Data Privacy Week (January 22 – 28, 2023) is an annual campaign held by the National Cybersecurity Alliance to educate individuals and businesses about the importance of protecting their personal data. Millions of people are unaware of how their digital activity and personal data are collected and shared with corporations. Data Privacy Week gives the power to control privacy back to the users.

Many people share personal information on the internet using their cell phones, tablets, laptops or any other device connected to Wi-Fi or an internet provider. This makes it easier for them to shop online, bank online, arranges travel plans, and communicate with friends and family through email and social media. However, when using these devices, it’s vital to safeguard your information to avoid scams, fraud and identity theft. Periodically, it is a good idea to review who has your data. The Better Business Bureau and the National Cyber Security Alliance offer the following tips to help secure the privacy of critical information:

• Share with care. Posts on social media last a long time. Consider who will see the post, how readers might perceive it, and what information it might reveal about the individual posting it.
• Manage privacy settings. Check the privacy and security settings on web services and apps and set them to your comfort level for information sharing. Each device, app or browser will have different features limiting how and with whom you share information.
• Personal info is like money: Value it. Protect it. Personal information, such as purchase history, IP address, or location, has tremendous value to businesses – just like money. Make informed decisions about whether or not to share data with certain businesses by considering the amount of personal information they are asking for and weighing it against the benefits you may receive in return.
• Make your passwords long and strong. Use long passwords with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols – eight characters for most accounts and twelve for email and financial accounts. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts, especially email and financial. Keep a paper list of your passwords in a safe place, not on or near your computer. Consider using a password vault application. See BBB’s tips for creating a strong password.
• Keep tabs on apps. Many apps ask for access to personal information, such as geographic location, contacts list and photo album, before using it services. Be thoughtful about who gets that information, and be wary of apps that require access to information that is not needed or relevant to the services they offer. Delete unused apps on your internet-connect devices and keep others secure by performing updates.
• Lock down your login. For your online accounts, use the strongest authentication tools available. Your user names and passwords need to be more; consider two-factor authentication for key accounts like email, banking, and social media, especially for access on mobile devices.
• Don’t click on unfamiliar links. Don’t click on links from unknown sources or unexpected correspondence at home or work. One false click can infect a whole computer…or a whole business.
• Pay attention to internet-connected devices. Smart thermostats, voice control systems, cars, and even refrigerators are just the beginning of the growing list of devices that watch our homes and track our locations. Read the privacy policy and understand what data is collected and how it will be used. Read BBB’s tips on smart devices and cyber security risks.

BBB Accredited Business, Century Solutions Group, will host a free webinar entitled “IT-Related Challenges in 2023” on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. to provide small and midsize businesses (SMBs) with managing cyber risks and learn about cybersecurity best practices in the modern business environment. To sign up for the webinar, click here.