Plan B - Computer Tips for Writers

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I work in IT, and we're always preparing for outages and how to recover from disasters. We have a plan B or a work-around for lots of scenarios, so that our users can continue working if there is a disruption of service.

As a writer, your computer and other tools are part of your business, and your writings are valuable. You need a back up plan if something goes wrong. If you've ever lost a file or had a computer die on you, you know that sinking feeling. Here are some tips that can help.

  1. You need to backup your files regularly (on an external harddrive or to the cloud). Find the way that works best for you. Make sure that backups are part of your routine. Your work is too important to lose.
  2. Check with your website/blog provider to ensure that backups are part of your plan. It's a lot of work to recreate your site if something catastrophic happens. 
  3. Keep up with emails from your website/blog provider and other software services. If your subscription runs out, your access is revoked. Make sure to keep copies of all of your receipts.
  4. Make sure that you have anti-virus software on your computer. There are a lot of services out there, and you need to find the one that works best for your. Attacks, viruses, and malware unfortunately are a part of daily life.
  5. If you signup for software services, often there is an auto-renewal feature. If you leave it on, make sure you know when it's time to renew and that you want to continue the service. If you turn it off, make sure that you renew at the proper time. See #3. Be aware that it could expire and you lose access.
  6. Keep all of your passwords in a safe place (not in a spreadsheet or Word document on your computer). I use KeePass. It's a password locker, and it's free. You just have to remember the one password to access the application. 
  7. You may want to back up your contacts. You can export a list and save it outside of your email software. This list is hard to recreate if it's damaged or inaccessible.
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7 Things Writers Need to Know about Cybersecurity

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Recently, I attended RVASec, a cybersecurity conference in Richmond, VA. Mikko Hyponnen of F-Secure was the keynote speaker. He is also the curator for the Malware Museum at the Internet Archive. He focused on where we've been and what's next with technology. He also talked about vulnerabilities and things we need to be aware of in this every-changing world.

Here are seven things I learned from his presentation:

  1. We've experienced the Internet revolution. Right now, we're experiencing the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. There are thousands of smart devices out there, and you need to consider security. He said that the next big revolution will be Artificial Intelligence (AI). I'm not sure I'm ready for the rise of the machine just yet.
  2. The first case of ransomeware happened in 1989. I thought it would be in the late 90s or 2000s. Cybercrimes have been around for a while.
  3. He reiterated this point several times. DO NOT CLICK on the ENABLE content button on websites. He called this the "please infect by PC" button.
  4. "Data is the new oil." You will not be able to avoid smart devices. Soon, anything that plugs in will have some kind of smart of computer component. He gave lots of examples like smart mattresses and smart lightbulbs. And these devices are sending data and analytics about your use of them back to the manufacturer.
  5. Appliances and other smart devices (that we don't think of as computers) will come with software licensing agreements and configuration instructions. Anything that runs on electricity will eventually be connected to the Net.
  6. Your smart devices (cameras, lightbulbs, thermostats, etc.) are vulnerable. If you take it out of the box and plug it in without reading the instructions and checking the security settings, you could be susceptible to hacks or attacks. (If you can turn a camera on or unlock a door with your phone, so can a hacker.)
  7. Make sure that you set strong passwords on your devices. Things that are easy to remember are also easy to hack.

I love new technology and gadgets, but I think it's also good to have a healthy awareness of some of the dangers of lax security. What's your favorite smart device?