IT Security Tip #29: Keep Sensitive Data Off Employee Equipment

If a laptop is stolen, even a strong password will likely get cracked. Once the thief succeeds, any private data that is unencrypted is free for the taking. One solution: keep sensitive data on a secure private cloud service, so it’s never on your employer’s hard drive in the first place. By storing this information in the cloud, you can immediately revoke access when a device goes missing. If you have an internal file server in your office, make sure it’s secured properly – you need to talk to your IT provider and discuss options for shared folders for things like HR that only certain people need. You may have a q:\ drive for documents, and s:\ for accounting, and a p:\ for workflows and processes. Everyone can use q:\ and p:\ but only people who do accounting can use s:\. It’s simple stuff – but think of the possible damages of data on a lost laptop at the airport. If you are in the medical field, this could also engage the Office of Civil Rights as a HIPAA violation. If your laptop hard drive has the option to encrypt, use it!

Excel: Slice Data Your Way

Slicers are buttons that let you filter data easily.

Select any range in a table or PivotTable, and go to Insert > Slicer. Select the column you want to filter by. When you’re done, you’ve got handy buttons that let you filter.

Shortcut of the Week

Quickly access the Microsoft Windows Task Manager to view running applications, process information and performance information by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys all at the same time.

The Computer Center’s Weekly Webinar Series

Take advantage of The Computer Center’s webinar series that helps you learn how to protect your small business and your employees without leaving your office!

• Thursday, July 18 – What You Need to Know About Microsoft Office 365 Security
• Thursday, July 25 – Outlook Productivity Tips and Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
• Thursday, August 1 – Practical Cyber Security for Your Small Business or How to Keep the Bad Guys Out Without Breaking the Bank
• Thursday, August 8 – The End of Windows 7: Is it Really an Issue for Your Business?
• Thursday, August 15 – 10 Costly Mistakes Small Businesses Make with their Computer Systems – and How YOU Can Avoid Them
• Thursday, August 22 – Critical Facts Every Business Owner Must Know Before Moving Their Network to The Cloud
• Thursday, August 29 – Free Productivity Enhancing Tools Included with Office 365 That You Probably Aren’t Using in Your Business

Follow the link to register for more information.

Have an unfortunate co-worker that’s not getting a copy of the TCC Tuesday Tidbits? Forward them your copy. Or, better yet, have them sign up at https://computer-center.com/tidbits/

Submit your TCC Tuesday Tidbit requests and ideas to me by calling (608) 755-1524.

Sincerely,

James Pearson, President
The Computer Center
One Parker Pl, Ste. #655
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 755-1524