Today is #NationalDataPrivacyDay, a day that is frequently overlooked yet acknowledges something that is of extreme importance to everyone in society. According to Varonis.com, data privacy is “a branch of data security concerned with the proper handling of data – consent, notice, and regulatory obligations.”
The most important component of data privacy is whether or how big companies and corporations choose to share data with third parties. This data is what allows companies to gain the specific audiences they want to target from their competitors who may share similar products or services – basically the core of how paid media works on the Internet.
Digital has not only dematerialized our world, it has also dematerialized us as people. According to the Pew Research Center, “as many as 79% of Americans on the web have concerns about online privacy when it comes to companies.”
As technology quickly advances, people have become heavily reliant on data privacy more than ever. Collected information such as signing into an email account from a different device, getting a new camera or using voice memo/Siri, all becomes more valuable and therefore, significant to protect.
In 2018, Facebook was under extreme heat after discovering a data security breach in which hackers were able to access 50 million accounts. This could easily lead to scary things such as identity theft, extortion or just simply having your data sold to other hackers.
So, what does one do in order to protect their data?
For starters, make sure that passwords are not repeated for various accounts or use an encrypted password. It may seem a bit time consuming and tedious to have to remember different passwords but it can greatly benefit you.
Don’t click on all adverts you see, as they can be hiding malware that immediately downloads itself without one realizing. Sophos Home, a computer security company, reports “When surreptitiously downloaded onto your computer, adware can be used as a backdoor to deliver malware on your computer and steal data.” Stay alert and try to avoid clicking on any unnecessary ads that pop up on your computer or smartphone.
Never save any important information on autofill as it is easy for someone to access it and use it. Though it may seem as if you are saving time by avoiding the repetition of constantly filling in basic information such as your home address, email and phone number, be aware that this is one of the easiest ways to have your data hacked and taken advantage of.
It’s 2021 and technology is only going to become much more crucial and necessary so make sure to take some precautions with it. As George Orwell once said, “Big Brother is watching” and frankly, he may always be watching.