How to Absolutely Secure Your Data

A lot has been said in the news lately about spyware and system security.
Are you terrified of losing your notebook machine and having your entire life compromised?

What can you do to secure your computerized tax records, bank account information, credit cards, identity, etc.?

Well, here are some simple steps to be a lot more secure, so much so that if both your notebook, and your computer were physically stolen, you'd still be pretty ticked off, but not in anything like a panic.

Steps

1. BACK UP YOUR DATA. Above all else, be sure your data is backed up, and that the backed up data is stored in such a manner that a single disaster will not destroy both copies. As a minimum, put any backup in closet in a separate room. In a water-proof and fire-proof container is better (i.e. in an envelope, in a well-burped zip lock baggy in a cheap safe or steel box with a 'fire rating'). In a separate building (like in an outbuilding or at a trusted friend or family member's home) is better, but somewhat less convenient.
2. Get yourself an external storage device, like a USB 'Thumb Drive' for your most sensitive data. Don't buy the biggest, best, most expensive one with the largest capacity available unless you truly need it. Small, cheap and relatively valueless is best. Maybe shop for 'fast', though. If it's a FLASH format compatible with cameras, make sure it doesn't match any camera that you have, but that you do have a convenient flash reader that handles it.
3. Treat that external drive like you would an internal drive, and back it up occasionally to CD or some other media. Keep that backup very safe, such as in a safe deposit box. Then if your home burns, at least you still have a backup of your most sensitive things.
4. Plug that drive in ONLY to access or modify the information that is on it. Unplug it (in windows, 'Safely Remove Hardware' first, in Linux/Unix/etc. 'unmount' it first) when you are finished.
5. Physically disconnect from the network (if paranoid) whenever the drive is to be plugged in. If your connection is wireless, unplug or disable the wireless adapter, or unplug your router, (assuming you own it).
6. If you are not a 'computer geek', get one to help you track down your files and help you migrate them so that software runs right while accessing your files from the external drive. Then make sure the files no longer exist on your computer's hard drive(s).
7. Find some software that will securely wipe files and histories and such in a convenient, automatic manner. Use it after using the external drive.
8. Move all sensitive files ('TAX', 'Quicken', etc.) that formerly resided on your computer's hard disk to that external drive. Make sure the originals are removed.
9. Type a text file onto the external drive containing a list of all of your accounts, account passwords, contact information, etc. for future reference. Keep this file up-to-date. See 'Tips' for what is meant by 'text file'.
10. Disable and clear EVERY form of 'Password' caching you have in your computer. Especially in your web browser(s). All manner of data mining spyware is well acquainted with the location, format, encryption method, etc. of password caches, and will usually steal those first. It's nice and convenient to log in, go to your bank's web site and instantly be in and accessing your account, but ANYONE can do that just as conveniently if they gain access to your machine. Your windows password is absolutely no protection against this.
11. Type a text file onto the external drive containing a list of all of the 'registration codes' and electronic receipts for services that you may have received as email. Keep this file/folder up-to-date. Include web sites, order numbers and whatever other pertinent information is needed to access support for those tools. Include software registration codes printed on CD sleeves, boxes, books, etc.
12. Don't leave email in your 'inbox' that has username/account/regcode/receipts/etc. information. Save that information somewhere (copy/paste if necessary) and remove the email. Put it onto the external drive when you get around to it.
13. Add 'private' documents and information next. Anything that won't cause you financial/identity harm, but would be embarrassing if they were read by others.
14. Scan sensitive paper documents into files on the drive, assuming there is space. Use 'adequate' black&white scanner resolution to read their content. According to the nature of the documents, they can then be destroyed, but at least you'll still have a copy of them in case of fire or flood.
15. Consider backing up other data from your computer onto it. You can use 'xcopy' or 'rsync' or Microsoft's 'SyncToy' or other tools to backup incrementally and keep files synchronized on the thumb drive.
16. Consider adding some basic system recovery tools, like downloaded installations for certain applications you need to access your files, or at least links to where you can find them.
17. When not in use, put the drive away somewhere obscure and secure, well away from your computer(s) or anything valuable.

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