Cyber crime is becoming increasingly common. For freelancers who rely on their computers to work and make an earning, this growing trend can cause a multitude of problems. Thirty-eight percent more security breaches were detected in 2015 than 2014, while more than 169 million records were exposed in the same year. Here are some cyber security tips for freelancers.

1. Cloud Services 

Some freelancers use cloud-based services to keep their data safe and secure. This type of software constantly backs up a user’s data in the cloud so he or she can access it in the event of an emergency, natural disaster, security breach or external attack. Cloud-based services can reduce the likelihood of lost data because of a power failure or a hardware error, and there are various tools to choose from. Most cloud environments encrypt the data too, providing freelancers with an extra layer of security. However, as a freelancer you should keep in mind that cloud services are not impervious to attacks so it is important to do research before choosing a service.

2. Virus Protection

Virus protection software provides freelancers with peace of mind when working on projects online. These programs automatically detect viruses, malware, bugs and other security threats and notify users when they need to take action. Users can also scan their computer systems to discover any undetected threats that could do damage to their software or cause hardware problems. There is a wide range of antivirus software to choose from, including free and paid programs that keep freelancers safe when browsing the internet and working on documents.

3. Change Your Passwords Regularly

To prevent hackers from accessing your private data, change your passwords on a regular basis. This will make it harder for other people to access your information. You might also want to use a password manager. There are several free and paid-for tools available that encrypt your passwords before saving them, saving you a lot of time and at the same time providing you with additional peace of mind.

4. Use a Firewall

A firewall is another way to protect your computer from malicious attacks which could compromise your online security. There are free and paid firewall services that you can use to safeguard the data you keep on your computer. If you’re looking for the best ones to use, head over to a comparison site, where you can find a list of pros and cons of each program to help you to make a decision.

Cyber crime is becoming more and more commonplace, but there are a number of ways you can protect yourself as a freelancer. Using a firewall and virus protection software, changing your passwords on a regular basis and keeping data in a secure cloud service can provide you with additional security.