Data Technology Privacy is the protection of personal data (data) using digital technologies and information processing systems such as Delphix, particularly when such processing is carried out by public or private entities, including government agencies.
Privacy is the ability of individuals, families, communities, organizations, and governments to protect themselves against the collection, use, disclosure, and maintenance of personal data. In the past, privacy was the ability of people to control the flow of personal information and the dissemination of knowledge about them while preserving their autonomy. Today, privacy can also refer to the freedom to choose whether or not to disclose information about oneself, especially when that information can be associated with the individual.
There are different types of data that can be collected, each with its own set of rules, responsibilities, and consequences. Examples of the types of data include personal data, location data, and usage data.
Personal Data
Personal data is information about an individual whose identity is known or can reasonably be ascertained by the controller (organization). The definition of personal data encompasses information in the form of records (or sets of records), such as names, addresses, email addresses, social security numbers, bank account details, driver’s license numbers, medical records, passport details, and the like. Personal data is collected and processed by many organizations and individuals on a routine basis.
Location Data
Location data includes the actual geographical coordinates, such as latitude and longitude, used to identify the geographic location of a device or the user. Location data also includes the network address, such as an IP address, that identifies the device or user. Location data can be gathered via satellite, cell tower triangulation, Wi-Fi access points, and GPS.
Usage Data
Usage data refers to the information that can be generated automatically through the operation of a computer system or mobile device. This includes any information about the device and its software applications, communications, and actions.
Examples of usage data include browser history, search history, cookies, internet browsing habits, app usage, and application data. Usage data can also include personal information, such as text messages, emails, contacts, photos sent or received, or documents viewed.
Technology has changed our Personal Data Privacy.
Think of the data we create through our internet use, our social media activity, and the content we create and store on the phone in our pockets. With this knowledge, we can look at ways in which data can be used to target us specifically or identify areas where we need to be more aware of the consequences of our actions. For example, we should always check that we have a password that will not let anyone into our accounts. And, if you have a mobile phone, we should make sure that you aren’t using it while you are driving.
How technology has changed
We live in a time when our lives are much easier than they were in the past. But, although technology has revolutionized the way we interact with each other, it has also affected our individual privacy. We now have more information about ourselves at our fingertips. We store pictures, videos, and documents on devices such as laptops, phones, and tablets. And, if we are online at work or school, we may be giving away our location and potentially our identity. There are ways to combat these dangers, but only if we use them.
Data, storage, and security
Data is stored in many places in our everyday lives, including our phones. This data can contain information about our purchases, medical conditions, political views, sexual orientation, religion, hobbies, and family relationships. It is collected for marketing purposes, as well as for legal reasons.
For example, a company may be legally required to record the numbers called on their phone lines to determine if their staff are working properly. In the UK, companies also have to collect the data of their employees and customers to prove compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). If an employee gets a call that their personal data has been accessed, they have the right to know. In other parts of the world, laws have been introduced to allow people to delete the data on their phones at any time.
Personal data must be kept safe at all times. Only you can decide what information you reveal, how you share it, and who you share it with. But, by understanding the risks associated with it, you can decide whether to take the risk.
How can you protect yourself?
If you have a mobile phone, you will need to change your settings. Check what apps you have installed on your phone and whether they are tracking your location. You can set the app to only work when you are on a Wi-Fi network and if you are worried about people accessing your data, consider using an encrypted email service, which means your messages cannot be read.
Be careful about what information you post online. Use your discretion. If you choose to use a social media site, make sure that you only post information that is relevant and appropriate for your audience. Be clear that you are responsible for what you write and to who you write. If you are thinking about sharing a picture or video, ask yourself if you would want your grandparents to see it.
If you are worried about the data you are creating, you can change your settings on your device to control what you share with others. There are ways to encrypt your data so that no one can access it without a special password. To use the right type of encryption, you will need to know the level of protection you want.
Do you need a firewall to protect yourself? Firewalls are software programs that block malware, viruses, and other malicious software that could damage your computer. Most computers have built-in firewalls that block the majority of threats. If your home or business network connects to the internet, a firewall should be added to protect you. A home router will usually have this already installed.
You can also install a smartphone app to protect you against malicious activity. They are available from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Some will send you an alert if there are any suspicious messages that might compromise your information.
Tips for having Technology Privacy
- Don’t put sensitive information such as passwords or credit card details on social media. Most sites offer you the option of choosing a strong password and using a security question (such as your mother’s maiden name or your favorite movie). This is a far better approach than writing down your password or leaving it in the car when you park.
- Don’t use your mobile phone’s camera to take pictures or videos. It’s not as private as you think. Anyone nearby can see what you are doing. Even if you are alone, anyone who comes to visit you will see the picture.
- Don’t post sensitive personal information on public websites. This includes your date of birth, your place of work, your address, or your phone number. It’s fine to post your family’s contact details, but don’t include your home address.
- Don’t store your passwords for online accounts in plain text on a piece of paper that can fall into the wrong hands. Put them in an encrypted file on a computer.
- Don’t share login details for online accounts and websites with someone else. This could put them in control of your financial information.
- Don’t access your emails through a web browser on a shared computer. Use a dedicated email app such as Mail or Outlook.
- Don’t let your smartphone collect personal data. When you install apps, be careful to read the terms and conditions and the privacy policy. You should be aware of what information is collected and how it is used. If you don’t understand the terms, do ask questions.
- Don’t use a weak or default password. Choose a complicated password or one that contains numbers, symbols, or words that you can’t remember.
