We live in a digital society where our lives are interconnected via the internet and digital technologies. These technologies are wonderful however, they also come with some risks. Individuals and businesses should be aware of the dangers. One of these dangers is data breaches in which personal information is compromised.
How can you safeguard your customers’ and clients’ personal data? There are several actions you can take to reduce the risk of a data breach. Limit the amount of data you gather. You should only collect the information necessary to perform your business activities. You must also limit the duration that personal information is kept and erase it when it is no longer required.
Another option is use encryption software to safeguard the data you store. This makes it difficult for hackers, if they gain access to your computer, to access your data. Also, you should ensure that your devices are physically secured. Don’t leave your device unattended. Always secure it when not in use.
You should also be in the habit of reading privacy policies. This will give you a better understanding of how the companies you work with collect, process and share your personal information. They should be able to explain their reasons for collecting your information and be in a position to answer any questions you may have.
It is important to understand the different definitions of personal data around the globe as each jurisdiction will have specific laws that govern the way you handle personal data. Many of these definitions however, are the same. It is essential to know what constitutes personal data in order to be able to comply.