How To Protect Your Data

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(NAPSA)—Chances are your data, whether personal or at work, has been compromised. Even before half the adults in America had their information stolen from a major credit-reporting agency, there were about 178 million personal records exposed in 2015 and it’s estimated that numberrose to more than 200 million in 2016. The technology you use every day—computers at work or home, printers and your mobile phone— needs to be protected. By 2020 there are projected to be 20.8 billion Internet-connected things—and they'll all need protection. Fortunately, however, you can go a long way toward protecting your data with seven simple steps. 1. Back upall critical data saved on your personal machines. 2. Keep dynamic and different passwords across applications; consider using a password manager. 3. Be very diligent whenever clicking ona link or attachment in any e-mail— don't get phished. 4. Be very cautious about entering data into a pop-up window. 5. Review yourprivacysettings on all social mediatools. 6. Shred yourbills, medical records andthelike before discarding them. You can also have them shreddedata trusted retailer such as Staples. 7.Get your electronic devices pro- fessionally reviewed and updated. Simply drop off your PC at Staples or bring it in and while you wait the tech-savvy To fight phishing and the like, get your computerchecked regularly. associates there will review the device for security issues or update your PC/ Desktop Network Security plan, make any necessary recommendations and offer 10 percent off the service recommendations you decide to get. The security assessment service includes: Either an in-store or remote connection service A review of MSConfig and list of currentstart-up apps A check to ensure that the following are installed, enabled and up to date: Windowsorpersonalfirewall, anti-vi- rus software, all operating and applications security patches eA scan malware for adware, spyware and Based on a network and/or device se- curity assessment, Staples will provide you with the necessary steps to improve and protect the machine. Learn More For further information orto find the nearest store, go to www:staples.com.