Every January 28th, the world celebrates Data Privacy Day, a day to remind ourselves of the importance of protecting our sensitive information. This year, mark this occasion by seizing the opportunity to empower your organization by raising awareness of data privacy and safeguarding data in today's digital world.
In this article, we tackle the significance of Data Privacy Day and recommend tips to protect your digital footprint.
What is data privacy?
Think of your data as all the digital bits and pieces about you: your name, address, email, phone number, online purchases, search history, and even GPS location. The protection of this digital information is crucial for ensuring your safety. Central to establishing effective safeguards is the concept of data privacy, which involves regulating who can access this data and overseeing its usage.
Why should you care about your digital footprint?
Your digital footprint refers to the trail you leave behind online. It's like a map that reveals your habits, preferences, and even vulnerabilities. Hackers, identity thieves, and even nosy neighbors can exploit this information for malicious purposes, which is why you must take steps to protect your digital footprint.
How can you enhance your data privacy?
Follow these seven practical tips to improve your data privacy:
1. Know your data rights
Knowing your data rights empowers you to manage your privacy effectively. Laws such as the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act give you control over your information. Such data privacy laws give you the right to access what data companies hold about you, correct inaccuracies, and even request deletion in some cases.
2. Clear your cookies
Web cookies are chunks of data that websites store on your device, which, contrary to popular belief, aren't always harmless. They track your online activities, building a detailed picture of your preferences and habits. To regain control, regularly clear cookies from your browser. Choose which sites can store cookies and consider privacy-focused browsers such as Brave and Firefox.
3. Use strong and unique passwords
Avoid weak and commonly used passwords such as "123456" and “password.” Instead, use passphrases (e.g., "SingingRabbitsBeneathMoon"), which are long and easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
Moreover, never reuse the same password. Otherwise, you put all other accounts using the same password at risk if your password becomes compromised.
4. Enable multifactor authentication
MFA serves as an extra layer of security that can keep your data safe by requiring more than one proof of identity, such as a fingerprint scan or a one-time code, before granting access to an account. Enabling MFA makes your accounts much safer from unauthorized access, because even if someone cracks your password, they'll need to fulfill all the MFA requirements to gain entry.
5. Make data privacy a habit
Protecting your data isn't a one-off task, it's an ongoing responsibility. This is because cybercriminals never take a break. Be mindful of what information you share online, be cautious about clicking unknown links, and update your software regularly. Practicing these good security habits consistently can make a big difference in enhancing your data privacy and online security.
6. Educate your team
Improving your company’s data privacy is not just the IT department's responsibility since any employee can unknowingly make way for cyberthreats. This is why it’s important to conduct regular training sessions on topics such as your company’s data security policies, password hygiene, phishing awareness, social media security, and proper email handling. Use diverse formats such as videos, interactive quizzes, and role-playing scenarios to keep training sessions engaging.
Keep the conversation about data privacy ongoing by using internal newsletters, blog posts, or staff meetings to share security updates, tips, and reminders.
7. Work with IT experts
For businesses that are having difficulty navigating the complex world of data privacy, seeking professional help is a smart move. The IT experts of Quicktech provide comprehensive cybersecurity services, including next-gen firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, antivirus software, email security software, access restrictions, encryption, regular security training, vulnerability assessments, and ongoing network monitoring and maintenance.
We can help you implement robust data protection measures tailored to your specific needs and budget, so you can focus on what you do best: running your business. Book a FREE consultation with us today.