In the not too distant past, privacy was a given to most of us. We never felt the need to doubt our security and protect privacy. You just knew that no matter how many surveillance cameras the government put up, there would always be a balance in terms of how invasive all of this surveillance technology is.
However, thanks to regulation changes meant to “improve safety and security” much of the freedom that we’ve taken for granted is no longer there.
Things Changing for the Worse
In this day and age, there’s no shortage of examples that show just how important it is to protect privacy. Take Edward Snowden’s whistle-blower account, for instance. Or China’s Great Firewall.
How about the NSA-backed bulk data collection and mass surveillance program in the US? All of these are events, regulations, and measures which have blurred the lines between state surveillance and privacy. Instead of remaining a human right, privacy is now a privilege. They can take it from us at any time.
Almost every device we use infringes on our privacy in one way or another. From the Internet of Things products that we’ve installed in our homes to mobile phones, there’s no shortage of threats to our privacy. This means no amount or type of legislation can keep them out.
The truth is that it doesn’t matter whether or not you have secrets. It’s a matter of basic human dignity and the right to one’s privacy.
The good news is that there are still plenty of options available for those who want to protect privacy and fight against constant intrusion into our personal lives.
Protect Privacy - The Role of Data Management
When someone mentions the word ‘data’ it is not readily clear what they’re referring to. In the current landscape, it could refer to any number of things. That’s why we’re going to break it down for you. This way you will know which steps to take in order to protect privacy and your data.
Personally Identifiable Information
As the name implies, personally identifiable information includes private details. This means your Social Security Number, your insurance numbers, date of birth, marital status, telephone number, email address, physical home address, name and surname, employment and education details, family members and even your medical status.
Once you lose your data, it doesn’t matter how it happened. What matters is that in the wrong hands, the wrong people can use it to inflict serious damage on yourself and others. Hackers can use stolen data to take out fraudulent loans, commit identity theft, and even infiltrate your online accounts. Not only that, but advertisers can also use your information to barter on the dark web.
Website Visits
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is responsible for monitoring your internet activity. Third parties can track your online activity using cookies and plugins on your browser. All of this means compromised privacy and a potential safety risk for you.
Cookies help customize your browsing experience so that you mostly see content that meets your preferences. This extends to advertising, where advertisers can use this information to bombard you with unnecessary and annoying ads while browsing the net. This is an intrusive and irritating practice that makes it clearer that we should all do more to protect privacy from hackers, advertisers, the government and even random spies.
Texting and Email
A single email account can unlock a door to your online world, including other important accounts, communication records with the people in your life, and more.
If it gets into the wrong hands your email can inflict serious damage to your reputation and compromise all of your online accounts. It can even affect your finances through online banking!
Online Shopping
Whenever you purchase something or transfer funds online, you’re required to supply sensitive financial information such as your PayPal account data, credit card numbers, security codes and expiration dates.
What measures are you taking to protect privacy in 2020? Let us know in the comments section below as we like hearing from our readers!
