The 90-Second Security Check Every Coach Should Know

You've heard encryption is important. You nod along when someone mentions it. But TBH, you're not entirely sure what you're looking for.

You already use encryption every day. When you check your bank account, send an email, or book a client on Calendly. You just didn't know the word for it. Today, in 90 seconds, you'll learn exactly what to check before trusting any online tool with client information.

Imagine sending your session notes to yourself through the mail.

Without encryption? It's like a postcard. Anyone who handles it can read it.

With encryption? It's like a locked box where only you have the key.

That's it.

Here's what most coaches don't realize:

Every secure website you visit does this automatically. Your browser and that website perform a "handshake" - they agree on how to scramble the data. Takes milliseconds. Happens invisibly.

This protects your data while it's traveling from your computer to the AI tool, like using that locked box for mailing.

Why both matter: A tool could protect data during travel (HTTPS) but store it completely unprotected. That's like using armored transport to deliver diamonds and then leaving them on the counter.

Here's exactly what to do before trusting any AI tool:

Open the tool's website and look at the address bar.

Click the padlock. It should say "Connection is secure."

That's encryption in transit confirmed.

Scroll to the website footer and find "Security" or "Privacy" or "Trust."

Scan for these magic words:

Found them? The company takes security seriously.

Can't find a security page at all? Red flag for any tool storing client data. If you see some security mentions but not these specific terms, that's a yellow flag worth investigating.

Same security page or footer. Look for these certifications:

Companies pay thousands for audits to earn these certifications.

Multiple badges? Strong security culture.

At least one? Acceptable.

None for a tool handling sensitive data? Proceed with caution.

Quick Google search: "[Tool name] data breach"

Any of these = walk away:

One red flag here overrides everything else.

You don't need to become a security expert, you just need to know these four checks.

✅ HTTPS and padlock = Your data is protected while traveling

✅ Security page mentions encryption = Your data is protected while stored

✅ Compliance badges = Third parties verified their security

✅ No red flags = Safe to proceed

You now understand encryption better than most people online.

Next time someone mentions "256-bit encryption" or "HTTPS" you'll know exactly what they mean. And more importantly, you'll know what to look for.

Your clients trust you with their stories. Now you know how to verify that the tools you use deserve that same trust.