Secure File Sharing for Insurance and Health Care Professionals

Medical practices and insurance companies use file sharing to store, share, and protect important information in the cloud. Health care professionals are often handling extremely sensitive patient data. Choosing trustworthy, cloud-based, file-sharing services are critical. 

Depending on where you live, some file storage may not be eligible to store, share, or transfer Electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Understanding Data Protection Regulations:

PIPEDA - The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act is a Canadian law that governs how private sector institutions gather, use, and disclose personal information. 

HIPAA - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a federal law in the United States that requires national standards to protect sensitive patient health information. 

GDPR - The General Data Protection Regulation is a regulation in the European Union that addresses personal data transfer. 

Not all cloud file storage is HIPAA, PIPEDA, or GDPR compliant. We’ve created a list of the top four compliant file-sharing tools for insurance and health care professionals.

OneDrive for Business

OneDrive for Business is HIPAA compliant and GDPR compliant. Many healthcare providers and organizations prefer OneDrive to manage their documents safely, both offline and online. OneDrive also encrypts data when in transit and when at rest. Keep in mind Microsoft requires businesses to commit to a one-year minimum when they purchase the Office 365 Essentials package.

Box

Box is GDPR compliant and HIPPA compliant. This tool allows organizations to share large files safely. File sharing in Box uses multi-layered encryption for optimal protection. Another feature on Box is the large number of integrations the platform supports. This helps businesses update info across various applications, like Trello, Oracle Marketing Cloud, Adobe, Zendesk, RingCentral, Salesforce, and HootSuite - to name a few. The software is available for Mac and PC. The box is also mobile-friendly, but keep in mind there is no Linux support.

Hushmail

Hushmail is an encrypted web-based email service. Insurance and health care professionals often communicate sensitive information via email. Hushmail is GDPR, HIPAA, and PIPEDA compliant. They provide a secure, private, encrypted email service to individuals and businesses around the globe, making sending emails overseas safer and easier. Hushmail is compliant with the top three privacy laws that govern their customers’ personal data. Hushmail can convey authenticated, encrypted messages in both directions, making sharing, and receiving emails a breeze.

Sync

Sync is a HIPAA & GDPR compliant cloud and file storage service. They cater to personal users and small healthcare clinics or businesses. One great thing about them is that, unlike other services, HIPAA/ GDPR is available even for the free personal plan. Their plans for healthcare professionals are cost-friendly and ideal for smaller businesses. Some of the top features include multiple user support, password protected sharing, offline file support, end-to-end encryption, secure link generation for file sharing, activity logs and more. While some of their features are only available in the premium option, many agree it’s worth the price for the peace of mind.

Top 5 Must-Have Tools for Professional Journalists

Remember the time when the only tools a journalist needed were a pencil and a notepad? 

Capturing a story is challenging. Newshounds have to take into consideration multiple moving pieces before they can publish an article. Luckily, it’s not 1940 anymore, and today’s journalists have a slew of apps, tools, and sites that make the job easier. 

Whether you need a tool to help with brainstorming, security, organization, research, or visuals, here are five journalism tools you won’t want to be without.

1. Pocket

The Pocket App makes saving articles, videos, and content from other publications, web pages, and apps simple. Think of it as your personal reading list. If you don’t have time to read an article as soon as you come across it or watch a video clip, save it for later. Pocket is available on iOS and Android devices, plus the base app is free!

2. Trustwire

Part of being a journalist is sharing and receiving sensitive information online. Cyber threats are at an all-time high. Share documents securely with Trustwire. Trustwire allows a reporter or source to send and collect information safely, even in high-risk environments. All files shared via Trustwire are encrypted, meaning only the file owner and the rightful recipient will be able to see it.

3. Representation Matters

As a journalist, visuals are likely a huge part of your day job. You may be familiar with other stock image libraries like Pixabay, Shutterstock, or Pexels. While those are all great tools to source images, Representation Matters is an all-inclusive stock image library. They focus on diverse and inclusive photos with themes, including body positivity, disabilities, LGBT, and more.

