In 2025, data privacy remains a crucial concern for both businesses and individuals. With cyber threats and data breaches on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your data and privacy.
Data Privacy Week is an international event that helps people and businesses understand the importance of privacy, safeguard their data, and build trust. This year, it runs from January 27 to January 31, 2025, with the theme “Put Privacy First.”
To ensure the safety of your personal information and data, here are the steps you should take to protect your personal information and put your privacy first:
Step 1: Understand the Balance Between Privacy and Convenience
In our daily lives, we often trade privacy for convenience without realizing it. While sharing data can simplify tasks, it also exposes personal information to risks. To find a balance, consider the following:
- Be cautious of the data you share and who you share it with. Avoid apps or services that request unnecessary information that is not required for their services such as a birthdate.
- Make informed decisions about who you share information with online. Before submitting forms, ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. Is the information you are giving up actually worth what you will get in return?
- Delete unused apps and close inactive accounts you no longer use. You might even make it a habit to review your apps every Data Privacy Week to keep this task manageable!
Step 2: Update Your Privacy Settings and Review Them Regularly
Did you know you can adjust privacy settings on your accounts to control who sees your information? Take time to familiarize yourself with these settings:
- Regularly Review and Update Your Privacy and Security Settings: Make it a habit to review and update your security settings to ensure they match your preferences.
- Set Privacy Levels That You Are Comfortable With: Event if an application doesn’t directly ask for your data is could still be collecting it. Always go to your apps and turn off permissions like location, camera, or microphone access unless needed. You can also limit your apps to certain data “while using” rather than “always”.
- Be Selective About Sharing Personal Information: To minimize the risk of data misuse, be cautious about the personal details you share online. Limit the amount of information you disclose on social media and other platforms.
For guidance on updating your settings, visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance website for direct links to popular devices and online services.
Step 3: Protect Your Data
Safeguarding your data should be a top priority. Here are some measures you can take to improve your data security:
- Update Your Software Regularly: Keeping your operating systems and applications up to date is crucial for closing security gaps. These updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities, shielding your data from potential threats.
- Stay Informed About Security Practices: Continuously educate yourself on the latest security measures and common cyber threats. Being aware of and reporting phishing attempts can help you steer clear of malicious activities.
- Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Create unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts and avoid reusing them. When possible, enable MFA to add an extra layer of security.
By following these steps, you can protect your data from cyber threats and ensure the safety of your business. Visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance website or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada website to learn more about these tips and Data Privacy Week.
Need Help Getting Started? If your business is looking for ways to secure your data, contact us. We can help develop policies and procedures to prioritize data security and build a safer future for your business, team, partners, and customers! You can learn more about our Convergence Networks Managed Security Services here.
