Nowadays, with digitalization seeping into every walk of life, our data and information have a value. Whether on your social media profiles or when online shopping, you leave a digital trail which tells the world and anyone that can access it so much about yourself. To protect our privacy and security; we need to be educated in the concept of personal data use.
What is Personal Data?
Personal data: Information that can identify a person This includes:
Direct identifiers. e.g., Name, address, email id and etc
Indirect identifiers: IP address, device ID, location data etc.
Health Information, Financial informationBiometric data etc
Why Does Personal Identity Matter?
For starters, personal information is critical because:
Personal Services: Personal data is utilized by companies to create better, more personalized products and services.
Security (Access): Data about who you are based is the data used to authenticate individuals and accounts.
The Science: Scientists use private details to explore trends and patterns.
The Risks of Personal Data
The Risk of Using Personal Data Despite its various benefits, personal data can create some very serious challenges.
Data Breaches: Cyberattacks may expose personal data and hence lead to identity theft, fraud as well reputation damage.
Privacy Infringements: Companies might misuse personal data resulting in privacy infringements and legal repercussions.
Discrimination – personal data can be used to make decisions on race, gender or age，并造成歧視
Protecting Your Personal Data
To keep your personal data safe and sound remember these tips:
Beware of What You Do Online: Dont overshare personal info online
Strong, Unique Passwords: Use a password manager to save your hard-to-guess setup and don’t repeat passwords across different services.
Beware of phishing attacks: Do not click on any suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.
Check Privacy Settings: Regularly check and update the privacy settings of your devices and online accounts.
