Data Privacy Concerns: An Overview for 2020

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Discover what you need to know to keep your personal data safe in 2020

One defining feature of 2020 is an increasing focus on data privacy around the world, including a variety of new government regulations. Data privacy is a hot topic because cyber attacks are increasing in size, sophistication and cost. Reports suggest that the average cost of cybercrime has increased 72% in the last five years, reaching over US$13.0 million. According to recent research

• More than 40% of people worldwide feel they lack control over their personal data;
• 81% feel they have very little or no control over the data that companies collect about them;
• 81% feel that the risks of companies collecting data about them outweigh the benefits;
• 79% are very concerned about how companies use the data collected;
• 59% feel they have very little to no understanding about what companies do with the data collected;
• 63% say they understand very little or nothing at all about the laws and regulations that are currently in place to protect their data privacy.
• 79% don’t believe that companies will admit mistakes and take responsibility when they misuse or compromise data;
• 75% don’t believe that companies will be held accountable by the government if they misuse data.

A majority of internet users believe their online and offline activities are being tracked and monitored by companies and the government with some regularity. It is such a common condition of modern life that roughly six-in-ten U.S. adults say they do not think it is possible to go through daily life without having data collected about them by companies or the government.

In recent years, major corporations such as Facebook and WhatsApp experienced data breaches that put tens of millions of personal records into the hands of criminals.

These breaches are only the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to hacked accounts and stolen data. Consumers are beginning to take notice.

As terms such as crypto-mining, crypto-ransomware, and banking Trojans make their way into the mainstream, data privacy concerns among people in the U.S. are hitting an all-time high.

Below is some explanation of what you need to understand about data privacy in 2020 along with some tips for keeping your personal information safe.

What is Personal Data?

The term “personal data” refers to all personal information that’s used to identify a person. The best-known types of personal data include:

• Birthdate
• Social security number
• Email address
• Phone number
• Credit card information

However, your personal data isn’t limited to traditional letter-and-number-based information.

Moving into 2020, personal data security also means exercising caution in other areas that may pose a risk. For example, facial and voice recognition can also be used to breach your personal security.

 

 

What Happens If Your Data Gets In The Wrong Hands?

While identity theft is a common concern, it’s not the only risk your personal data faces. There’s a lucrative black market for data, and hackers often sell information in bulk to professional scammers.

Once a scammer obtains your personal information, there are many ways they can use it to infiltrate your personal and professional life, such as:

• Bombard you with robocalls and emails in an attempt to scam you out for more information.
• Attempt to break into your social media accounts and gain access to information about your family and friends.
• Obtain private information about your company or business.
• Access your bank or utility accounts.

For example, if a scammer obtains your name and email address, they can follow up by bombarding you with email or phone scams.

How To Protect Your Data in an Increasingly Connected World?

Here are some tips to help you keep your data safe from hackers, scammers, and crooks.

• Use passwords for all your devices; phones, tablets, and computers.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Never use the same password twice.
• Check your privacy and sharing settings on all social media accounts — and review them regularly.
• Avoid free WiFi services
• Password protect your WiFi
• Close inactive online accounts

Last but not the least, use an encrypted communication / messaging service like Signal, to protect your data from being stolen. Unlike Facebook and WhatsApp, Signal is committed to protecting user’s privacy and the security of user’s data. Signal cannot sell, rent, or monetize user’s data or content in any way – ever.

 

 

Signal is designed to never collect or store any sensitive information. Signal messages and calls cannot be accessed by anyone including government organizations and other third parties because they are always end-to-end encrypted, private, and secure.

Download the Signal App NOW and protect your personal data from being targeted by advertisers, scammers and hackers.