As Data Privacy Week takes place this week, Edward A. Palleschi, Undersecretary of the state Office of Consumers Affairs & Business Regulation has shared steps to take to protect your personal and professional data.
- Always back up your data on a regular basis, as this allows one to retrieve any lost data more easily.
- Set up strong passwords. Utilize a password manager to keep track of complex passwords.
- When able, use two-step authentication. This allows for stronger protection against hackers attempting to access someone else’s data.
- Install antivirus and malware protection software on personal and professional computers.
- Install ad blockers on the web browsers commonly used on each device.
- Lock your screen. Setting the device to automatically close out of the screen after 15 minutes of inactivity is advised.
For more information on how to protect your data visit the Federal Communications Commission’s website at www.fcc.gov
The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation works to ensure a fair playing field for the Massachusetts businesses its agencies regulate and empower consumers through advocacy and education. OCABR oversees the Division of Occupational Licensure, Division of Banks, Division of Insurance, Department of Telecommunications and Cable, and Division of Standards. For more information on OCABR’s work go to https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-consumer-affairs-and-business-regulation
