KEY POINTS
- Global Data Privacy Coverage: As of 2023, 65% of the global population is under privacy laws, with this figure expected to reach 75% by the end of 2024. (Electro IQ)
- Organizational Investment in Data Privacy: According to Cisco’s 2024 data privacy benchmark study, 95% of organizations saw more benefits than costs from investing in data privacy, with privacy investments paying off by a factor of 1.6. (Cloudwards)
- Adoption of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies: Gartner predicts that by 2025, 60% of large organizations will use at least one privacy-enhancing computation (PEC) technique in analytics, business intelligence, and/or cloud computing to protect data in use. (Secureframe)
Jan 27-31 is Data Privacy Week and O’Mard Consulting Services, LLC is a #DataPrivacyWeek Champion!
In today’s digital age, your online data is more valuable than ever. From social media platforms to shopping websites, your information is constantly being collected, analyzed, and sometimes even sold. While this can feel overwhelming, the good news is that you can take steps to protect your personal data and regain control over your online presence. Here are three easy-to-follow tips to help you safeguard your digital footprint.
1. Review and Adjust Privacy Settings
Many websites and apps collect data about you, but most also offer privacy settings that let you control what information is shared. Here’s how you can take charge:
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have privacy settings that allow you to limit who can see your posts, profile, and activity. Take a moment to review these settings and ensure they align with your comfort level.
- Web Browsers: Check your browser’s settings to prevent websites from tracking your activity. Enabling features like “Do Not Track” and clearing cookies regularly can make a big difference.
- Smart Devices: If you use smart home gadgets or wearables, review their privacy policies and disable unnecessary data collection features, such as location tracking.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Weak passwords are an open invitation to hackers. By using strong, unique passwords and enabling 2FA, you add an extra layer of security to your accounts:
- Create Strong Passwords: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A password manager can help you generate and store these securely.
- Enable 2FA: This adds a second step to the login process, such as entering a code sent to your phone or email. Even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without this additional verification.
3. Be Mindful of What You Share Online
Think twice before sharing personal details online, as even seemingly harmless information can be used against you. Here’s how to practice caution:
- Avoid Oversharing: Refrain from posting sensitive information like your home address, phone number, or vacation plans. Cyber criminals often use this data for phishing scams or other malicious activities.
- Audit Your Digital Presence: Search for your name online to see what information is publicly accessible. If you find outdated or inaccurate details, contact the relevant websites to have them removed.
- Be Skeptical of Quizzes and Surveys: Those fun personality quizzes or online surveys can sometimes be a front for data harvesting. Participate only if you trust the source and are comfortable sharing the requested information.
4. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for third parties to intercept your data. It’s an essential tool for protecting your privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi:
- Protect Public Wi-Fi Usage: Public networks, such as those in coffee shops or airports, are often unsecured. A VPN ensures that your online activity remains private even on these networks.
- Hide Your IP Address: By masking your IP address, a VPN makes it more difficult for websites and advertisers to track your online behavior and location.
- Choose a Trusted Provider: Not all VPNs are created equal. Opt for a reputable service with strong encryption protocols and a no-logs policy.
Final Thoughts
As we observe Data Privacy Week 2025, it’s important to remember that taking control of your online data doesn’t require advanced technical skills. By reviewing privacy settings, strengthening account security, being mindful of your online activity, and using a VPN, you can significantly reduce your risk of data breaches and identity theft. Start with these simple steps today, and take back control of your digital life!
Have any questions regarding how to safeguard your personal information while traversing the internet? Contact us and we will be delighted to assist you with your security and privacy needs. Make sure to subscribe to our mailing list to stay up-to-date with our latest security tips and tricks.
Additional Resources