Source: Own illustration
On January 28, we celebrate European Data Protection Day to draw attention to the importance of data protection. This annual event is a reminder of the fundamental right to privacy and highlights efforts to strengthen the protection of personal data.
Why Is Data Protection Important?
In an increasingly digitalized world where personal information is collected and used online, protecting our data is crucial. Data protection not only ensures the security of personal information, but also strengthens trust in digital services and promotes transparency in the use of this data.
Background to European Data Protection Day
January 28 marks the anniversary of the adoption of Council of Europe Convention 108 for the Protection of Individuals regarding Automatic Processing of Personal Data in 1981, which laid the foundation for the protection of personal data as a fundamental human right. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force on May 25, 2018, provides a uniform data protection regime for all EU member states and significantly strengthens consumer rights.
Basic Principles of Data Protection
- Consent: Individuals should be clearly informed about what data is being collected and why. Consent to data collection should be voluntary, specific, and informed.
- Data minimization: Only the data that is really needed should be collected and it should only be used for the stated purpose.
- Security: Measures must be taken to protect data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.
What Can We Do to Protect Our Data?
- Raise data protection awareness: Learn about your rights regarding personal data and stay informed about privacy policies.
- Strong passwords and MFA: Use strong passwords and enable multifactor-authentication wherever possible to secure access to your accounts.
- Review privacy settings: Regularly review privacy settings on social media, apps, and other online services to stay in control of your personal data.
- Regular updates and security patches: Regularly update your software to close security gaps and protect your data from potential threats.
European Data Protection Day reminds us that protecting our personal data is a shared responsibility. By being aware of how our data is used and taking the appropriate measures, we can actively help to protect our privacy and ensure the security of our digital identities.
Further links:
- Social Engineering: Deception in Cyberspace
- Cybersecurity 101: Protecting the Digital Footprint in the Digital Age
- QR Codes Attack
Sources:
[1] Bundesregierung
Responsible for the content of this article is Malak Mostafa
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