4. Echosec

Echosec is a free online app that allows users to generate location-based social media data from the most popular social networks. If you work at a local level, this tool can help fill your pages or create website copy as you get info from events as they unfold in real-time. For example, Echosec allows users to concentrate on an area on a map where it will then provide you with a list of Tweets (or other social media posts) that have been made from that area. The free version offers Twitter data, but if you invest in the premium version, you get results from other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

5. Hemingway

Part of being a great journalist is captivating an audience with words. The Hemingway App makes your writing bold and clear. This tool highlights common errors, complex sentences, and lengthy or hard-to-understand sentences in your typing. The text is color-coded to make things as simple as possible. If a sentence is highlighted in yellow, it’s too long, and if it has a red highlight, it’s too hard to read. Journalists can appeal to a broader audience with high-quality, user-friendly text. This online app is free, but a paid premium version is also available.

How to Protect Your Business Trade Secrets From Being Stolen

Are you familiar with the Waymo v. Uber trade secrets case? An employee took 14,000 documents containing sensitive data, which resulted in a US$1.859 billion claim and a settlement of around US$245 million. How could something like this happen? Especially with companies of this caliber? Waymo stated they had been following sufficient security precautions to protect trade secrets. Things like encryption, security cameras, and confidentiality agreements. Of course, as the case would show, that wasn’t enough. 

A Waymo competitor likely obtained access to Waymo’s information. During the court hearings, Waymo had to explain the measures they used were consistent with the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA). Yet, somehow over 14,000 documents filled with sensitive data were leaked. 

The question we have to be asking ourselves here is: How can a company take “reasonable measures” to satisfy DTSA requirements and protect it against theft of trade secrets?

Here are some ways that can help your business trade secrets from ending up in the wrong hands.

Identify and mark your trade secrets:

One way to protect a company’s trade secret is to understand what information is considered to be (and should be) guarded as a trade secret. What information requires secrecy? Once an institution can establish this, the information should be deemed a trade secret, identified, and marked confidential.

Limit and track access to trade secret information:

As soon as trade secrets are marketed, access must be immediately restricted. Limit the disclosure of the information only to the people “need to know” it to perform their tasks adequately. Not sure how to control access? Taking precautionary steps like physical security, passwords, encryption, and data segregation are the best ways to start. We saw a good example of this after the Waymo case played out. Waymo employees who were working on projects unrelated to self-driving cars were prevented from obtaining the information they did not need to know.

How to manage secret information:

Yes, you can take initial proactive steps to protect trade secret information, and that’s a great start! But now, you have to be mindful that continuing to manage the trade secrets is critical. Some steps to secure information like password-protected servers and folders, and employing a third-party internet security company to protect its servers from outside hacking is a great way to keep your info safe.

Sharing sensitive information:

Companies and individuals will inevitably have to send and share confidential information over the internet. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. People don’t have the option to hand-deliver files anymore. Trustwire is a platform that allows users to send and receive files online without the risks. Using end-to-end encryption, only the rightful receiver of the file will gain access to it. No one else, including Trustwire, will be given access to view the file. 

When you need to keep your private information safe on the internet, trust Trustwire.

Privacy in The Era of Big Data

Let’s face it. We live in a world where practically everything we do is being monitored and saved on the internet. Yes, we have access to tech devices that make our lives so much easier, and they come cheap. But what people tend to overlook when they’re browsing the web, downloading the new “it” app, or even sending a selfie to their friends is that they may not be as protected as they may think. When was the last time you read a company’s privacy policy or the T&C page? If you can’t answer, you’re not alone. Data protection and privacy are some of the most underrated acts of personal security.

Do you know how valuable your data is?

While you may think you’re just another user in the pool of thousands, brands do whatever it takes to find out more about you, your browsing habits, and even your spending history. Machine learning has enabled companies to learn things about you, like where you tend to shop, your personal contact information, and where you’re geographically located. Sounds invasive, right? Consumers must be aware of how valuable their data is, and companies must start being more transparent with their audience about their business models. Shouldn’t consumers be offered a fair and transparent trade for data about THEM?

