What is privacy?

What is privacy?

Privacy is a person’s right to govern what data they would like other individuals to know about themselves, which individuals are allowable know that data, and the capability to decide when those persons can right to use that data. With the increase and evolution, data privacy is becoming supplementary burdensome since the information is collected and replaced now and then.

Privacy is not the same as security since it focuses on the use and governance of personal data. Thus the organization is put policies in place to ensures that the data collected, how it is shared, and use appropriately. The government and another professional body may guarantee that organizations have implemented the privacy of data correctly.

When it comes to internet privacy, it involves how the information should be protected shared with the third party. It may also concern the privacy and security level of personal fate published via the internet. We have the risk of internet privacy such as spyware, malware, or phishing, which collects our data without our consent. Hackers may trick us into giving them confidential reports such as social engineering or pharming.

We need to protect ourselves by educating what internet privacy is. Some of the ways are through avoiding exposing our data on the website, when using the site, we should ensure there are secure with “SSL” or “https.” When creating an account, always use a strong password that contains numerical, special characters, capital, and small letters. Always clear browsing history and cache regularly. Always use a reliable website when shopping. Always use preventatives software such as anti-viruses, intrusion detection systems, and firewalls to protect the data.  Lastly, let’s remember that online privacy is a serious concern since cybercriminals may steal the victim’s identity or fraudulently by compromise the password. Individuals always control the personal data that you give out to ensure that you are always protected.

What is a digital footprint?

We visit websites we left some data behind when using the digital media, the data left is called a digital footprint. It includes all the traces of the person’s online activities such as comments, posts on social media, or online purchases records. When you share or post something on the internet website, collect the personal information using cookies, thus creating a digital trail. The data collected includes the IP address, logins, among other personal information that will be revealed online with or without our consent.

We all have a digital footprint, which is a normal thing; thus, we need to manage them. Though digital footprint may have benefit but also have cost such as when logging in or retyping personal details. During the management, we need thought, time, and effort. Some of the company may sacrifice the privacy information about their customer in the interest of their profit. Advertiser and publishers devote their energy and time looking for the digital footprint for financial gain, which they share the information with third parties. The security risk or cost is that is associated with the digital footprint is identical theft, financial losses, and privacy.

We have four levels in which we can manage or control the digital footprint level one includes improve the understating of the fundamental issues, level two a “basic hygiene” habits, the become a sophisticated user of the online tools and services. So in level one, the digital footprint may be information about persons’ home, work it is essential to note that applications also correct information, especially those that run analytics to monitor.

Shape the digital footprints by reviewing privacy settings on devices and applications. Always monitor the data regularly since the devices change, and others add others.  Take a stance on the information the is being published and find out what information about you and your family is available to the public. Always be mindful and still use different software tools and real-world objects. Always keep the password safe, avoid oversharing the data, or don’t always use real information on the websites.

The main reason is to ensure that we protect ourselves and reputation, preserving our freedom, preventing financial loss, and maintaining our ability to decide where and how our personal information is shared. Some of them may be misinterpreted out the context, and find ourselves in jail. To avoid your communication being intercepted, you may use a VPN when you are online and anonymity through the private network.