In the digital age in which we live, our lives are increasingly interconnected through the Internet. From sending emails to online banking, our daily activities depend on the network. However, as our online presence increases, so do the risks to our privacy. In this blog, we will explore how we can make our time online safer and how cybersecurity plays a fundamental role in protecting our digital privacy.
Interactions in the Internet environment leave traces that allow our preferences to be tracked in some way and even determine our profile as consumers. Many companies are on the hunt for data that will allow them to reach many people with their messages and offers. This is when it is not about cybercriminals or cyberstalkers who want to extort money or give a particular person a hard time. In other words, they seek to violate digital privacy and data protection to which we all have the right. This guide of PIA shows very well, for example, that California is most protected while Louisiana is not so protected.
Today, it is impossible to ignore the number of online threats that exist. It is no longer just about the personal sphere. In fact, organizations are also facing privacy risks that can affect employees, customers, and directly the companies themselves.
Next, you will learn a little more about the concept of digital privacy. Likewise, we will talk about its importance in the online environment, and we will give you some tips to manage personnel and protect your company’s data.
What Exactly is Digital Privacy?
Digital privacy is the right of users to protect their data online and decide what information can be visible to others.
For example, all personal data of users such as name, telephone number, ID, and, in addition, other types of data will have the right to be protected: photos, videos, geolocation, social networks, data for online stores, instant messaging, etc. Therefore, a person has the right to prevent others from accessing their personal data without their consent.
To comply with digital advertising regulations, websites that collect personal information from users must inform them about their privacy policy, cookie policy, and legal notice.
Importance of Digital Privacy
Maintaining digital privacy is relevant because it allows you to protect your most personal data. These include your name, physical address, date of birth, bank account information, and even personal interests. For example, when you create an online shopping account on Amazon or Alibaba, you are asked to provide personal information.
Furthermore, when we perform an online search, the Internet memorizes the keyword, which summarizes our interest. So, we assume that online privacy is preventing our personal information from being shared by third parties. But it doesn’t always work that way. We often do a couple of occasional Google searches on, say, photovoltaic panels. Shortly after, we will see pop-up ads for these products, no matter if we are visiting a medical website or a news portal.
How to Protect Digital Privacy
Below, we suggest a series of basic measures to protect your personal digital privacy and that of your clients and collaborators.
- Use two-factor authentication, especially when logging into banking platforms and online payment systems.
- On the other hand, limit the personal information you provide and share on social networks. All of it is material that can be used by cybercriminals.
- Browse incognito: Generally, this option that you find in the different versions of search engines, such as Google, prevents the activation of cookies. Likewise, it rules out the storage of search histories.
- Don’t be fooled by suspicious emails: In particular, those supposedly sent by your banking entity in which they ask you to provide your data for certain purposes. Also, avoid clicking on the link they contain, as it may send you to a fake page. Verify directly with the bank the veracity of the process described in the email.
To Manage Digital Privacy in Your Company
Although some of the following measures are applicable to the personal sphere, they are also essential to guarantee the digital privacy of your company and your employees:
Use a VPN: Indeed, a virtual private network (VPN) provides privacy and anonymity online. This technology hides your company’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, so your online interactions are difficult to trace.
Communicate with transparency and consistency your data processing policies, privacy practices, and use of cookies. Along with your company’s legal notice, these are legal texts that your corporate website must include. They must be easily accessible to users.
It includes a quality antivirus: Although it may seem obvious, many companies do not consider this precaution. Good antivirus software, continually updated, makes it difficult for cybercriminals to break into your company’s devices and take possession of confidential information. It also offers protection against the latest malware and other types of viruses.
In addition, a cybersecurity protocol must be established that includes limitations on access to data that require it. Likewise, you must establish, within its framework, basic measures and restrictions. Among them is the prohibition of opening personal social network accounts on company devices and using external data storage devices.
Conduct a risk assessment: Before implementing any digital privacy measures, you must identify the possible risks your company faces. A risk assessment will allow you to know the threats and vulnerabilities that could endanger the security of your company. With this information, you can take appropriate measures to mitigate risks and protect the digital privacy of your company and your employees.
Encrypt your communications: Another important measure to guarantee the digital privacy of your company is to encrypt your communications. This involves encrypting email messages and files that are transmitted between devices. In this way, your company’s confidential data will be protected against possible attacks.
Use strong passwords: Passwords are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. You must set strong passwords for all of your company’s devices and accounts. Passwords should be long, complex, and difficult to guess. It is also recommended to change passwords regularly to maintain security.
Train your employees: Education and training are essential to ensure digital privacy in your company. You should ensure that your employees are informed about the company’s privacy and security policies. It’s also important that you train them on cybersecurity best practices, such as using strong passwords, detecting fraudulent emails, and protecting against phishing.
Perform security audits: Last but not least, you should perform security audits on a regular basis. This involves reviewing your systems and processes to identify potential vulnerabilities and make necessary adjustments. Security audits will also help you detect potential security breaches and take immediate action to protect the digital privacy of your company and your employees.
These are just some of the measures you can implement to manage digital privacy in your company. Remember that digital privacy and data protection a critical issues today, and it is important that you take appropriate measures to protect the confidential information of your company and your employees.
