National Cyber Security Alliance Kicks off Data Privacy Day This Week to Raise Awareness for Responsible Data Privacy Practices

Annual Event Will Spotlight the Pandemic’s Role in the Evolution to Educate Individuals and Organizations About Owning and Respecting Data Privacy

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) kicks off its annual Data Privacy Day event on January 28, 2021. This year’s initiative will highlight the state of the global data privacy landscape, examining it through the lens of the pandemic and other major events that have impacted and disrupted the way people live, work and interact. Key themes for Data Privacy Day 2021 encourage consumers to “Own Your Privacy,” while urging businesses to “Respect Privacy.” Both themes reinforce NCSA’s focus on raising awareness about data privacy best practices through messaging, content and speaking engagements that will educate consumers about owning and controlling the data they generate, while advising businesses about the importance of respecting consumers’ privacy and keeping their personal information safe.

“The pandemic has ensured that people all over the globe are more connected now than ever before. Consumers are generating more personal data through the use of devices and the businesses that power that connectivity inevitably collect and store that same data,” said Kelvin Coleman, Executive Director, NCSA. “Data Privacy Day’s main objective is to be a yearly call-to-action; one that spurs discussion, reevaluation and awareness about how people can keep themselves and their data safe, and to show organizations that accountability, transparency, and a commitment to fair and legitimate data collection practices will ultimately lead to enhanced public trust and better brand reputation.”

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Tentpole (Virtual) Event

NCSA will also host a tentpole event, in partnership with LinkedIn, for this year’s proceedings entitled, “Data Privacy Day 2021: Data Privacy in an Era of Global Change,” consisting of virtual panels, discussions and presentations bringing together privacy professionals across various industries, government and academia. Participants will discuss a broad spectrum of circumstances, from economic turbulence, to the pandemic, to social movements and environmental disasters, examining how each has contributed to the evolution of technology while often leaving effective data privacy considerations to the wayside.

To register as an attendee for the Data Privacy Day 2021: Data Privacy in an Era of Global Change virtual event, please visit: https://whova.com/portal/registration/datap1_202101/

Data Privacy Day 2021 Calls to Action

Individuals today feel an increasing lack of control over their personal data. In fact, according to a recent Pew Research Center study, 79% of U.S. adults report being concerned about the way their data is being used by companies. As a result, NCSA has compiled a set of tips and best practices for consumers and businesses alike to keep in mind ahead of, during and beyond this year’s Data Privacy Day:

ADVICE FOR CONSUMERS: OWN YOUR PRIVACY:

• Personal info is like money: Value it. Protect it. Personal information, such as your purchase history, IP address, or location, has tremendous value to businesses – just like money. Make informed decisions about whether or not to share your 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.
• Keep tabs on your apps. Many apps ask for access to personal information, such as your geographic location, contacts list and photo album, before you can use their services. Be thoughtful about who gets that information, and wary of apps that require access to large amounts of personal information. Delete unused apps on your internet-connect devices and keep others secure by performing updates.
• Manage your privacy settings. Check the privacy and security settings on your websites and apps and set them to your comfort level for information sharing. Each device, application or browser you use will have different features to limit how and with whom you share information. Get started with NCSA’s Manage Your Privacy Settings page: https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/managing-your-privacy/manage-privacy-settings/

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ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES: RESPECT PRIVACY

• If you collect it, protect it. Data breaches can not only lead to great financial loss, but a loss in reputation and customer trust. Follow reasonable security measures to keep individuals’ personal information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access. Make sure the personal data you collect is processed in a fair manner and only collected for relevant and legitimate purposes.
• Conduct an assessment of your data collection practices. Understand which privacy laws and regulations apply to your business. Educate your employees of their and your organization’s obligations to protecting personal information.
• Consider adopting a privacy framework. Build privacy into your business by researching and adopting a privacy framework to help you manage risk and create a culture of privacy in your organization. Get started by checking out the following frameworks:
  • NIST Privacy Framework
  • AICPA Privacy Management Framework
  • ISO/IEC 27701 – International Standard for Privacy Information Management
• Transparency builds trust. Be open and honest about how you collect, use and share consumers’ personal information. Think about how the consumer may expect their data to be used and design settings to protect their information by default. Communicate clearly and concisely to the public what privacy means to your organization and the steps you take to achieve and maintain privacy.
• Maintain oversight of partners and vendors. If someone provides services on your behalf, you are also responsible for how they collect and use your consumers’ personal information.

Becoming a Champion

The Data Privacy Day Champion program is a way to show support. Champions represent those dedicated to empowering individuals and encouraging businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust. Being a Champion is easy and does not require any financial support. Champions include:

• Companies and organizations of all sizes
• Schools and school districts
• Colleges and universities
• Nonprofits
• Government organizations
• Individuals

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