Why is it necessary to protect your personal data?

Data protection is an issue of increasing importance in the digital age. With the rise of technology and the increase in the amount of personal information we share online, the security and privacy of our data have become fundamental concerns, as our personal data is a valuable asset when using a service, makes an online purchase, when registering to obtain an email, when making a doctor's visit, paying taxes, entering into a contract or requesting a service for which information must be provided to companies and agencies that we probably never knew collect and manage data and information about us.

However, it is not a matter of understanding only the importance of privacy but also the security problems that may arise, where personal information can fall into the hands of others and be used for malicious purposes, stealing your identity and generating financial fraud and/or or online harassment, among others.

According to the above, privacy and data protection laws have become an essential input around the world to establish guidelines and regulations for how organizations should collect, store and process personal data through user consent and notification of breach of personal data when it is no longer necessary. To adequately protect your data in this constantly evolving environment, the  “GDPR” (General Data Protection Regulation), sets the essential path for all people to be informed about their privacy rights and for organizations to adopt strong data security practices. 

To guarantee data protection, it is essential to follow a series of good practices at both a personal and organizational level. Here we mention some:

• Awareness and Education:  Both individuals and companies must be informed about the importance of protecting their data. Awareness is the first step to greater security.

• Access Management: Limit access to your data only to those employees who need that information to perform their duties. Use two-factor authentication when possible.
  

• Data Breach Notification: Establish a clear protocol to notify affected parties to the relevant authorities in the event of a data breach, speed of notification is essential

• Response to Individual Rights requests: You must be able to respond to requests from individuals to access, modify or delete their personal data in accordance with data protection regulations.

• Data Backup: Make regular backups of critical data to avoid total loss in the event of an incident.

• Privacy Culture: Foster a culture of privacy in your organization, where data protection is a priority at all levels.

Good data protection practices in today's digital age are not simply an option, but a critical necessity, a fundamental principle that balances the promise and danger of our hyperconnected world. On the other hand, constructively, data protection offers an opportunity for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to the privacy and security of their customers and employees. Additionally, it allows individuals to maintain greater control over their personal information and how it is used. As we move towards an increasingly interconnected future, data protection becomes an essential part of building a safer and more ethical digital society. 

Ultimately, data protection is not just a legal requirement, but a moral and ethical imperative. It requires a constant and collaborative effort from both individuals and organizations to ensure that our personal data is secure and that privacy is respected. It is an investment in trust, security and integrity in an information-driven world, and it is a commitment that we must maintain to build a more secure and privacy-friendly future.

Source: PDF Data Protection Guide “The keys to improving data protection”.