Data Protection Day is a global event that occurs every 28 January to raise awareness and promote data protection best practices. As part of this, it is important to understand the connection between cyber security and data protection. With the increasing amount of personal and sensitive information being shared online, it's crucial to take steps to protect your (and your customers) data from cyber threats.
Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from attack, damage, or unauthorised access. This includes protecting against a wide range of threats, such as hacking, malware, phishing, and ransomware.
Data protection, on the other hand, refers to the process of keeping sensitive and personal information secure. This can include anything from credit card numbers to medical records and personal emails.
While these terms may seem distinct, they are closely connected. Cyber security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software, are important tools for protecting your data. Similarly, data protection measures, such as encryption and secure backups, can help mitigate the impact of a cyber-attack.
An important aspect of data protection is to ensure that personal data is kept secure, for example, by using encryption and access controls. This is where cyber security plays an important role, as it can help safeguard against unauthorised access to personal data. By following these basic cyber security tips, you can help keep your data safe and secure:
- Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. Avoid using easily guessed information, such as your name or birthdate.
- Keep your software and devices up to date. This includes your operating system, browser, and any other software you use.
- Use a reputable antivirus program and keep it updated.
- Be cautious when opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all your accounts that offer it.
- Make regular backups of your important files and data.
- Be aware of phishing scams and don't provide personal information to unsolicited requests.
It's important to remember that cyber threats are constantly evolving, so it's important to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your data on an ongoing basis.
Organisations should have a robust data protection plan in place. This includes regular risk assessments, incident response planning, and regular staff training on data protection best practices. By having these measures in place, organisations can better protect the personal data they collect, use and store from cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Conclusion
In today's digital age, protecting yourself and your data from cyber threats is more important than ever. By understanding the connection between cyber security and data protection, you can take steps to better safeguard your personal and sensitive information. Implementing strong cyber security measures can help keep you and your data safe in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
This article is intended as a guide, and should not be construed as legal advice or an authoritative statement of the law. Please visit www.inforights.im (Isle of Man Information Commissioner) for more information about Isle of Man data protection legislation.