Protecting Your Data Privacy: Understanding the Risks and How to Safeguard Your Information
Cybersecurity and data privacy remain pressing issues in contemporary society, with governments enacting new laws and companies investing heavily in cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, encryption, and awareness training. Despite these efforts, individuals are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches. In 2024, the Identity Theft Resource Center reported that companies issued 1.3 billion notifications to victims of data breaches, a staggering increase from the previous year. This alarming trend highlights that, despite advancements in cybersecurity, personal data breaches are not only persisting but also accelerating. Many perceive cybersecurity as a purely technical challenge, which is partially correct; however, it is essential to recognise that effective personal privacy protection relies on three critical pillars: accessible technical controls, public awareness of privacy needs, and robust public policies prioritising personal privacy. A deficiency in any one of these areas jeopardises the entire system.
Technology serves as the first line of defence, safeguarding access to data-storing computers and encrypting information during transmission to thwart intruders. Nevertheless, even the most sophisticated security tools can fail if misused, misconfigured, or neglected. Two vital technical controls are encryption and multifactor authentication, which form the backbone of digital privacy and are most effective when widely adopted and properly implemented. Encryption employs complex algorithms to render sensitive data unreadable, accessible only with the correct key. For instance, web browsers utilise HTTPS encryption to secure user information on protected webpages, preventing eavesdropping during data transmission. However, the challenge extends beyond encrypting data in transit; securing stored data—whether on phones, laptops, or cloud servers—remains a significant concern. Unfortunately, the encryption of data at rest is not as prevalent as that of data in transit, with only 10% of organisations implementing adequate measures to protect stored data.