The week of January 22 – 28 is known as Data Privacy Week 2023. Throughout this week, many companies, like National Cybersecurity Alliance (NYA) will be will be sharing tips, webinars, and other resources, to help consumers and businesses, alike. The goal is twofold: to help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data and to help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users' data.
Chesapeake Bank has partnered with the NYA, by becoming a Champion of their program, to spread the awareness and share resources with the general public. The hope is that all parties will consider their data and be more contentious about what is shared.
“We’re serious about data privacy and we’re always enhancing our methodology to protect our customers data,” says Jason Zickefoose, Information Security Officer, Chesapeake Bank. “As a community bank we feel it is our responsibility to educate our customers so they can better protect themselves, too. You should treat your data just like cash, don’t leave it out for just anyone to grab.”
The National Cybersecurity Alliance has offered up the following themes to help guide individuals and businesses to better data privacy practices:
For Consumers (About Data): The Story of You
All your online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps, and services collect data on your behaviors, interests, and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, like your Social Security and driver's license numbers. It can even include data about your physical self, like health data – think about how a smartwatch counts and records how many steps you take.
While it's true that you cannot control how each byte of data about you and your family is shared and processed, you are not helpless! In many cases, you can control how you share your data with a few simple steps. Remember, your data is precious, and you deserve to be selective about who you share it with!
For Businesses: Respect Privacy
Respecting the privacy of your customers, staff, and all other stakeholders is critical for inspiring trust and enhancing reputation. According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of U.S. adults report being concerned about the way their data is being used by companies. By being open about how you use data and respecting privacy, you can stand out from your competition.
Be transparent about how you collect, use, and share consumers’ personal information. Think about how the consumer may expect their data to be used. Design settings to protect their information by default. Communicate clearly and concisely to the public what privacy means to your organization, as well as the steps you take to achieve and maintain privacy.
Data Privacy Week began as Data Privacy Day in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe. Data Protection Day commemorates the Jan. 28, 1981, signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. NCA, the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness, leads the effort in North America each year. For more information, visit https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week/ or follow the hashtag #DataPrivacyWeek
About the National Cybersecurity Alliance
The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a non-profit organization on a mission to create a more secure, interconnected world. We advocate for the safe use of all technology and educate everyone on how best to protect ourselves, our families, and our organizations from cybercrime. We create strong partnerships between governments and corporations to amplify our message and to foster a greater “digital” good. For more information, please visit https://staysafeonline.org.