Government’s are exploiting user data:

While we may not be entirely shocked to learn that corporate institutions are exploiting user data for their own gain, did you know that governments are doing it as well? Unfortunately, cases of identity theft are rapidly growing in developing countries. Governments who should be educating their citizens on proper data protection are instead abusing user data for their own benefits without proper consent or acknowledgment. Until appropriate laws, rules, regulations, and sensitization concerning data protection are put in place; people are at a loss. Legislation should be used to help serve their community; instead, government officials are using it for personal and financial gain. People all around the globe are simply not told about the dangers of having their information stolen. And it seems like the governments in some countries are hoping to keep it that way.

Trustwire can help keep you protected:

Everyday people online are unknowingly exposing themselves to cases of identity theft and data fraud. With the lack of rules and regulations concerning data protection laws in most countries, people are forced to take matters into their own hands. There’s a severe lack of consequences for the mishandling of private or personal information. Trustwire is tool businesses and individuals can use to ensure the data they share over the internet remains safe. Using end-to-end encryption, all files sent through Trustwire are protected from vicious internet predators.

Identity theft is at an all-time high. How do you know you’re not giving hackers exclusive access to your most sensitive information? With Trustwire, never fear your personal information being in the hands of the wrong people.

The top 5 Best Startup Tools for 2020

Startups need to be fully equipped with the proper tools in their arsenal to survive in the highly-competitive industry. With limited resources (specifically money and time), startup founders seek help from security, accounting, and team management tools online. Luckily, there are plenty of tools that help minimize startup costs and help save a new entrepreneur’s precious time. 

Now, business owners can significantly enhance efficiency with just a few great tools. Below are the top 5 tools and resources you can use to help make your landing into the startup world a little smoother.

1. Slack

Work better at home or in the office by organizing all of your projects in one comfortable place. Slack is an incredible communication tool for both groups and one-on-one chat flows. The app is an all-in-one meeting space that helps keep teams organized. It’s incredibly useful when working remotely as well! Slack allows users to categorize their conversations in “channels,” making relevant information quick and easy to find. If you’re working on the go, Slack also has a user-friendly mobile app and integrates with other tools like Trello and Twitter.

2. Trello

Trello is a web-based project management tool that was built for improving workflow. It’s quickly becoming a household name among startups owners across the globe. This project management software allows project managers to organize multiple projects with specific tasks inside each project. This fast Kanban tool is for anyone who needs to capture, organize, and provide real-time insights regarding project status. Plus, it’s free! Trello is known for being ultra user-friendly, and the free plan offers all the tools and functionality a small startup needs.

3. Zoom

While Zoom may have gained worldwide popularity during 2020 because of COVID-19, it was actually ranked the #1 meeting tool by Gartner in 2018. The fast and reliable video conferencing software makes remote working a breeze. Startups and major corporations alike are relying on Zoom to conduct team meetings. To keep everyone in the loop, users can integrate Zoom with Slack to automatically share the recording with participants after the call ends.

4. BambooHR

BambooHR provides human resources software as a service. Brand new startups often ignore ‘corporate’ functions like HR - which is a big mistake. BambooHR is a handy online tool that makes hiring, transitioning, and recruiting a breeze. With onboarding tools and applicant tracking features, BambooHR users can easily keep track of potential applicants. The app also gives users the ability to track time-off, performance management, and e-signing.

5. Trustwire

Surely as a startup owner, you and your employees will need to send and receive multiple files. But did you know that cybersecurity risks are at an all-time high? Trustwire is an online tool to send and receive sensitive data safely. If you think sending files over email is safe, think again. Instead, use Trustwire to ensure no one other than the rightful receiver of a file will be able to open. All data is end-to-end encrypted, meaning Trustwire or any other third party can not access your data.

It Looks Like Remote Work is Here to Stay - Can You Use it to Your Advantage?

It wasn’t so long ago that remote work was out of the question for many industries. In 2020, things are taking a turn. Today, working from home or anywhere outside of the office is becoming the ‘norm.’ By the looks of it, this is the future of the modern workforce. 

According to a New York Times report, working from another location other than the office or a client site is on the steady incline. 

So, what exactly are the benefits of remote work - and could you make it work to your advantage?

