How do you secure your mentoring sessions and data?

As a professional mentor, you want to ensure that your sessions and data are secure and confidential, especially if you are mentoring remotely or virtually. This means protecting yourself and your mentees from unauthorized access, data breaches, malware, and other cyber threats. In this article, we will discuss some best practices and tips on how to secure your mentoring sessions and data.

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1 Choose a reliable platform

The first step to secure your mentoring sessions and data is to choose a reliable platform that offers end-to-end encryption, password protection, and other security features. Encryption means that your communication and data are scrambled and only readable by the intended recipients. Password protection means that you and your mentees need to enter a unique code or phrase to join the session or access the data. Some examples of secure platforms are Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. You should also check the privacy policy and terms of service of the platform to understand how they handle your data and what rights you have.

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2 Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

The second step to secure your mentoring sessions and data is to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your accounts and devices. A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique. It should not contain any personal information, common words, or patterns. You can use a password manager or generator to create and store your passwords securely. MFA is a method of verifying your identity by requiring more than one factor, such as a code sent to your phone or email, a fingerprint scan, or a facial recognition. MFA adds an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

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3 Update your software and antivirus

The third step to secure your mentoring sessions and data is to update your software and antivirus regularly. Updating your software ensures that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes that can prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities. Updating your antivirus helps you detect and remove any malware or viruses that can infect your devices and compromise your data. You should also avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, downloading unknown files, or visiting untrusted websites that can expose you to phishing, ransomware, or other cyberattacks.

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4 Backup your data and use cloud storage

The fourth step to secure your mentoring sessions and data is to backup your data and use cloud storage. Backing up your data means creating a copy of your files and storing them in a separate location, such as an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or a cloud service. This way, you can recover your data in case of loss, theft, damage, or corruption. Cloud storage means storing your data online in a secure server that you can access from any device with an internet connection. Cloud storage offers convenience, scalability, and security, as long as you choose a reputable provider that encrypts your data and complies with data protection laws.

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Janani Srikanth

Author | Psychologist | Life Coach | Philosopher | Personal Transformation Specialist | Positive Psychology Practitioner | Hypnotherapist | CBT & Mindfulness Practitioner | Organisational Psychology Expert | Engineer
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I subscribe to the idea of backing up my session data periodically in my data drive weekly. It is also advisable to password protect your session files/folders. The backup schedule helps stay organised and retrieve information easily when needed.

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5 Educate yourself and your mentees

The fifth step to secure your mentoring sessions and data is to educate yourself and your mentees about the importance and best practices of cybersecurity. You should share with your mentees the tips and resources that we have discussed in this article, and encourage them to follow them. You should also make them aware of the potential risks and consequences of not securing their sessions and data, such as identity theft, fraud, blackmail, or legal action. You should also establish clear rules and expectations about the confidentiality and ownership of the data, and respect the privacy and consent of your mentees.

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Janani Srikanth

Author | Psychologist | Life Coach | Philosopher | Personal Transformation Specialist | Positive Psychology Practitioner | Hypnotherapist | CBT & Mindfulness Practitioner | Organisational Psychology Expert | Engineer
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Setting clear rules and confidentiality consent before beginning sessions is essential to protect the privacy of clients and the skill/approach of the mentor. Draft a good confidentiality agreement and make sure the client understands and signs it prior to sessions. It goes a long way in keeping sessions secure.

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6 Review and improve your security measures

The sixth step to secure your mentoring sessions and data is to review and improve your security measures periodically. You should monitor your accounts and devices for any unusual activity or signs of compromise, and report any incidents or issues to the relevant authorities or platforms. You should also evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of your security tools and methods, and update or change them as needed. You should also seek feedback from your mentees and peers about their experience and satisfaction with your security measures, and implement any suggestions or improvements that can enhance your security and trust.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you secure your mentoring sessions and data?

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1 Choose a reliable platform

2 Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

3 Update your software and antivirus

4 Backup your data and use cloud storage

5 Educate yourself and your mentees

6 Review and improve your security measures

7 Here’s what else to consider

Professional Mentoring

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