How to secure your online writing portfolio as a freelance writer?

For freelance writers, their online portfolio is one of the biggest assets. It is the compilation of their best work, illustrating their skills and experience. Often, it also plays an influential role in deciding whether they will be hired for a project.

 Tips to Secure Your Online Writing Portfolio

As a freelance writer, you must secure your portfolio against unauthorized access or theft. To accomplish this goal, you can follow the steps shared below.

 

• Set a Strong Password

 

The first step to securing an online account is setting up a strong password. The password should be complex and lengthy. It should mix upper- and lower-case letters, symbols, and numbers.

 

Your password should not be easily guessable, such as your name, “password,” or 123456. Use a unique password for every account. Experts recommend using password managers to keep track of them all. 

 

• Use Two-Factor Authentication

 

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an additional security layer. If hackers crack the password, they will still require physical access to your 2FA device. It requires users to provide two forms of identification before accessing an account. It can include information the user knows, such as passwords, and information they have, such as smartphones or security tokens.  

 

• Use a Secure Connection 

 

Whenever accessing your online writing portfolio, use a secure connection. Use a URL that begins with “https” instead of “http,” “s” indicates that the connection is secure and encrypted.

 

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks. They are insecure and can be easily hacked. To encrypt your connection and protect your data, consider using Virtual Private Network (VPN)

 

• Keep Your Software Up To Date

 

Outdated software possesses security vulnerabilities. Hackers can easily exploit it to access your online account or computer. Thus, keeping your extensions, plugins, web browsers, and software up to date would be best. To make this task easier, you can change your software settings to update automatically. Don’t forget to install any security patches as soon as they become available. 

 

• Work With a Reputable Hosting Service

 

If you are hosting your online writing portfolio on your own server or website, it is recommended that you work with a reputable hosting service. Look for a hosting service provider with strong security features such as intrusion detection, firewall protection, and regular backups. In addition, ensure that your website’s software is up to date and use secure login credentials to prevent unauthorized access. 

 

• Backup Your Portfolio Reguarlary

 

Even with the best security measures in place, the risk of your online writing portfolio being lost or stolen exists. Thus, you must regularly back up your online writing portfolio to a secure location. You can take advantage of external hard drives or cloud storage. It ensures that you can quickly recover your work in a data breach or other disaster. 

 

• Limit Access to Portfolio

Your online writing portfolio should be accessed by only those who need it. Don’t share your login credentials with anyone, and be cautious about giving access to third-party individuals or services.

If you are required to share your portfolio with a potential employer or client, consider using a password-protected sharing service such as Google Drive or Dropbox. 

Bottom Line

Securing your online writing portfolio is crucial for protecting your work and your reputation as a freelance writer. Follow the above tips to ensure that your portfolio remains a powerful and secure tool for illustrating your skills and experience.