Positive shifts in attitudes about work:

According to Bentley University, by 2025, millennials will make up around 75% of the global workforce. If there’s one thing that’s for sure when it comes to millennial work ethics, they’re very different from their boomer parents. Millennials are going to be shaping the work environment for years to come. This new generation of talent brings radically different expectations about the nature of work and how work should be done, when, and where it’s done. Not to say millennials don’t have a solid work ethic, they just have a different approach to working than previous generations. 

What’s going to happen when the boomers begin to retire, and millennials take over in management roles? According to a PWC study, a healthy work-life balance is their number one priority. Millennials want flexibility, and they’re willing to go to great lengths to get it. Remote work is essentially a dream come true for most millennials. They can still earn their paycheck and get their job done, all from the comfort of their own home. Today’s generation is so tech-focused that for many young workers being in an office for eight hours a day is actually counterproductive.

Remote work increases employee productivity lowers stress levels & boosts morale:

There is evidence that supports that employees working from home are more productive and work longer hours. One of the biggest woes anyone going to and from a job can attest to - it’s the daunting traffic jams and commutes back and forth five days a week. Eliminating a daunting commune, getting to sleep for an extra hour, and working alone are significant perks for many people. If an employee has a hard time focusing, working remotely should pose fewer distractions. Think about it, no talking, buzzing, and ringing noises that always seem to happen in any work environment. 

Remote work also lowers stress. Whether employees stress is caused by being in the presence of their boss, other co-workers, or anything else for that matter, 82% of remote workers reported lower stress levels. Remote workers are also reporting higher morale, and are taking fewer days off when working from home. 

By the looks of it, working from home has its benefits for both the employers and the employees. Business owners can have big bucks on office spaces and electricity, while employees can work in their pajamas. Is this a win-win?

COVID-19 Period Surging Traffic Is Slowing Down Your Internet

In January 2020, before the novel coronavirus spread its way around the world, China locked down several provinces to contain the virus. While people were forced to self-quarantine, naturally, much of their time was spent browsing the web. Average internet speeds in the country slowed as a surge of users logged online.

By mid-February, when COVID-19 was running rampant throughout European cities in Italy, Germany, and Spain, internet speeds in these countries also began to worsen. As a slew of stay-at-home orders spread across the US, broadband speeds declined. Quarantines worldwide have made people more reliant on the internet to work, communicate, study, and keep entertained.

Stress on Internet Infrastructure

YouTube, Zoom, Netflix, Facebook, and video gaming have risen to new heights globally, especially in Europe and the US. What does this mean for your internet speed? Will the new 'normal' slower internet have any effect on security?

European countries asked major streaming services, like Netflix, to degrade their services to keep up with the wave of new users. In India, Australia, and Latin America, Netflix switched its high-definition video streams to a slightly lower quality to reduce traffic. YouTube committed to making all global streams standard definition.

The US, however, decided to take another approach. The Federal Communications Commission granted Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile temporary access to more airwaves to try and support the slew of internet browsers. 

Internet Providers, We're Not Prepared

Major service providers like Comcast, Vodafone, Verizon, and Telefónica have been working on improving their security, internet speeds, and building up their networks for years. While they did predict an increase in internet users, no one could have imagined such a steep, sudden rush of users. The increasing demand came as a surprise. Enrique Blanco, the CTO of Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications company, said, "In just two days we grew all the traffic we had planned for 2020."

Online gaming, video conferencing, and video calls have more than doubled since the start of the pandemic, while messages over WhatsApp, the free messaging platform owned by Facebook, more than quadrupled. All this extra traffic has slowed down internet networks, web pages, and apps.

Is There a Solution?

With most of the globe prepping for the "second wave" of COVID-19, many cities and states will likely reimplement shelter in place orders. More people are expected to be home, with not much to do other than using the internet for work and entertainment. Meaning, we can expect to see a lot more activity on a network.

By the looks of it, until we have a cure for COVID-19, we may have to put up with slower internet speeds for the foreseeable future. Internet traffic hasn't been slowing down, and the demand is on the steady incline. While internet providers are doing all they can to ensure their users have access to all of their videos, apps, games, and messenger services, there really isn't a whole lot they can do to speed up the internet.

