It is crucial to share your files safely when dealing with hypersensitive information. Be sure to only share your data to those who need it. This will reduce the chance that a large portion of your data will fall into the incorrect hands in the case of a breach. Use tools that will prevent the unauthorised modification of files. There are programs that can secure files when you and another person are working together on an Excel spreadsheet, for example that protects against accidental or malicious changes as well as ensures that numbers are precise.
The addition of a watermark to your files is beneficial. It provides an additional layer of security, and allows you to keep track of who has access to your files. You can also put an expiration date on download links and remove access to the file after a specific amount of time. This will keep hackers out or employees who are not authorized from keeping personal data for longer than they are permitted to do so by company policies. When you no longer require the file, write an instruction manual to guide your staff on how to rewrite it multiple times (like shredding the file digitally and then degaussing) to ensure that it isn’t capable of being resurrected in the future.
Be it research data, student information, or carefully designed spreadsheets and documents, the private information stored on your devices is extremely valuable. One wrong move, and confidential data could be out in the wild for anyone to exploit, causing financial loss or damage to your reputation.