With the 41st anniversary of the signing of Convention 108, Data Privacy Day has now expanded into Data Privacy Week. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) leads this week, promoting privacy awareness and education regarding privacy laws, policies, and best practices for protecting data in an annual campaign supported by corporations, non-profit organizations, and governments. And as we do all year long, the UNICOM Engineering team echoes the NCSA to observe data protection and cyber safety for one and all as a 2022 Data Privacy Week Champion.
To promote the goals of Data Privacy Week, we look at privacy through the lens of the various changes the world has faced in the past year. With the goals of ‘Keep it Private’ and ‘Respect Privacy,’ here are a few tips to protecting your most valuable asset online: data.
Each device and internet browser features different ways to limit what information you choose to share and with whom. Since we are not always aware of precisely what’s being shared or who it’s being shared with, one of the best things we can do is retain as much control as possible at the point of sharing information. Control your privacy settings on web services and applications, especially those who obtain the information, and be wary of apps or services that require access to information that is not required. Perform regular software updates and don’t forget to delete all unused apps on internet-connected devices. Check your privacy settings to understand what is being tracked and analyzed about who you are, where you shop, and how you think.
Likewise, businesses and organizations are burdened to demonstrate how the data collected is used. Therefore, respecting privacy is the best strategy for obtaining personal data and inspiring trust among customers and contacts. Clear communication surrounding privacy, typically employing a privacy statement, shows the lengths you take to maintain this privacy. Additionally, the entire data lifecycle must be measured, from security development to following best practices when granting data access and securing the information while permission is still obtained.
Remember, everyone, whether company or person, can create a privacy culture. Data Privacy Week aims to inspire dialogue and encourage action in cybersecurity. The following is a short video from our Information Security and Privacy Compliance Manager, Michael Mitchell, on the importance of keeping it private.
UNICOM Engineering is cybersecurity champion
UNICOM Engineering is part of a growing global effort to promote online safety and privacy awareness. We understand the importance of safeguarding the trusted information of our employees, partners, and customers. As our work evolves, we aim to raise awareness for how employees and organizations can keep themselves safe from the ever-growing list of cybersecurity threats, especially while working away from the office. Learn more about Data Privacy Day and ways to stay safe online here.