9 things coaches can do to protect client data right now

Protecting our clients' data and privacy is a key ethical duty for coaches. Both the EMCC and the ICF ethical frameworks require coaches to ensure this. Here are a few very simple steps you can take right now to safeguard your clients' information. For a much more detailed view on the matter, read Alexandra Fouracres's brilliant book Cybersecurity for Coaches and Therapists: A Practical Guide for Protecting Client Data (English Edition)

1) Use a password safe and generator

Use an online password safe and have the program generate different passwords for each site that you log into.

2) Change your passwords regularly

Goes without saying - try to change (and store in your password safe) your passwords regularly

3) Password protect all of your devices

Laptops and cellphones get stolen. Use strong passwords for all of your devices.

4) Protect your hard drives

If you have any client information on a hard drive, password protect it and keep it safe.

5) Password protect all sensitive client data

Password protect all files with sensitive client data and don't use clients' full names, use initials

6) Delete client information sensibly

When a coaching process is over, send the relevant files to your client (password protected). Send the password in a separate mail, or better, let them know in a call. Then delete the information.

7) Never log on to any public wi-fi unprotected

Yes, you are in airports and hotel. Sure, you want to safe money. But don't use a public wi-fi with any device that contains client data. One way to stay safe is to opt for using a VPN if you want to be able to connect to public wi-fi.

8) Switch off anything that will "listen in" on your coachings

This could be the AI notetaker in your zoom, or one of the many voice activated services like Alexa or Siri

9) Stay informed about the latest phishing trends

Whenever you receive an email asking you to put in any data: check the sender's email. If it is xpz@blabla.com, it probably is not from Microsoft. When in doubt, log on to the site in question via your browser. Don't click on any links in dubious emails.

Of course, there is more you can do, but these are some things you can do right now.

If you want to discuss ethics, data privacy or anything else coaching related, why not come to one of our free meetups and exchanges?

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