Data Privacy Day (DPD), started off as a global effort to draw awareness to data privacy and safeguards. DPD also commemorates the signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection, in 1981. Convention 108 set the precedent for many critical data privacy laws to come. To honor this day, we wanted to remind everyone why data privacy is important and offer some tips to secure your data.‍

Why Data Privacy is Important ‍

Just as people put locks on their doors or prized possessions, people should place digital locks and safeguards on their data. Data is the equivalent of gold in the digital world and is worth an incredible amount to companies who wish to target you based on your age, interests, location, etc. Just because data is not tangible like cash or jewelry doesn't mean it shouldn't be protected. A few short reasons why your data deserves to be protected include:

1. Your data can be used to blackmail you.
2. It’s difficult to track who has access to it.
3. Hackers can use it to access banking information.
4. Your data is an extension of yourself.

In the digitally driven world we live in, many individuals feel like they have less and less control over their personal data. When most of us log into a new device or install an app, we’re greeted by a flurry of notifications asking for permission to our data. Most consumers are desensitized to this and click allow on everything without giving a second thought. Part of DPD is recognizing that we don’t have to sign off on our personal information and should instead make informed decisions about whether we want certain apps or businesses accessing the amount of data that they do. 

Nowadays, most apps on our devices can access a deceptively large amount of personal information including location, IP address, purchase history, contacts, etc.

A few tips that you can use to better control who has access to your information

1. Actively manage your privacy settings and app permissions. Keep in mind that most apps don’t need all of the recommended permissions to operate. 
2. Use data encryption services especially when you’re using an unsecured network.
3. Use Anti-Malware protection.
4. Use VPNs and proxy services to surf the web anonymously.
5. Block or delete third party cookies. 
   

Why Data Privacy is Important for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

According to a recent study, 79% of U.S adults say that they’re concerned about how their data is being accessed by corporations. With an overwhelming majority of the population concerned about this problem, businesses that respect privacy and take steps to protect consumer data stand to benefit from a trustworthy reputation and elevated consumer confidence.

This consumer mistrust is amplified by how shockingly common and publicized data breaches are in this day and age. A key part of DPD is recognizing that data privacy and security go hand in hand. One of the most simple yet overlooked tenets that all businesses should follow is, “if you collect it, protect it.” SMBs that deal with sensitive data are especially vulnerable to being targeted by hackers that are looking for cushy targets. They also stand to lose the most from data breaches as 60% of SMBs go out of business within six months of falling victim to a data breach or cyber attack.

If your business deals with any amount of consumer data, take necessary security measures to ensure that data is protected from both insider and outsider threats. This should also extend to the partners and vendors your business works with as their data breaches can tarnish your own reputation. 

Another overlooked step that can go miles in inspiring consumer confidence is to simply be transparent about what you use customer information for and how you collect it.

Some other tips for SMBs include:

1. Protect data by using up to date security software such as firewalls, antivirus scanners, encryption services, and more.
2. Be transparent about how your business collects, uses, and protects consumer data.
3. Use industry standard security frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001 to guide your cybersecurity program.
4. Train employees with cyber awareness programs.
5. Always run the latest versions of hardware and software.
6. Use unique and robust passwords to safeguard your most sensitive data.
7. Consider hiring security experts.
   

Through educating yourself on the importance of data privacy and security, you can ensure that your own data and that of your customers stays safe and secure online.