With all the noise going on in today's world, a lot of us missed yesterday was Data Privacy Day.
On Jan. 27, 2014, the 113th U.S. Congress adopted S. Res. 337, a non-binding resolution expressing support for the designation of Jan. 28 as “National Data Privacy Day.”
On January 28th, every year, we recognize this day as a day that that generates awareness about shining a light on data privacy. We review ways to protect personal information and reminds everyone, primarily for busionesses that privacy is not only good but essential for business. This day was birthed in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe.
The NCSA (https://staysafeonline.org/) provides great information for consumers on how they can own their online presence and shows companies how privacy is essential for business.
NCSA is encouraging everyone to “Own Your Privacy” by learning more about how to protect your data and encourage businesses to “Respect Privacy”, which advocates for holding organizations responsible for keeping individuals’ personal information safe from unauthorized access and ensuring fair, relevant and legitimate data collection and processing. These themes are encouraged through the below messaging and calls to action:
Suggestions FOR INDIVIDUALS: Tips for Helping Own & Protect Your Data and Privacy
Today more than ever, we feel an increasing lack of control over personal data. However, there are steps you can take to learn about the types of data you’re generating online, and how it’s collected, shared and used. Follow these basic privacy tips to help you better manage your personal information and make informed decisions about who receives your data.
Call to Action:
- Personal info is like money: Value it. You should and need to Protect it. Personal information, such as your purchase history, network address (IP), or location, has tremendous value to businesses – just like money. You really need to think and determine whether or not to share your data with certain businesses by considering the amount of personal information they are asking for, and weighing it against the benefits you may receive in return.
- Keep tabs on your apps. A lot of apps today ask for access to personal information, such as your location, contacts list and photo album, before you can use their app. Again, you need to think about who gets that information, and be cautious of apps that require access to information that is not required or relevant for the services they are offering. Take the time to delete any unused apps on your devices and ensure you are keeping them updated.
- Manage your privacy settings. Check the privacy and security settings on any websites and apps you use and set them to your comfort level for information sharing. Each device, application or browser you use will have different features to limit how and with whom you share information. Get started with NCSA’s Manage Your Privacy Settings page:https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/managing-your-privacy/manage-privacy-settings/
ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES: RESPECT PRIVACY
According to this study Pew Research Center study, 79% of U.S. adults report thinking that their personal data is less secure. Respecting your client's privacy is a necessary strategy for building trust and increasing reputation and growth in your business.
Call to Action:
- Are you collectin data? If you are collecting any information, you need to protect it. We all know data breaches are on the rise. These breaches can not only hit you financially, but can also cause a negative reaction to business reputation and trust. Following good security policies and practices are a non negotiable when collecting personal information.
- Policies & Culture. Ensure your company has a security & privacy first mindset to help identify and manage risk. We can help you with this along with checking out the below:
- Review, Assess & Educate: Understand which data privacy laws and regulations that may apply to your business. Educate your staff on why and how your organization’s requirements on protecting personal information.
- Be Transparent & Build Trust. Be open and honest on how you collect, use and share data. Be clear with communication on what you are doing to protect data and mantain privacy.
- You Are Responsible. Do you have other companies or volunteers that provides services on your behalf, you are also responsible for how they collect and use your customers personal information.
If you need any assistance with guidance to data & privacy detection, please contact us! https://www.bluegrasstechnology.com/contact/
NCSA’s core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October); Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28); and CyberSecure My Business™. For more information on NCSA, please visit https://staysafeonline.org/about/.