How to make a difference on Data Privacy Day

In the spirit of New Year's resolutions, one commitment is gaining attention: data privacy. 

Every January 28, we observe Data Privacy Day. Established in 2007, it highlights the need to protect personal information.

As we step into 2024, the relevance of Data Privacy Day has never been more prominent: the trends show that the number of cyber threats will increase this year, so data privacy is a hot topic. 

Is Data Privacy Day significant? 

Data Privacy Day may not be as famous as Thanksgiving, yet it's crucial. It focuses on the escalating and valid concerns over personal data security.

Data breaches are on the rise. Statistics for 2022 and 2023 reveal that 98% of organizations are linked to a vendor that suffered a data breach in the past two years. Also, in the first three quarters of 2023, one in four Americans had their health data exposed. So, discussing cyber safety is quite important, as education often plays a crucial role in preventing data breaches.

This day reminds us all, whether individuals or businesses, that we have to protect data. It's about more than awareness; it's about fostering better practices, vital in an age where anyone can fall victim to social engineering.

The origins of Data Privacy Day

On April 26, 2006, the Council of Europe established Data Protection Day to be celebrated annually on January 28. This date marks the opening for signature of the Council of Europe's data protection convention, known as “Convention 108.” The day was set to encourage best practices in privacy and data protection. 

Data Privacy Day's impact is global, extending well beyond Europe. It unites governments, industry leaders, and privacy advocates. 

Fundamental principles of privacy and data protection

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a significant regulatory framework established by the European Union, outlines several of these principles. 

As GDPR is the most strict privacy framework in the world, let’s look at them to understand what we should aim for:

1. Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency. That’s how personal data must be processed.
2. Purpose limitation. Data should be collected for explicit purposes and not then processed in another manner.
3. Data minimization. Only data that is necessary for the purpose should be collected.
4. Accuracy. Personal data should be accurate and kept up to date.
5. Storage limitation. Personal data should be kept in a form that allows the identification of data subjects for no longer than necessary.
6. Integrity and confidentiality. Data should be processed in a way that ensures security.
7. Accountability. The data controller is responsible for and must be able to demonstrate compliance. 

Even though GDPR is European, it's relevant for US companies, too. If they offer goods or services to people in the EU or track their internet activities, they need to follow these rules. The fines for not doing so can be steep. We've got a handy GDPR compliance checklist for businesses curious about this.

10 best practices for ensuring data privacy

As Apple stated in one of their latest reports, "Organizations are only as secure as their 'least secure link.'" Ensure your business's safety and also request that your vendors follow some simple tips. 

1. One fundamental practice is understanding and classifying the data one handles. This involves identifying which data is sensitive and requires more protection. 
2. Regularly updating privacy policies and ensuring they are transparent and easy to understand is also crucial. This helps individuals know how their data is used and protected.
3. Strong, unique passwords are essential for securing accounts. 
4. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, which is essential for sensitive accounts. 
5. Regular software updates are also crucial. They often include security patches that protect against new vulnerabilities.
6. Organizations should conduct regular data audits. These audits help identify and address potential security gaps. 
7. Employee training in data privacy is equally important. It ensures that everyone understands how to handle sensitive information correctly. 
8. Encouraging a *culture of privacy within an organization is also beneficial. This creates an environment where data protection is a shared responsibility.
9. Finally, it's essential to have a response plan for data breaches. This plan should include steps to mitigate damage and notify affected parties. 
10. Regular backups of essential data can prevent loss in a security breach. 

How to participate in Data Privacy Day effectively

While a social media post with #DataPrivacyDay is a good start, 2024's rising cyber threats call for more practical actions. 

Here's a simplified take on White & Case's tips:

1. Data mapping. Sort out the data you have (like customer details) to ensure it's handled correctly under the privacy laws of your region.
2. Privacy policy review. Regularly update your website's privacy policy. It should clearly state how you use customer information, keeping up with current laws.
3. Adapt to new opt-out laws. In states like Utah, Florida, Oregon, Texas, and Montana, new laws in 2024 may require websites to honor user preferences about data usage. Make sure your site can do this if it's relevant to you.
4. Data protection assessment. It's like a health check for your data practices. Ensure your methods of handling sensitive information, like customer financial data, meet the latest legal standards.
5. AI tools review. If you use AI, treat it like a responsible employee. Check that it follows privacy rules and is transparent about data use. Include checks for fairness and safety in how the AI operates.

Now is the right time if you still need to introduce NordLayer solutions to protect your business. Contact our sales and choose the best option for your business.