Skip to main content    

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

**Official websites use .gov**              A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.            

**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**              A **lock** (  LockA locked padlock) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.            

https://www.nist.gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber/guidance-topic/securing-data-devices-1

            -  Topics  -  All Topics 
-  Advanced communications 
-  Artificial intelligence 
-  Bioscience 
-  Buildings and construction 
-  Chemistry 
-  Climate 
-  Cybersecurity 
-  Electronics 
-  Energy 
-  Environment 
-  Fire 
-  Forensic science 
-  Health 
-  Information technology 
-  Infrastructure 
-  Manufacturing 
-  Materials 
-  Mathematics and statistics 
-  Metrology 
-  Nanotechnology 
-  Neutron research 
-  Performance excellence 
-  Physics 
-  Public safety 
-  Resilience 
-  Standards 
-  Transportation 
 
            -  Publications 
            -  Labs & Major Programs  -  Laboratories    -  Communications Technology Laboratory 
  -  Engineering Laboratory 
  -  Information Technology Laboratory 
  -  Material Measurement Laboratory 
  -  Physical Measurement Laboratory 
-  User Facilities    -  NIST Center for Neutron Research 
  -  CNST NanoFab 
-  Research Test Beds 
-  Research Projects 
-  Tools & Instruments 
-  Major Programs    -  Baldrige Performance Excellence Program 
  -  CHIPS for America Initiative 
  -  Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) 
  -  Office of Advanced Manufacturing 
  -  Special Programs Office 
  -  Technology Partnerships Office 
 
            -  Services & Resources  -  Standards and Measurements    -  Calibration Services 
  -  Laboratory Accreditation (NVLAP) 
  -  Quality System 
  -  Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) 
  -  Standards.gov 
  -  Time Services 
  -  Office of Weights and Measures 
-  Software 
-  Data    -  Chemistry WebBook 
  -  National Vulnerability Database 
  -  Physical Reference Data 
  -  Standard Reference Data (SRD) 
-  Storefront 
-  License & Patents 
-  Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC) 
-  NIST Research Library 
 
            -  News & Events  -  News 
-  Events 
-  Blogs 
-  Feature Stories 
-  Awards 
-  Video Gallery 
-  Image Gallery 
-  Media Contacts 
 
            -  About NIST  -  About Us    -  Leadership 
  -  Organization Structure 
  -  Budget & Planning 
-  Contact Us 
-  Visit 
-  Careers    -  Student programs 
-  Work with NIST 
-  History    -  NIST Digital Archives 
  -  NIST Museum 
  -  NIST and the Nobel 
-  Educational Resources 
 

Information Technology Laboratory

## Small Business Cybersecurity Corner

-  Cybersecurity Basics 
-  NIST Cybersecurity Framework 
-  Events 
-  Guidance by Sector  Expand or Collapse    -  Health Sector 
  -  Manufacturing Sector 
-  Guidance by Topic  Expand or Collapse    -  All Purpose Guides 
  -  Choosing a Vendor/Service Provider 
  -  Cloud Security 
  -  Cyber Insurance 
  -  Cybersecurity Risks 
  -  Government Contractor Requirements 
  -  Developing Secure Products 
  -  Employee Awareness 
  -  Multi-Factor Authentication 
  -  Phishing 
  -  Privacy 
  -  Protecting Against Scams 
  -  Ransomware 
  -  Responding to a Cyber Incident 
  -  Securing Data & Devices 
  -  Securing Network Connections 
  -  Telework 
-  Training  Expand or Collapse    -  Glossary 
-  Videos 
-  Get Engaged  Expand or Collapse    -  About 
-  Cybersecurity @ NIST 

## Connect with us

Twitter

# Securing Data & Devices

## Share

Facebook

Linkedin

Twitter

Email

*This page contains guidance to help you protect the security of your business information and devices (like cell phones and laptops).*

## Topics

##### Authentication

##### Data Protection

##### Internet of Things

##### Mobile Devices

##### Physical Security

##### Privacy

##### Securing a New Computer

##### Software & Applications

## Authentication

Supplementing Passwords – provides an overview of authentication methods more secure than passwords*Department of Homeland Security*

Choosing and Protecting Passwords – tips for choosing good passwords and protecting them from unauthorized people who might exploit them*Department of Homeland Security*

## Data Protection

Using Caution with USB Drives – summarizes security risks associated with USB drives and how to protect the data on them*Department of Homeland Security*

Effectively Erasing Files – tips on how to securely erase files to protect disclosure of sensitive data*Department of Homeland Security*

Understanding Digital Signatures -  overview of digital signatures, which are used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message*Department of Homeland Security*

Understanding Encryption – overview of how encryption can be used to protect your data*Department of Homeland Security*

## Internet of Things

Securing the Internet of Things – tips for ensuring Internet of Things devices are secure*Department of Homeland Security*

Careful Connections: Building Security in the Internet of Things - advice for businesses about building security into products connected to the Internet of Things, including proper authentication, reasonable security measures, and carefully considered default settings*Federal Trade Commission*

## Mobile Devices

Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security – risks to mobile devices and tips for protecting them*Department of Homeland Security*

Protecting Portable Devices: Data Security – tips to prevent data theft from mobile devices*Department of Homeland Security*

Defending Cell Phones and PDAs Against Attack – risks to cell phones and personal data assistants and tips to protect them*Department of Homeland Security*

FCC Smartphone Security - FCC consumer tool designed to help the many smartphone owners who aren't protected against mobile security threats.*Federal Communications Commission*

## Physical Security

Physical Security – tips on protecting your business equipment, paper files, and data*Federal Trade Commission*

Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices – the importance of and methods for disposing of electronic devices securely*Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency*

Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security – risks to mobile devices and tips for protecting them*Department of Homeland Security*

## Privacy

Privacy Framework Quick Start Guide  – *Getting Started with the NIST Privacy Framework: A Guide for Small and Medium Businesses* is intended to help any organization get a risk-based privacy program off the ground or improve an existing one.    

*National Institute of Standards and Technology*

Protecting Your Privacy – tips for protecting the privacy of your information*Department of Homeland Security*

Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business - practical tips for business on creating and implementing a plan for safeguarding personal information*Federal Trade Commission*

## Securing a New Computer

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet – tips for securing a computer prior to connecting it to a network*Department of Homeland Security*

## Software & Applications

Understanding Patches and Software Updates – description of the importance of applying periodic fixes and updates to software*Department of Homeland Security*

*Content outlined on the Small Business Cybersecurity Corner webpages contain documents and resources submitted directly to us from our contributors. These resources were identified by our contributors as information they deemed most relevant and timely—and were chosen based on the current needs of the small business community.  Certain commercial entities may be identified in this Web site or linked Web sites. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by NIST, nor is it intended to imply that the entities, materials, or equipment are necessarily the best available for the purpose.*

### HEADQUARTERS

301-975-2000

Webmaster | Contact Us | Our Other Offices

TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTubeGiphyRSS FeedMailing List

Feedback

            -  Site Privacy 
            -  Accessibility 
            -  Privacy Program 
            -  Copyrights 
            -  Vulnerability Disclosure 
            -  No Fear Act Policy 
            -  FOIA 
            -  Environmental Policy 
            -  Scientific Integrity 
            -  Information Quality Standards 
            -  Commerce.gov 
            -  Science.gov 
            -  USA.gov 
            -  Vote.gov