National Data Privacy Week started on January 27th. Data Privacy Week is an annual event that helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting your data and privacy, primarily online. We live in a digital world with technological advancements making our social and business transactions easier than ever. With this accessibility to tools online comes the danger of someone exploiting the system or using technology to launch cyber attacks. Whether you need to protect company data or your personal information online, adopting some or all of these tips will help you protect data all year.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account

One of the best ways to protect your data online is to use strong and unique passwords. Password protection is an important issue, and many hackers prey on older generations or individuals who frequently reuse the same password. A password manager (for example, LastPass) is a great resource for storing and generating unique passwords. For an added layer of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.

2. Be Cautious About What You Share on Social Media

Social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok are gateways to your personal information. Oversharing sensitive information on these apps opens you up to having your data stolen. Sharing personal details like your location, birthdate, or favorite color may seem harmless, but they can also be clues used to steal your information. We recommend adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can see your post to combat this risk. Also, take care when clicking on links or ads that look suspicious.

3. Be Wary of Phishing Scams and Fraudulent Emails

Many digital scams occur through email or text messages, so being cautious about what you click on will help protect your data. Phishing scams and fraudulent emails try to trick you into revealing personal information. To combat this, watch out for suspicious email addresses, urgent requests that seem too good to be true, and poor grammar or spelling errors. Always double-check the URL and email address to ensure it matches the legitimate website. If the source is unknown or seems suspicious, do not click on links or download attachments; this also goes for text messages.

4. Monitor Your Financial Accounts Regularly

With the advancements in digital banking, individuals can access their financial accounts at the snap of their fingers. Frequently checking your accounts is a great practice to ensure no fraudulent charges or suspicious activity. Set up alerts and notifications to stay informed of any activity on your accounts. Consider credit monitoring services to help spot suspicious activity before it’s too late.

5. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed

Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest data privacy news and potential threats. Knowing what scams or vulnerabilities exist can help you better protect your accounts. To stay informed, consider following trusted newsletters or sources specializing in data privacy and security.

Conclusion

It’s important to take control of your digital footprint to protect your privacy. Data Privacy Week reminds us that we can be at risk with our information online and to be cautious with our activities online. Start with the best practices above and build better data protection habits over time to protect yourself all year.

5 Data Privacy Tips for 2025: Protect Your Personal Information Year-round.