Technology Giants Suspend the Processing of the Hong Kong Government's Request for User Data

Google, Facebook, and Twitter announced they are evaluating China's new national security law for the city. We're witnessing major American tech companies question the Chinese policy - an extremely rare occurrence. The national security law was put in place to help suppress the anti-government demonstrations that have been on the rise in Hong Kong for more than a year.

The tech giants mentioned above have temporarily stopped processing the Hong Kong government requests for user data. The new national security law in Hong Kong has already been used to arrest citizens who have requested Hong Kong's independence. Is this a human rights violation? Facebook has said its review of the new law would rely heavily on human rights considerations. This is one of the few times in recent history major American internet giants are questioning Chinese policy.

What about Chinese-born companies? TikTok, owned by the Chinese internet giant, ByteDance, announced they would withdraw the TikTok app from Hong Kong stores. Within a few days, the app will be unusable.

The New Laws:

What exactly are the new national security rules in Hong Kong? The new law permits the police force to take down internet posts that they feel threaten national security and prosecute companies who don't comply with data requests. If the organization refuses to comply with user data requests, it could result in jail time for the employees and a significant fine for the company. These new rules will force some companies to choose between releasing data or facing six months of jail time for an employee. According to the HK government, if a company refuses to turn over user data in national security cases, it could be fined around $13,000. If someone is ordered to remove a post and they deny, that could lead to a one-year jail sentence.

Google, Facebook, and Twitter did not say whether they would eventually decide to cooperate with parts of the law, but they have temporarily stopped fielding government requests. Their final decisions will likely change the future of internet freedom in Hong Kong. Many HK citizens fear the city will succumb to the ultra tight-knit internet laws that suffocate others in China where Facebook, Twitter, and Google are currently blocked. Thus far, the web hasn't been so tightly censored in Hong Kong, and needless to say, residents want to keep it that way.  

Is There a Safer Way to Communicate?

Groups of people in Hong Kong are seeking ways to go around the city's internet blockades. Some have deleted posts in fear of being prosecuted, and some are downloading encrypted messaging platforms. Trustwire is an end-to-end encrypted file sharing platform. Only the rightful owner and receiver can access the shared data.

While there's still no saying what the HK government will do next, we'll have to wait and see what the American tech giants decide.

Freelancers Are the New Cloud Computing| What Does The Future Hold?

Will we see a spike in traditional employees being replaced more and more by freelancers who live and work remotely?

Cloud computing has changed the tech game forever. Cloud computing is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial innovations for tech entrepreneurs since the invention of high-speed internet. They now have the power to move capital expenses to and scale their computing power as the business changes. It seems as though we’re entering a new phase of the future, and coronavirus aside, we’re seeing more and more employees being replaced by freelancers who live and work remotely.

The advantages of a remote team of employees?

• Save money. No more renting pricey office spaces.


• Acquire talent from all around the world. Freelancer platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are jam-packed with rockstar people looking for work. Maybe the best fit for the job is a person who lives in Canada, Nebraska, or Tel Aviv.


• Working from home is fun for most. People like the freedom of working remotely. No more dressing up for work or having to be in the office at 9 am sharp.

The disadvantages and challenges:

Of course, there are some considerable downsides to think about. Like, how can you develop a reliable team without ever meeting in person, and can you really rely solely on remote workers to do a job? It depends on the line of work, but many companies are saying they need their workers to be on the front line in the office.

One of the biggest challenges during this new remote working trend is undoubtedly the added security risk. Major corporations have already been the target of cybersecurity threats for years. What happens when their workers do their jobs remotely on unsecured wi-fi networks from their home or a cafe? Well, for hackers, you might as well say Christmas came early. This new breeding ground of vulnerable employees poses a significant threat to security. To avoid any security mishaps, employers are asking their workers to use secure software systems to send and receive sensitive information securely. Trustwire is 100% end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one other than the owner and rightful recipient of a file will be able to access it. The trick to outsmarting dangerous online predators is never to give them the option to hack into your system.

What’s the Solution?

