Data privacy is no laughing matter, and the more people learn about it, the more seriously they tend to take it. It’s quite common for you to face privacy threats in day-to-day life. Today, we want to look at some of the concerns that everyday users should be aware of with data privacy and what you can do to keep yourself safe.

Understanding Individual Data Privacy

Individual data privacy is the right for users to control how their personal information is collected, used, and shared. It also includes protection for personal data from unauthorized access and assurance that the data is used responsibly and ethically.

What Goes Into Data Privacy?

Here are some various aspects to consider for your individual data privacy:

• Protection from identity theft: Personal data like Social Security numbers, financial information, and health records can be misused. Identity theft can impact your financial wellness and reputation, and nobody wants that.
• Personal safety: Location data, contact information, and other personal data can involve risks to personal safety from stalkers, cybercriminals, and harassers.
• Control over personal data: You should aim for control over who has access to your personal information, including how it’s used, while maintaining the ability to remove it if you prefer.
• Freedom from surveillance: Data collection practices involve users being subject to “surveillance,” like tracking online behavior and preferences, which can interfere with freedom of expression.
• Economic impact: Companies collect your data to sell you products or information, thereby profiting from users’ data without compensation. If you protect your privacy, you can work to make sure these companies are not exploiting you.
• Psychological well-being: Knowing your personal data is safe should provide you with some sort of peace of mind.
• Legal and ethical considerations: Data privacy laws, like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in California, have been enacted to keep privacy top of mind. It’s an ethical responsibility to respect others’ individual rights.

What You Can Do Today to Keep Your Data Safe

If you’re concerned about your individual data privacy rights, consider the following tips:

• Use strong passwords - Create complex passwords and use a password manager to keep track of them.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) - 2FA adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second form of verification.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi - Avoid accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks or use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added security.
• Limit sharing on social media - Be mindful of what personal information you share online, as malicious entities can exploit it.
• Review privacy settings - Regularly check and update the privacy settings on your devices, social media accounts, and apps.

Your business needs to be wary of individual data privacy rights as well, so we encourage you to read up on these topics on our blog. Check back soon for even more privacy-related topics.