We live in a digital world, and as the world is emerging, technology is getting much more revolutionized and so are hackers and data breaches. Amidst all of this, we rarely pay attention to safeguarding our privacy. We only notice it once it gets compromised.

Today, we are highly dependent upon technology and therefore, we need to be more careful in everything we do. Data privacy day is an online privacy campaign that raises awareness regarding online safety. It is an initiative by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the campaign is called ‘STOP. THINK. CONNECT.’

History of data privacy day

The need for data privacy has been sky-high since the beginning of time. Our personal data has always been at risk. Many institutions, manufacturers, politicians, airlines, grocery stores, ad agencies, and even nonprofit organizations have used and manipulated our data to maximize their profits. Because of the availability of data on a large scale, digital technologies have made it easier for hackers to get their hands on our personal information. As of now, there are about 4.66 billion people who are active on the internet and you never know how much personal data is left unsecured.

We generally don’t care about data privacy or data safety much. Your attention wouldn’t have gone towards it when you logged into your mobile phones or laptops today or when you checked the stock prices or listened to the latest news. Many of us don’t care about data security. In fact, many of us don’t even know the difference between data security and data privacy. This may be the reason why most of us show lethargy when it comes to data privacy.

Data privacy is quite different from data security but both of them are closely related to one another. There is a simple analogy that can help you understand the concept better. Data security is when you put various bars on your windows so that no one breaches your privacy. Data security is more like pulling shades down your windows so that no one watches your actions.

There are a lot of people in the world who have access to our personal information but they don’t need this kind of access. The digital strangers who have got legitimate access to our personal data are the same people from whom we should be protecting our data because there is no need for them to have their hands on our data. Data privacy day is kind of a wake-up call for anyone who thinks that spam firewalls or software is going to keep your personal information safe.

Data privacy day reminds us that our privacy should be treated in the same way as we treat money. It should be valued like our lives are depending on it and sometimes, they do depend on it.

Why is data privacy day important?

Data privacy day is important for three major reasons.

1. It reminds us to be careful

If you don’t remain vigilant with data privacy and safety, you’re giving your hacker a loophole through which it can crawl and breach your data. In other words, showing complacency with your data is like shaking hands with the devil.

2. Prevents identity theft

Identity theft is the most destructive consequence of the data breach. By the time you realize that someone has stolen your identity, a lot of damage would be done to your name. Once your identity gets stolen, it gets very difficult to catch the real culprit. Plus, there will be a lot of mess piled up behind that is for you to clean and sort out. Sometimes, it may even take your entire life to clean up that mess.

3. It reminds us that we all are the targets

Even if you don’t own big assets or have a massive amount of cash in your account, you’re still one of the prime targets for identity thieves. Data pirates don’t differentiate or discriminate among people. They attack everyone and they steal from everyone, irrespective of age.

Five ways to protect your data privacy

1. Keep your software up-to-date

Make sure that all your operating systems, software, computers, and mobile devices are up-to-date and running the latest version.

2. Update the privacy preferences

Make sure to review the privacy preferences of your web browser regularly and keep them updated. Clear the cache and delete all the cookies.

3. Reset your home network router

All those routers that allow the wireless devices to connect to your internet are exposed to hacking as well. Therefore, go to your internet provider and buy a new router or ask your internet provider to change the settings of your router, from time to time.

4. Update all the passwords of your accounts

We know it gets hard to remember all the passwords at once but you have got to do it to ensure data safety. If it gets too much to handle, you can use a password generating tool that generates a set of random passwords for every account but you will have to remember just one.

5. Get rid of the evidence

Not every data thief is behind a screen. Some wander here and there. Therefore, in order to save yourself from any theft, you need to get rid of the hard (paper) copies of tax documents, financial records, legal papers, invoices, purchase receipts or any other document that may contain your personal information.

Data privacy days FAQs

Why is data privacy important?

Your personal data is extremely essential and is of utmost value. If it gets into the hands of a data thief, it can have major devastating consequences. For starters, your information can be sold onto the ‘black market’ or ‘dark internet’.

This can go on repeatedly for years to come and there are many spammers and hackers present who can annoy you with unimportant spam messages. These hackers can go as far as gaining access to your personal information such as your social security number. This will enable them to purchase cars or homes, drain your investment accounts or bank accounts, or even treat themselves with a vacation on a cruise. They aren’t the ones who’re going to pay for this, it will be you who’ll get charged.

What is the data privacy scandal?

The Facebook data privacy scandal involved the collection of about 87 million people all around the globe.

Who is responsible for data privacy?

As of now, no one is responsible for the privacy of your essential data. Some people agree with the fact that individuals are responsible for protecting their own data while some believe that governments and businesses should keep their data safe at every cost.

When is data privacy day in 2022?

Data privacy day is celebrated each year on 28^th January. So, in 2022, it will come up on the same date while the day will be Friday.

How to celebrate data privacy day?

Data privacy day can be celebrated with full zeal and zest in three ways.

1. Commit to protect the data privacy

If you handle the privacy of your data complacently, the first thing you need to do is start taking everything seriously. If you don’t commit yourself to protecting the privacy of your data, it will always be at risk. Therefore, the international data privacy day enables you to take things seriously and learn one thing at a time till you know all about data privacy.

2. Understand ‘internet of things’

Take some time out of your busy routine and learn how all of your digital devices are connected and how your personal ‘internet of things’ connect. This includes your smartphones, TVs, refrigerators, smoke alarms, home alarm systems, modems, cars, baby monitors, and air conditioning and home heating systems. All of these devices or systems are synchronized with one another. Now, you need to take all the necessary steps to make sure that your personal information is not being shared with an unknown device.

3. Share your expertise with “seasoned” citizens

If you’re tech-savvy and know all about data privacy and data safety, we suggest you give a seminar or even teach a class to specify the know-how of data privacy to people, especially older adults.

The senior citizens of our society can only understand something if they’re shown how to do it. People born between the years 1946 to 1964 have little or no exposure to technology. They only got to use technology after they retired. This makes them much more susceptible to the attacks of spammers and hackers. If you share your experience with them, it can help them to be much more vigilant and careful.

Conclusion

In today’s world, hackers and spammers are found everywhere. It is upon you how you can protect yourself and your data from getting into the wrong hands. Data privacy day is a day that reminds us of the importance of data privacy and data safety. Celebrate international data privacy day each year on 28^th January.

Want to read about other important days in the month of January? Then click here.
Or if you want to read about important days of other months of the year, then check out “Important Days of the Year” category.