Keeping track on the information you share—and with whom—can go a long way toward protecting your data privacy.
Data Privacy Week, observed from Monday, January 26 to Friday, January 30, encourages everyone to take a closer look at personal information they share and understand why they share it. The international initiative, led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, aims to empower individuals, businesses, and organizations to respect privacy, safeguard data, and build trust. This year’s theme is “Take Control of Your Data.”
According to the Alliance, the goal of Data Privacy Week is twofold:
- Help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data.
- Help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users’ data.
Many people are unaware of the volume of information collected and shared about them online. Data comes not only from computers and smartphones but also from other internet-connected devices like watches and cars. From this data, businesses and organizations can learn about users’ interests, purchases, online behaviors— and even their health. The information collected may be stored indefinitely and used to infer demographics and socioeconomic status. Some businesses and organizations also sell this information for profit.
That’s why it’s important to regularly review what information you share and what you allow websites, apps, devices, services, and businesses to collect. During the week, you are encouraged to:
- Protect Your Personal Data
Share only what is necessary. Before sharing personal information—such as your name, address, Social Security Number, and location—determine whether it’s truly necessary. Avoid oversharing for minor perks or conveniences. - Practice Strong Security Habits
Use long, unique passwords and a password manager. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever possible and take time to review privacy settings on your devices, browsers, and apps. - Stay Alert for Scams Including:
- Requests for your password to verify your identity or confirm your account—legitimate organizations will never ask for your password. Also, never share 2FA codes.
- Requests from “supervisors” asking you to purchase gift cards by email or text.
- Job offers that require you to deposit checks and return some of the money.
- Student loan forgiveness offers that require upfront fees.
- Phishing emails requesting your login credentials via a Google document, asking you to download files, or prompting you to click on suspicious links.
- Pop-up “tech support” warnings—real IT support won’t contact you this way.