4 Pieces of Equipment Containing Data that You May Be Leaving Unprotected

Oct 6, 2022

Devices in your business contain sensitive data that can be left unprotected. If you don’t take the necessary precautions, cybercriminals could gain access to your information and harm your business, clients, and reputation.

To assist you in keeping your data safe, we’ve compiled a list of 4 pieces of equipment containing data you may have left unprotected.

1. Laptops

Modern life revolves around laptops, and they can be indispensable for businesses. But did you know that laptops are one of the most vulnerable pieces of equipment when it comes to data security?

Those in North and South Dakota can easily become victims of cybercrime if they don’t take the necessary precautions. Here are top tips to help you secure your laptop:

  • Use strong passwords and make sure to change them regularly
  • Install security software and update it regularly
  • Avoid using public WiFi networks

Observing these simple tips can help protect sensitive data on laptops.

2. Smartphones

Another piece of equipment that contains a wealth of sensitive data is our smartphones. They store everything from contacts and calendar appointments to banking information and sensitive client details.

Like laptops, smartphones are also vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here are a few tips to help you protect your smartphone and the sensitive data it contains:

  • Use a passcode or biometric lock
  • Back up your data regularly

While these tips can help protect your smartphone, the best way to keep your data safe is to stay off untrustworthy apps from unknown sources.

3. Tablets

Tablets are rapidly becoming popular because they offer many of the same features as laptops but are more portable. Unfortunately, this portability also makes them more vulnerable to theft and loss.

Some of the data that is typically stored on tablets includes:

  • Search history
  • Emails
  • Account information
  • Social media accounts

Hackers can gain access to this data if tablets are not properly protected. To help keep your tablet and its sensitive information safe, we recommend observing strict security measures, such as never leaving your tablet unattended in a public place and using a strong passcode or biometric lock.

5. External Hard Drives

Nowadays, people rely on external hard drives to store everything digitally. While external hard drives offer a convenient way to store data, they can also be easily lost or stolen.

If you’re uneasy about the security of your data, it’s recommended to encrypt your external hard drive. This will help protect your data if your hard drive is lost or stolen.

Let the Pros Secure Your Data

As you can see, several pieces of equipment contain data that you may be leaving unprotected. To help keep your data safe, we recommend taking the necessary precautions, such as using strong passwords and encrypting your external hard drive.

At Secure Enterprise Asset Management (SEAM), we understand the importance of data security. That’s why we offer multiple solutions to help you protect your data, including our data destruction and electronics recycling services. Contact our support staff to find out more about how we can help you keep your data safe.

SEAM provides IT recycling and data destruction services including onsite shredding and hard drive wiping to South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Schedule a pickup or contact us for more information.