Because this new working from home era is still so fresh, it’s hard to say what will happen if 50% of employees work from home in five years? Some experts suggest hiring remote freelancers for more mundane and menial tasks, and it’s proven to be very useful. However, the difference between a simple lead gen task and a sophisticated marketing strategy could not be more different. Will companies continue to allow employees to work from home, even after the pandemic passes? Only time will tell.

To learn more about how Trustwire can be a useful tool against ransomware attacks and other cybercrimes.

Remote Working is Becoming the New “Norm” for Twitter, Facebook

The world’s most famous tech companies are spearheading full-time remote work opportunities for their employees amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jack Dorsey made headlines recently when he announced all Twitter employees now have the option to work from home indefinitely. While in late May, Mark Zuckerberg declared that up to half of Facebook’s employees (48,268 people) could be working remotely in five to 10 years. Offices won’t be disappearing from Silicon Valley altogether, but we should expect a significant shift toward working remotely.

Are there benefits to working remotely?

Venturing out of offices could mean more job opportunities for people who live outside of the traditional ‘tech hubs’ like the Bay Area, Seattle, and Austin. Many big tech companies are waking up and realizing allowing employees to work from home may not be such a bad idea, after all. Companies can save money on wages by paying employees based on the cost of living where they work, while also lowering rental expenses. If they don’t have to rent an office, especially in the pricey areas like the Bay Area, they can potentially save millions of dollars. Many are saying that it’s time to spread digital opportunities across the country. If there’s anything our nation needs right now, coronavirus cure aside, it’s more job opportunities.  

What are the drawbacks?

Nothing is perfect. Cybersecurity is posing a major issue for employees. Hackers are already targeting Americans working from home. Because the average person uses unsecured Wi-Fi networks at home, it’s leaving them more vulnerable to security threats. The good news is that there are means and resources you can use to help boost your personal online security. Trustwire is one of the easiest online collaboration tools that allow users to send and receive files from anywhere in the world securely. The data is end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one except the rightful owner and receiver will be able to access the data.

Another downfall of the new work from home trend is that in-person collaboration is precious. Will employees miss the feeling of camaraderie or even just chatting around the water cooler?

Experts are still unsure if Zoom conferences and a daily phone call will be enough.
Major tech companies like Twitter and Facebook have never permitted their workers to operate remotely. We’re entering brand new territory. If it weren’t for COVID-19, would we have ever witnessed this shift? What are the long-term ramifications, and will employee morale remain the same? It’s impossible to say what effects short and long term remote work will have on a company, its profits, and its employees.

Working remotely isn’t a trend, and it looks like it’s here to stay. It’s also not going to be limited to just the big tech companies. More and more businesses are vowing to allow their employees to work remotely, even after the coronavirus pandemic is a thing of the past.

Trustwire is a browser-based file transfer method. Using the latest end-to-end encryption software, Trustwire guarantees your files will be shared safely with only the rightful recipient. Our free service means no more trips hand-delivering data, worrying about cybersecurity breaches, and knowing the information you divulge to your CPA, lawyer, or doctor remains secure. With Trustwire, you can easily exchange and access files anywhere in the world, and no downloads or installations are required. Are you ready to start surfing the internet securely? Sign up for a free account Trustwire here.

Take Control of Your Digital Life: 7 Ways to Protect Your Privacy

Technology has changed our lives. It’s made our lives more convenient. We can shop for pretty much anything under the sun, order food, talk to loved ones, and even be treated by a doctor, all over the internet. While tech advances have incredible advantages, like everything else, it also comes with a slew of disadvantages. Website hackers are waiting to gain access to your personal information. Malicious online behavior is nothing new, and the hackers are only getting smarter. That’s why data security is so important. Here are 7 ways that you can protect yourself and your identity.

1. Be cautious of phishing

Phishing is one of the most common ways hackers try to get a hold of your personal information. Usually, the hackers will attach a link containing malware or other viruses in an email. Once you click the link, they have access to all of your info. Always be wary of opening email attachments, even if you think you know it’s from a reputable sender.  

2. Remember that incognito mode doesn’t mean you’re invisible

The privacy feature, available on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox may sound secure, but pay attention to the clear warnings. On Chrome, for example, it says, “Going incognito doesn’t hide your browsing from your employer, your internet service provider, or the websites you visit.” So, it doesn’t help when it comes to data security, but it will prevent anyone using your computer from seeing which sites you visited.

