Data privacy week is an annual campaign to spread awareness about data privacy and to educate individuals on how to secure their personal information. All your online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps, and services collect data on your behaviors, interests, and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, like your Social Security and driver’s license numbers. What is the difference between data privacy and data security? Data privacy involves how data is collected, used, and shared. Data security ensures data is protected from unauthorized access. Here are our top ten tips for data privacy week:
- Read privacy policies and terms of service to know how your information is used.
- Know your privacy rights and understand how laws protect your personal information.
- Only share personal information when necessary and ask how it will be used.
- Lock your personal devices with a passcode when not in use.
- Avoid leaving sensitive information such as USB sticks, notebooks, and printed documents on your desk.
- Be mindful of the content you share online, especially on social media.
- Safeguard children and minors’ online privacy.
- Check your credit report or use identity theft protection.
- Use anti-virus or anti-malware software.
- Understand the privacy limitations with VPNs, incognito mode, and DNS over HTTPS.
Read terms of service and privacy statements. Pay particular attention to sections that explain how your data is collected, used, and shared. Being familiar with protections offered by laws equips you to advocate for yourself when your personal information is mishandled. For example, the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act takes effect in July 2025. Section 6 lists Consumer Personal Data Rights. If you see an organization negligently handling your PII, say something or ask questions. Don’t give out your personal information unless you are comfortable with how it will be used. An organization must only collect your personal information by lawful and fair means and, in general, only collect information reasonably necessary for its functions. For example, a clothing store loyalty card program should not need to collect information about your medical history. If you don’t think they should collect the information they are asking for, ask why they want or need it.
Regularly monitoring your credit card statements and credit reports or using identity theft protection tools can help you detect and respond quickly to fraudulent activity. Using anti-virus or anti-malware software helps with data privacy by protecting your devices from malicious software that can compromise your sensitive information. Malware such as keyloggers, spyware, and ransomware are designed to steal personal data such as login credentials, financial information, or private communications. Understanding the limitations of tools like VPNs and incognito mode can instill a false sense of security. Tools such as incognito or private browsing prevent the browser from saving your search history, cookies, or temporary files. It does not hide your online activity from your internet service provider, sites you visit, or other tracking scripts. Recognizing these limitations ensures you don’t solely rely on these tools for privacy.
Physical and digital safeguards are equally as important. Password-protecting your devices and locking them when unattended prevents unauthorized access. Keeping sensitive items like USB drives and notebooks off your desk when you are not present minimizes risks in shared spaces.
With social media, you must be mindful of what information you share. Oversharing can lead to identity theft, targeted scams, and impersonation. Protecting children’s data online is crucial because they are especially vulnerable to exploitation, identity theft, and long-term consequences of privacy breaches. Children often lack the awareness to recognize risks and may inadvertently share sensitive information through apps, games, and social media platforms, such as their location, personal details, or family information.
Take control of your personal information with these tips and create a safer and more secure online environment for everyone.
Additional information
Talking to Kids and Teens about Security and Privacy
Office of Privacy and Open Government – Privacy Laws, Policies and Guidance
MN Consumer Data Privacy Act – Consumer Personal Data Rights