Have no data privacy fears - Data Privacy Week is here! Every year, the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) puts together this data-packed week to give companies and consumers a chance to sharpen their cybersecurity skills.
First, let's talk about what Data Privacy Week is. It started in 1981 when Convention 108 was signed, providing an international legal framework for data protection and privacy. Since then, this special occasion has evolved into Data Privacy Week. As data breaches are becoming commonplace, it's more important than ever for organizations to stay on top of their data and cybersecurity practices.
Why Is Data Privacy Important?
You may ask yourself, "why should I care about Data Privacy Week?" In a recent Pew Research Center study, 79% of Americans are concerned about how companies collect and use their data, with 59% having little to no understanding of how data is collected. In short, data privacy is important because it affects everyone.
Data Privacy Week reminds us how data plays a vital role in our lives. We all know it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially regarding data protection and cybersecurity. Ensuring data isn't misused or mishandled by third parties is necessary to protect ourselves.
How Your Business Can Observe Data Privacy Week
1. Change Your Passwords
Let's get started by changing your passwords! We've heard it repeatedly, but changing your passwords is an easy way to help protect your data from being leaked. Implement strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and update them every few months to stay extra secure. Using phrases, numbers, special characters, and both capitalization and lowercase characters in every password will set you up for success. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication across accounts for added security.
2. Manage Online Privacy Settings
Check the websites you use regularly and ensure they have appropriate data protection policies in place. Many websites have default privacy settings; reviewing them can ensure you're only sharing data that you'd like to be shared. We recommend checking your privacy settings across social media platforms you frequent - you might be surprised by what's being collected or shared publicly.
3. Educate Yourself and Your Employees About Data Privacy
Read up on data privacy and cybersecurity news so that you know what data companies are collecting and why they're collecting it. Consider data privacy and cybersecurity training, covering everything from passwords and data storage to data retention policies and measures for protecting data against potential breaches. Consistent education makes a difference in protecting your organization and individual employees.
Want to Learn More About Data Privacy?
At SeedSpark, our goal is not only to help businesses with their IT and cybersecurity needs but to educate them as well. Not sure where to start when it comes to data privacy? Schedule a free 30-minute Technology Assessment to get started!
SeedSpark is proud to support our clients with industry-leading tools and knowledge that help protect their networks. By building a complete cybersecurity strategy, we ensure that businesses of every size have the enterprise-level cybersecurity needed to protect their data in today's ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. Get in touch today to get the proactive IT support you need to succeed.
