Data Privacy Day and Protecting Mobile Devices

Data Privacy Day is Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Each year, data privacy awareness is the goal of several organizations, businesses, and U.S. congressional resolutions. Among some of the goals for Data Privacy Day include:

• Raise awareness and educate consumers to better understand how their personal information may be collected and the benefits and risks of sharing personal data

•  Empower consumers to express their expectations for the use, protection and management of their personal data

• Encourage businesses to be data stewards by being open and honest about how they collect, use and share personal information and clearly communicating any available privacy and security controls

One of the resources at the Data Privacy Day website includes information about mobile devices. Did you know that your mobile device is actually a computer that needs updated protection?

Mobile devices are as powerful and connected as any computer. And just like your computer, mobile device software needs to be kept up-to-date. Take time to make sure all the mobile devices in your house have the latest protections. This may require synching your device with a computer.

Secure access to your phone: Use a strong passcode to lock your phone. Phones can contain tremendous amounts of personal information. Lost or stolen devices can be used to gather information about you, and potentially, others.

Think before you app: Review the privacy policy and understand what data (location, access to your social networks) the app can access on your device before you download.

Use common sense when you connect. If you're online through an unsecured or unprotected network, be cautious about the sites you visit and the information you release.

Safer for me and more secure for all: What you do online has the potential to affect everyone - at home, at work, and around the world. Practicing good online habits benefits the global digital community.