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5 Goals to Set for Data Privacy Week

Every January, we have the opportunity to reflect on our cybersecurity measures during Data Privacy Week. For those of us who value our privacy (which is hopefully everyone), this week is a great reminder to check in and ensure that we’re doing all we can to protect our digital information! 

With so many new cyber threats appearing every day, we need to find ways to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our businesses. Let’s start the New Year off right! In this article, we will discuss what data privacy is, why it’s a hot-button topic right now, and five goals you can set for this upcoming year to ensure better privacy.

What is Data Privacy?

Data privacy is the practice of collecting, using, storing, and sharing our personal data in a secure way that honors our individual rights. This means having control over who can access your data, how it’s used, and what information you choose to share with others. 

Protecting our data is especially important in this digital age, where so much of our personal information can be accessed with a few clicks.

Why is Data Privacy a Hot Topic Right Now?

Data privacy has become a hot-button issue over the past few years due to high-profile cases of data breaches and the misuse of personal data. 

From recent Tik Tok privacy violations to the LastPass data breach in December, it seems like every week there’s another story about companies mishandling user data or failing to take adequate measures to protect it. This has led many people to question just how safe their data really is on the internet, creating an increased awareness around privacy and its importance.

5 Goals To Set for Better Digital Privacy

Despite such a profound increase in cyberattacks and breaches, hope is not lost! There are things you can do to protect your data. Let’s take a look at five goals you can set this year to make privacy a top priority. 

1. Password Protection

One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to protect your data privacy is by creating strong passwords for all of your online accounts. Choose a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to make sure that no one has access to your information.

2. Use MFA and Privacy Settings in Your Apps

Many apps now offer multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires you to have multiple pieces of identifying information before accessing an account. This added layer of security can help keep your data safe from unwanted visitors. Additionally, take advantage of any privacy settings available in your apps or the websites you’re using so you know exactly who can see what information you share.

3. Keep Software Up To Date

It’s also important to make sure that all of your software applications, operating systems, and devices are up to date. Hackers are constantly looking for security flaws they can exploit, so having the latest version of a program or device can help keep them at bay.

4. Use a VPN

If you’re using public Wi-Fi networks, it’s essential to change this habit and use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your data as it travels over the internet, making it much harder for anyone else to intercept or steal your information.

5. Don’t Share Too Much Personal Information on the Internet

Lastly, be careful about how much personal information you share online, especially via social media. Identity thieves are always looking for ways to access people’s data, so it’s important to be mindful of what you post and share.

Make Data Privacy Week a Success!

The best way to stay safe online is by taking proactive steps to protect yourself. Make Data Privacy Week 2023 the time that you take control of your data and prioritize your privacy! 

And if you’re looking for more tips on keeping your business’s data secure, schedule an IT assessment with our team at Envision Consulting. 

Envision Consulting

Envision Consulting

We started Envision Consulting for businesses that share our passion for building long- term and healthy relationships. While we might be technology experts, we’ve always known that trust, reliability and looking after a client’s best interest are paramount to succeeding in business. But in 2001 and to this day, there were few managed IT providers available that embodied our customer-centric values. There were countless support companies more interested in reacting to issues than paving the road forward for clients, making it far too difficult to build long-term relationships. We felt a strong pull to make something different, and we did.