3. Practice safe texting

Signal is an excellent tool for people who want to protect their texts. It’s free, easy to use, and available for iPhone and Android. WhatsApp is another popular chat tool, which uses Signal’s software to encrypt its messaging.

4. Use Strong Passwords

Did you know that 83% of Americans still use weak passwords? According to  Avast Press, it’s a good idea to change your passwords often and pick something more clever than your dog’s name or your birthday.

5. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you surf the internet without anyone tracking your IP address. The good ones aren’t free, but worth the investment in your privacy and data security. You can also use them across all of your devices, like your smartphones, tablets, and
computers.

6. Use an encrypted file-sharing software

For anyone who deals with sensitive information on the internet, surely privacy is a top concern. Business owners, doctors, journalists, and lawyers are continually sending files containing their own or their client’s info. Trustwire is one of the easiest and safest ways to send and receive files online. The software uses end-to-end encryption so you can ensure hackers won’t be able to crack the codes to your data.

7. Keep your data backed up

Online backup services like CrashPlan, back up your data and encrypt it at the same time. The backups help protect your photos and documents during a technical malfunction and from ransomware and other malicious attacks.

FaceApp Lets You Peek Into The Future. Does It Also Violate Your Privacy?

FaceApp is the photo-altering smartphone application that takes one of your photos and 'ages' it by decades. The app works scarily well, and the modified photographs do give users a realistic glimpse of what they could look like in 30 to 40 years, or what they may have looked like as young children. 

The app was created by Wireless Lab of St. Petersburg, Russia, and quickly soared to be amid the top free apps in both the Apple and Android app stores. This could have something to do with the major social media and celeb following. Once A-List celebrities like The Jonas Brothers, Drake, and Chris Hemsworth began shouting out the app on social media, needless to say, the buzz around FaceApp was swarming. 

The Russian hacker jokes are endless. Many influencers have taken to Twitter to poke fun at the fact that Russia now has access to many of our personal photos and potentially our information. While there is no hard evidence that FaceApp is stealing photos and taking them back to Russia for some evil project, there are a couple of privacy issues.

FaceApp And Your Privacy, What You Need To Know

FaceApp's privacy policy and terms and conditions have been raising eyebrows, and growing concerns over cybersecurity and the app are on the steady incline. One clause that stands out is that FaceApp holds extensive rights to its user's photos. Do keep in mind that many other apps do as well, though, and this is the unfortunate "norm" in the world of photo applications. According to Jeremy Gillula, who is a project director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (a nonprofit civil liberties group) does say there is cause for concern. 

According to Gillula, "The fact that a lot of apps and services usually contain this catch-all clause that says you grant us worldwide license to reproduce, modify, adapt, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform and display your user content always seems a little over the top to me.  

Is FaceApp Safe To Use?

It's always disheartening when a seemingly fun, harmless smartphone application can create serious concerns surrounding privacy and cybersecurity. Many of the app's young users don't give a second thought to whether or not their information is protected. However, for working professionals, people who own/operate businesses, and anyone who wants to keep their privacy, using FaceApp may not be the best idea. 

Reps from FaceApp have divulged that most of the images uploaded from their serves have a 48-hour lifespan until deleted. They claim to never sell or share user data with third parties; however, in their privacy policy, it does say they reserve the right to share some information. 

This info includes analytic tools to help measure traffic and usage trends, and these are done with third-party organizations. 

All in all, FaceApp most likely isn't using your photos for some kind of world-domination scheme, but you should still be cautious of everything you post on the app.

Trustwire is a browser-based file transfer method. Using the latest end-to-end encryption software, Trustwire guarantees your files will be shared safely with only the rightful recipient. Our free service means no more trips hand-delivering data, worrying about cybersecurity breaches, and knowing the information you divulge to your CPA, lawyer, or doctor remains secure. With Trustwire, you can easily exchange and access files anywhere in the world, and no downloads or installations are required. Are you ready to start surfing the internet securely? Sign up for a free account Trustwire here.