
A backup gives you another copy if a device fails, data is damaged, or ransomware makes files inaccessible. An external hard drive and a cloud backup service are different destinations with different recovery and security trade-offs; neither is automatically the right choice for everyone.
| Backup destination | What it offers | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| External hard drive | A local copy that you control physically. | Store it securely and disconnect it between backups so it is less exposed to a problem affecting the connected device. You must keep it safe and reconnect it for backups. |
| Cloud service | An off-site copy that may be accessible from another location or device. | Vet the service’s security and account-recovery process. Access depends on the account and service remaining available to you. |
Choose a routine you can maintain, automate backups where the tool supports it, and periodically test a restore rather than assuming the backup will work. CISA’s 2020 Cyber Essentials Toolkit recommends automated backups, offline copies, and recovery testing; treat it as general guidance, not as a current technical standard.
Secure the accounts that unlock your information
Email, banking, healthcare, social, file-storage, and work accounts can each provide access to sensitive information. Use a strong, unique password for every important account. A password manager can help create and keep track of distinct passwords, so you do not have to reuse one password across services. Turn on MFA wherever it is offered: it adds another verification step beyond the password.
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Reduce common routes to compromise
- Install operating-system and application updates promptly. Updates help address security weaknesses; they are one layer of protection, not a substitute for encryption, backups, or account controls.
- Pause before acting on unexpected messages. Be wary of links, attachments, and requests for passwords or sensitive information. Verify unusual requests through a separate, trusted channel, and report suspected phishing using the relevant service or organization’s process.
- Do not rely on antivirus alone. Software protection does not replace careful account access, updates, encryption, and recoverable backups.
CISA’s consumer guidance covers securing devices and recognizing phishing (CISA: Secure Our World).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.For a small organization: limit access and require MFA
Personal precautions are useful, but a small organization also needs to decide who can reach its information. Give access only to people who need it for their work, and ask the IT provider to require MFA for email, file storage, and remote access. CISA says password-only protection is insufficient for businesses and recommends phishing-resistant MFA for business accounts, especially remote and privileged access (CISA: More than a Password). This is general security guidance, not a compliance checklist or a replacement for incident-response advice tailored to the organization.
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