It’s International Data Privacy Day!
It’s 2024 and everyone knows that data is the king. For many years, data has been the digital gold for many who want to use it in nefarious ways that’ll bring them fortunes. The owners of such data were in ignorance in the early years, unaware of how their sensitive data was circulating around without their consent.
In recent years, the sophistication of cyber threats has grown, while stealing data and invading users’ privacy has become easier and more frequent. One recent major breach illustrates the weakened state of data privacy while warning everyone of its importance. Cybernews reported that a huge Mother of All Breaches (MOAB) leaked 26 billion data records (about 12 terabytes of information) from major platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Weibo, and Tencent.
It has become a dire need of the hour to learn about the importance of data privacy and ways to prevent leaks, especially for end users. Therefore, International Data Privacy Day is celebrated on 28th January every year to educate and remind individuals and businesses of their data privacy rights and obligations and the importance of protection.
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Going Back in Time for More Data about Data Privacy Day
It all began on 28th January 1981, with the signing of Convention 108 by the Council of Europe, an international organization comprised of European countries. It was the first legally binding international treaty addressing data privacy and protection. The signing laid the foundation for the establishment of Data Privacy Day.
However, the importance of having a specific day for data privacy caught fire in 2007 when the Council of Europe collaborated with the US and Canada. Today, many countries like the US recognize January 28th as their National Data Privacy Day or Data Protection Day.
Data Privacy Day 2024 Core Theme: Take Control of Your Data
Data Privacy Day began as a one-day event. However, for the last three years, it has been celebrated for a week with a specific theme every year. For 2024, the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), a key organizer of Data Privacy Day week in the United States, decided on the theme—Take Control of Your Data. This year, Data Privacy Day 2024 is celebrated from January 21st to 27th.
Throughout the data privacy week, NCA raises awareness about the significance of digital privacy among individuals and businesses. Through a series of educational webinars and events featuring privacy experts, policymakers, and engineers, it promotes the core theme of the campaign.
Your Privacy in Your Hands
While it may be difficult to keep track of your data and the possible leaks, you can still assure data privacy by following a few simple tips.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Hackers can easily target weak passwords of accounts to extort key information. Therefore, users must create complex passwords using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. We've compiled a list of the top 10 best practices for secure passwords here.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Add an extra layer of security to your digital accounts by enabling 2FA whenever possible. Having a code that can only be received on your mobile device or email, in addition to your password, provides more protection for your data.
- Review Social Media Settings: Social media platforms are a treasure trove of your sensitive information and, therefore, require extra attention. Control who can see your personal information and posts by adjusting privacy settings and learning about how your data is being used.
- Be Skeptical of Phishing Attempts: Phishing is a common and clever way of stealing information from individual users via genuine-looking malicious emails. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails. Make sure to verify the legitimacy of emails and websites before providing any personal information.
- Have Security Measures in Place: Secure your digital devices and networks with strong passwords and encryption if possible. In the case of public Wi-Fi, make sure to use a VPN to encrypt your connection. Install security apps to protect against malware and enable remote tracking and wiping features.
- Review and Manage App Permissions: Regularly check and adjust the permissions granted to apps on your devices. Only grant necessary permissions for apps to access your data.
Data Privacy or Data Prey-vacy in 2024?
It is impossible to predict data privacy violations ahead of time, especially in the current times when hackers and criminal groups are weaponizing advanced technologies like AI for their own gains. To avoid falling prey to such entities, make sure to protect your data by following best protection practices, adopting effective solutions such as Sangfor IAG, and reviewing data policies before agreeing.
There’s More to Data Privacy: Cyber Resiliency
To help organizations build their cyber defenses against breaches or attacks, Sangfor has launched the 2024 calendar, crafted by our world-class security analysts. Learn more about sophisticated cyber-attacks, the vulnerabilities that led to those attacks, and recommendations to strengthen your security posture.
