Digital tools are essential to nearly every aspect of daily life, from shopping and social media to banking and healthcare. Consequently, our personal data is constantly being collected, stored, and shared. As our reliance on technology grows, so too does the importance of protecting that information.
With many of us responsible for managing data within organisations or in our work with clients, customers and other external partners, data privacy is also more than just a personal concern, but a professional responsibility. Understanding how data is collected, stored, and used is essential to building trust and reducing risk – for both ourselves and others. In this article, we'll explore the key aspects of data privacy, potential pitfalls, and practical measures you can take to safeguard confidential data.
Firstly, what is data privacy?
Data privacy refers to the protection and proper handling of personal information, ensuring that individuals have control over the collection, use, and disclosure of their data. The concept is rooted in the idea that individuals should have the right to determine how their personal information is collected, stored, shared, and used. This includes information such as names, addresses, contact details, financial data, social security numbers, health records, and other personally identifiable information (PII).
It’s important because misuse of personal data can lead to identity theft, fraud and reputational harm. Modern privacy laws in Australia such as the Privacy Act 1988 and the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme impose legal obligations on organisations.
Recognising the risks
Risks to data privacy take many forms. They can be due to criminal behaviour but can also be a consequence of careless practices and human error. Here are just a few of the risks to be mindful of:
Phishing and social engineering: When we think of cyber attacks, it’s easy to picture complex code and high-tech systems being breached. But in truth, many data breaches happen through much simpler means; tactics like phishing and social engineering that rely on human error, not technical flaws. They work by tricking people into giving up personal information, often through fake emails, phone calls, or websites that seem legitimate.
While the public are becoming more aware and thereby cautious of these types of attack, criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated schemes and tactics to remain convincing. Between July and December 2024, phishing was the leading cause of cyber-related data breaches reported under Australia’s Notifiable Data Breaches scheme, accounting for 34% of all incidents.
Data breaches: Cybercriminals regularly target Australian organisations in an effort to access sensitive data. The list of high-profile breaches continues to grow, with recent cases involving Qantas and the pensions industry highlighting just how widespread the threat has become.
The potential financial rewards are high, driving criminals to develop increasingly sophisticated ways to bypass security. For organisations, the consequences can be severe, from direct financial losses to long-term reputational damage. And when customer data is involved, the impact often extends far beyond the organisation, putting thousands, if not millions, of people at risk.
Data tracking and profiling: Companies routinely collect user data to tailor content, services, and ads. This can lead to more personalised, seamless experiences, helping users find what they need faster.
But it also raises concerns. As more of our behaviour is tracked and analysed, concerns grow about how that information is stored, who can access it, and how it might be used beyond its original purpose. What begins as a harmless attempt to customise content can quickly edge into the territory of intrusive surveillance.
While personalisation has its benefits, it’s important to understand the trade-offs, and to expect transparency about how data is collected and used.
Protecting data privacy
To minimise these risks and others, there are a number of things we can do, whether in a personal or professional setting.
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Weak or reused passwords make it easier for attackers to gain access. If yours is ‘password123’, it’s time for a change.
Use strong, unique passwords for every account, and turn on two-factor authentication wherever you can. If managing multiple passwords feels overwhelming, use a password manager. Many devices and platforms, including those from Google and Apple, have them built in. They store your credentials securely and generate strong passwords for you.
Privacy settings: Regularly review and adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts, applications, and devices. Limit the amount of personal information shared publicly.
Data encryption: Encryption helps protect your personal information by making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the right access. For individuals, it’s one of the most effective ways to keep data secure when being sent or stored online.
There are simple, everyday tools that use encryption to protect your privacy. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet connection, making it harder for others to see what you’re doing online. Messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you and the person you're messaging can read the conversation. Some email services, such as ProtonMail, also offer encrypted communication, keeping the contents of your messages private even from the service provider. By choosing encrypted services, you’re adding an extra layer of protection to your digital life.
Regular software updates: Make sure your devices, operating systems, and applications are running on the latest version of the software. Updates often include security enhancements, including fixes for identified vulnerabilities.
Beware of phishing attempts: Be cautious when clicking on links or sharing personal information online. Many of these attempts rely on creating a sense of urgency and panic so that people respond quickly without due consideration. Always take a moment to verify the authenticity of emails, messages, and websites before providing any sensitive data.
Learn more
In an increasingly digital world, data privacy is a critical concern that should not be overlooked. By understanding the importance of data privacy and implementing proactive measures to protect information, whether personally or professionally, you can minimise the risks associated with data breaches, identity theft, and other privacy infringements. If you’d like to dig deeper into this issue, the UTS Open short course Practical Data Privacy is an accessible and affordable look at the precautions you can take.
Explore this and the other courses in our UTS Cyber Resilience Program to safeguard yourself and your organisation from cyber threats.
