Worrisome headlines last year jolted consumers into reality about protecting personal data.
A recent survey indicates that 90 percent of those polled were “very concerned” about their privacy. Our always-connected lives require that we understand how our data is collected, used and shared and what actions to take to better manage our personal information. In addition, businesses of varying industries and sizes must recognize that transparency builds trust and it is critical to communicate clearly, honestly and often about what happens to consumers’ personal information.
We are in an unparalleled age of technological growth. There will be an estimated 24 billion internet-connected devices globally by 2020, more than four devices for every person. Consumers have an increased understanding about the importance of privacy and want to know how their information and is being used and protected. This new era of privacy has tremendous benefits, yet coupled with these infinite opportunities are challenges. As businesses learn to extract value from and utilize data at a deeper level, it is essential for companies to be extremely conscientious about protecting personal information. For any organization, respecting consumers’ privacy is a smart strategy for inspiring trust and enhancing reputation and growth.
This year’s Data Privacy Day, observed on Jan. 28, is built on the theme “Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data and Enabling Trust” and is led in the U.S. by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).
NSCA’s tips this year include the realization that privacy is good for business: Organizations should create a culture of privacy and employees should be educated on the importance and impact of protecting consumer and employee information as well as the role they play in keeping it safe.
Businesses should also follow reasonable security measures to keep individuals’ personal information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access. And all companies should be engaged in building trust with their customers by doing what they say they will do. Communication should be clear and concise about what privacy means to the organization and the steps it takes to achieve and maintain privacy.
“As we continually share more data on our connected devices, businesses are collecting and using this personal information more than ever before. Just think about everything we do online – from health care and banking transactions to posting family vacation photos to pinpointing our location at any given time,” Kelvin Coleman, NCSA’s executive director, said in a statement.
“Data Privacy Day provides an opportunity for everyone to encourage organizations to improve data privacy practices and inform consumers about the number of ways their information is being used,” he said. “In short, privacy is good for business. If companies protect data and respect privacy, they will earn the trust of their customers. It is, however, up to all of us to learn about and practice simple steps to help protect our personal information.”
The National Cyber Security Alliance is a nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. For resources pertaining to data protection, visit staysafeonline.org.
