National Data Privacy Day is January 28th

January 4th, 2019

Data privacy is such an important topic that it gets its own day each year! On January 28, Data Privacy Day recognizes the need for data protection and personal and widespread information security. As technology enhancements come at a breakneck pace, we each receive tremendous value with new apps and gadgets but sometimes it is difficult to keep up.

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), which coordinates the Data Privacy Day campaign, says it this way, “Data Privacy Day is the signature event in a greater privacy awareness and education effort. Year-round, NCSA educates consumers on how they can own their online presence and shows organizations how privacy is good for business.”

Many people are unaware of how much data they are sharing, where their data is going or how their data is used by the services they interact with all the time, even those services that might seek to use data to take advantage of them.  

To help ensure your data is used in ways you expect, follow these simple steps:

  1. Turn location services “off” within your mobile apps except when you are using maps or looking for a nearby restaurant or gas station.  

  2. Before you sign up for a new app or online service, review the privacy policy for organizations you plan to interact with before you give them your data.  

ASU’s own Office of Governance, Policy, and Information Security, within the University Technology Office (UTO), works university-wide to make sure members of the ASU community understand how information security is integral to ASU as well as your personal life.

Our website, getprotected.asu.edu, is a vital resource for all things relevant to information security at ASU including identity theft and phishingtax season scamshacking, and internet of things.  

Make sure to follow UTO on Twitter @ASU_UTO.