## Quick wins

You see from the three cases that specific measures are required for each study to ensure correct handling of personal data. However, there are also general ‘quick wins’ for researchers: simple adjustments in your working method that ensure considerable extra security. This page contains a brief overview.

### What can you do already?

Below you see seven relatively simple actions that ensure a significant reduction of the risk of data leaks in your study. We recommend every researcher to implement them wherever possible.

Privacy filter: A special type of foil that can be applied to every laptop or desktop screen. It ensures that the viewing angle is significantly reduced to make it more difficult for other people to view your screen. Useful when you are working a lot on the go. Search for ‘privacy filter laptop’ to find a suitable type.

Webcam cover: Without you noticing it, malicious people can view through your webcam. A webcam cover is a ‘small lock’ that is simple to apply and can fully cover the webcam when required. This makes viewing by others a thing of the past. Search for ‘webcam cover’ to find a suitable type.

Encryption of the hard drive: With encryption the data on the drive is secured against unauthorised access, as this drive can be easily removed from your laptop and be read effortlessly by a pc. For Windows computers, BitLocker Drive Encryption is a good option, for Macs this is FileVault.

Terms of service reader: Many online services have included provisions in their ‘terms of service’ on what they can do with your data. There are add-ons available for your browser to make it easier to asses these often lengthy ‘terms of service’ documents. These add-ons give a quick insight into the risks you run by using the service.

Anti virus software: To prevent malicious people from getting access to your computer or laptop, quality anti-virus software and regular installing of updates are important. This software keeps your computer clean and safe.

Anti-tracking and anti-cookie software: For web browsers, software is available that analyses cookies for you, indicates what these cookies do and already eliminate harmful cookies. This software also checks whether a party is ‘tracking’ you and thus is gathering information about you which it may forward to third parties.