News & Impact, Safety

Data Privacy Week Aims to Educate Individuals on How to Manage Their Data

by/January 25, 2023
A man work on his laptop computer while sitting in the airport with the Data Privacy 2023 logo overlays the picture.

Data Privacy Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of data privacy and the steps individuals and organizations can take to protect personal information.

In today’s digital age, personal information is more vulnerable than ever. Your data is not only being compromised by hackers and cybercriminals but also mined by advertisers, software developers, and big businesses. According to recent estimates, the global data analytic market was worth over $270 billion in 2022 and will hit $650 billion by the end of the decade.  

The goal of Data Privacy Week is to educate people about the potential risks associated with the collection, storage, and sharing of personal data and to encourage them to take steps to safeguard their information.

From social media accounts to banking information, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your online data. This can include actions such as being mindful of the personal information shared online, keeping software and systems up to date, and being cautious about sharing personal information with untrusted sources.

Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Data Safe

PROTECT YOUR DATA

Protect your data by adjusting your privacy settings to your comfort level and knowing the tradeoff between privacy and convenience. The National Cybersecurity Alliance advises users to cultivate a data privacy habit by making informed decisions about who you share your data with. So, what steps can you take to protect your data?

  • Strong Passwords

    Create long, unique passwords and, if possible, store them in a password manager. 

    PCMag shared their simple tricks for creating and remembering strong passwords. A few years back, I took this information and found a unique way to customize it for every site that never leaves me second guessing myself. I’d share my strategy with you, but then you’d know!

    You can also explore a variety of password management products reviewed by PCMag that will do the work for you, for a fee.

  • Review your privacy settings

    Many websites and apps have privacy settings that allow you to control how your data is collected, shared, and used. Review these settings and adjust them to your comfort level.

  • Be mindful of the apps you download and use

    Only use apps from trusted sources and read the privacy policy and understand what data the app collects and how it is used. If you just read that last sentence and your eyes glossed over and you said, “ok, I’ll do that,” you are lying to yourself. Do you know how long those terms of services are, how frequently they are updated, and how many professionals are tasked with writing those terms to ensure you are the loser in every possible situation? 

    Next time, try out TOSDR.org. This site, Terms of Service Didn’t Read, breaks down the terms of services for most sites and services into digestible chunks. Next time you will be able to make an informed decision and consider the amount of information they are asking for and weigh it against the benefits you may receive in return.

  • Adjust Your Privacy Settings

    Be wary of apps or services that require access to information that is not relevant to their services, such as your device’s microphone, camera, access to other apps, and even location services.

Apps, websites, devices, and software will often seek out more data than you would think is necessary. Ever wonder why that game app wants to know your location or why that social media site wants access to your contacts? Those are great questions to take back control of your data. The National Cybersecurity Alliance has a list with direct links to update your privacy settings on popular devices and online services.

Many web browsers, computers, and devices will ask you if you want to share certain types of data with a new app or website. Strike up a habit of paying attention to these requests and actually think about your answers. Here are common types of data you might be asked for:

  • Your location
  • Your contacts
  • Your photos and camera
  • Data about your behavior and use of a service
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The global data analytic market was worth over $270 billion in 2022 and will hit $650 billion by the end of the decade.

Keep Data & Software Up to Date

Software updates often include security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Make sure to keep all your devices and software, including your operating system, browser, and apps, up to date. This is important to keep your device and software protected from the latest security threats.

Further, periodically check through the list of apps on your device and delete any unused apps. Conducting a regular app audit can help protect your data and privacy. Even when you don’t use an app, it can still collect data, meaning you’re potentially giving away your data without being aware of it.

Cybercime cost Americans over $50 billion in 2021, a 62% increase over the previous year.

– FBI Elder Fraud Report

Be Cautious of Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals often use phishing scams to trick you into revealing personal information or login credentials. Be cautious of emails or messages that ask for personal information, or that contain links or attachments. Phishing scams can be difficult to identify, so it’s important to be vigilant and not to open or click on links or attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This can help to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, even if a hacker has your password.

 

a text conversation between a scammer and a victim reads:Scammer:

Phishing Scam in Action

What does a phishing scam look like? Check out this story from WCNC Charlotte’s VERIFY segment where a scammer makes contact with an individual in a lost pet group on social media to seek out a two-factor authentication code. The scammer tells the individual that they have their cat and will send them a two-factor authentication code to verify their identity. This is a scam documented by the Federal Trade Commission. WCNC Charlotte >>

If you are a victim of a scam or phishing attack, you should take the following steps:

  • Stop Responding

    Immediately stop responding to the scammer and do not give them any more information.

  • Don’t be embarrassed

    Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed, scammers are professionals. Use the information you have to help stop scammers in their tracks.

  • Report the scam

    Start a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report will be shared with more than 3,000 law enforcers. The FTC can’t resolve your individual report, but they will provide you with next steps to assist you and use reports to investigate and bring cases against fraud, scams, and bad business practices.

  • Alert Accounts

    If you have given away personal information, such as your social security number or credit card information, don’t delay in contacting financial institutions and credit reporting agencies to report the incident and protect yourself from potential fraud.

  • Change Passwords

    Change any passwords or account information that you may have given to the scammer.

  • Run Malware

    If you have clicked on a link or downloaded an attachment from the scammer, run a malware scan on your computer to ensure that it has not been infected.

  • Stay Vigilant

    Be vigilant of any suspicious emails or phone calls you receive in the future, and be sure to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

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The information provided in this piece is for your convenience and informational purposes only and not to be construed as professional advice. FEEA and its coauthors and sponsors are not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act with regard to the content in this piece.

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Tags:#cybersecurity, #dataprivacy, #datasafety