1/12/2021
What Is Data Privacy Day?
Led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Data Privacy Day began in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe. Observed annually on January 28, Data Protection Day commemorates the Jan. 28, 1981, signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection.
Each year, data breaches continue to grow in size and scope – exposing consumer’s private data and valuable business information assets. Against this backdrop, Data Privacy Day helps spread awareness about privacy and educates citizens on how to secure their personal information. It also works to encourage businesses to be more transparent about how they collect and use data
Why We Should Care About Online Privacy
Today we conduct much of our lives on the internet and on our connected devices, yet few people understand that enormous amounts of personal information is collected and shared. This data can be stored indefinitely, and our personal information can be used in both beneficial and unwelcome ways. Even seemingly innocuous information – such as your favorite restaurants or items you purchase online – can be used to make inferences about your socioeconomic status, preferences and more.
Many companies have the opportunity to monitor their users and customers’ personal behavior and sell the data for profit. In order to make informed decisions and understand the true value of their data, consumers need to understand how it is collected, used, and shared
Calls To Action For Organizations
If you collect it, Protect it. Data breaches can not only lead to great financial loss, but a loss in reputation and customer trust. Follow reasonable security measures to keep individuals’ personal information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access. Make sure the personal data you collect is processed in a fair manner and only collected for relevant and legitimate purposes.
Consider Adopting A Privacy Framework
Build privacy into your business by researching and adopting a privacy framework to help you manage risk and create a culture of privacy in your organization. Get started by checking out the following frameworks:
NIST Privacy Framework: AICPA Privacy Management Framework
https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/informationtechnology/privacy-management-framework.html
ISO/IEC 27701 – International Standard for Privacy Information Management
https://www.dnvgl.com/services/iso-iec-27701-international-standard-for-privacy-information-management-159186
As Consumers, We Must Take Responsibility For Our Own Privacy Settings
Be empowered and encourage businesses to respect your privacy and safeguard your information! Use these direct links to update your privacy settings in Amazon, Zoom, Peleton, Microsoft Office and many more popular devices and online services.
CLICK HERE to view and start chipping away at your list; you’ll be surprised how many you have:
https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/managing-your-privacy/manage-privacy-settings/
