Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Importance of Privacy & Data Security

With the rise of cybersecurity and data privacy threats in our digital world, safeguarding your personal information is paramount. In fact, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center 2023 Data Breach Report, last year, alone, there were 2,365 cyberattacks, with 343,338,964 victims. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month – an ideal time to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to keep your personal data confidential and secure.

Let’s take ‘visual hacking’ as an example, referred to as the content on your screen that is revealed to prying eyes while working on your laptop or tablet in offices and public environments like when typing on your laptop on the train or airplane to notice someone looking over your shoulder to see what’s on your screen. Sometimes the information they see is harmless, but suppose it reveals a ground-breaking innovation you’ve been working on or digits like your social security number or bank account information?

Here are some recommended tips to protect yourself and your business from visual privacy risks.

1. Invest in a privacy screen. While it’s not feasible to prevent people from working on the go or while others are around them, using a privacy screen such as Targus 4Vu Privacy Screens is a simple and effective solution. Vertical blinds on the surface of the privacy screen narrow the viewing angle so data is only visible directly in front of the monitor up to 30 degrees away from the center of the screen. That way, onlookers will only see a dark, unclear screen when attempting to view the information from a side angle when held in landscape orientation.

    

   Designed to fit various devices and screen sizes, Targus privacy screens are very easy to attach directly to the screen of your laptop or tablet using adhesives and a cleaning cloth. Designed to reduce glare, even in bright rooms, they come with a dual finish - with one side being glossy for a clearer view, while the opposite side offers a mate finish to help reduce glare.

   Ideal for touch screen applications, these privacy screens also feature Targus DefenseGuard™ Antimicrobial Protection, which creates a cleaner touchpoint surface and works continuously to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Unlike topically applied sprays, DefenseGuard privacy screens are treated with an antimicrobial additive that does not wear off and lasts for the life of the product.

2. Protect your physical devices by securing it with a cable lock. Today’s organizations are busy focusing on the latest technology products and services to help them prevent against cyber-crime. Meanwhile, physical deterrence remains low on the agenda, despite still having the ability to cause large-scale, high-impact data breaches. Did you know that over 600,000 laptops are stolen each year in the U.S. alone with more than 1,000 laptops stolen at US airports every week? (Source: Wifittalents.com). Available in master key, keyless, and combination laptop lock options, a Targus cable lock is an easy and cost-effective way to secure a laptop to a desk, table or other surface while unmonitored or not in use.
3. Don't leave a hole in your data security. Although device loss-focused breaches may not happen all of the time, it’s still an important risk that needs to be addressed. It's very easy to gain access, or just visibility, of critical industry information and data by sitting on an airplane. Something that leaves many organizations with a hole in their IT security efforts. 

    

   For companies to successfully execute an effective security strategy, they need to go beyond simply relying on sophisticated software and place a greater sense of urgency on physical security, and the growing impact this has on the wider business. For businesses to really stand a chance at getting ahead in the security game, more urgency needs to be placed around the physical, arguably ‘forgotten' aspect of data security as part of a holistic approach.

Get 25% off Targus privacy screens from now until 10/15/24. Use code PRIV25.