BY LAURA ERNE
Jan. 28 marked Canada’s ninth annual Data Privacy Day. It’s a day that commemorates the 1981 signing of Convention 108- the first legally binding international treaty that deals with one’s privacy and data protection.
Have you ever seen a Facebook post where your friend claims that they were hacked?
Have you ever laughed when you saw that?
Has it happened to you?
Was it still funny?
The idea of someone hacking into your accounts and seeing your personal information is a real threat. They can access your banking information that will leave you broke. They can steal your identity and leave you nameless. This day aims to help people become more aware and protect themselves against threats.
Not sure how safe your online identity is?
Here is a short quiz provided by the Sheridan Insider that helps gauge where you are in regards to your own privacy and security. Simply answer either yes or no to each of the questions below.
- Do you keep your passwords complex and unique for each of your accounts?
- Do you change your passwords following news of a data breach at an institution that you have your accounts with?
- Do you keep your software and operating systems current and up to date?
- Do you use antivirus/antimalware?
- Do you encrypt sensitive data?
- Do you regularly monitor activity on your online accounts for suspicious activity?
- Do you securely archive or delete data that you no longer need?
- Do you use Virtual Private Network (VPN) apps when connecting to free Wi-Fi networks?
- Have you reviewed and updated your privacy settings on accounts and mobile devices?
- Do you know how to recognize and avoid phishing attacks?
Finished? Now add up all of your “yes” answers and just how secure your data really is.
Score Ratings
1-3 Your data is at risk!
4-5 Your data is somewhat protected but could be much more secure.
6-8 Your data is better protected but again there is still more that you can do.
9-10 Your data is well protected!
Are your results up to snuff? If not, Sheridan can help. Here is a Top 10 list provided by Desmond Irvine, director of information security and compliance, to help struggling students.
- Keep your passwords complex and unique for each of your accounts
- Change your passwords following the news of a data breach
- Keep your software and operating systems current and up to date
- Use antivirus/antimalware software
- Encrypt sensitive data
- Regularly monitor activity on your online accounts for any suspicious activity
- Securely archive or delete data that you no longer need
- Use VPN apps when connecting to fee Wi-Fi networks
- Review and update your privacy settings on accounts and mobile devices
- Learn how to recognize and avoid phishing attacks
Organizations like StaySafeOnline.org powered by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) continue to bring awareness to this cause and try to help every citizen safeguard their information. They provide information ranging from malware and botnets to ID theft and fraud.
Here are the results from last year’s Data Privacy Day showing what awareness and social media can do to help.