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This week, January 27 - 31, 2025, is Data Privacy week!

This week, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of data security and how you can integrate it into your daily online activities. Given our increasingly digital methods of data collection, safeguarding your personal information online is more crucial than ever. With cyber threats constantly evolving, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive about protecting your data.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a few things that will empower you to take control of your data security. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring your information remains safe and secure. Remember, your data is valuable-- taking the time to protect it is well worth the effort. Your information will thank you!

Privacy Vs. Convenience

When you download a new app, create an online account, or join a social media platform, you're often asked to share personal information before you can start using it. This data might include your location, contacts, and photos. For these businesses, your personal information is incredibly valuable. It's important to consider whether the service you're getting in return is worth the data you're giving up, even if the service is free.

Manage your Privacy Settings

For every app, account, or device, check the privacy and security settings. These should be easy to find in a Settings section and should take a few moments to change. Set them to your comfort level for personal information sharing; generally, we think it’s wise to lean on the side of sharing less data, not more.

You don’t have to do this for every account at once, start small and over time you’ll make a habit of adjusting all your settings to your comfort.

Lock Down Data!

In the case you find some data you want to protect, here are some tips to get you started on the path to secure information:

  • Strong passwords! Aim for at least 14 characters for each account and device. Unique passwords enhance security. Use passphrases, which are combinations of words that create longer passwords. These can be easier to remember and harder for others to guess.
  • Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). Enable this on all of your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security through various methods of verification, protecting your data even if your password is stolen.
  • Recognize and Report Phishing: Phishing is a strategy used by criminals to gain your personal information. These scams can appear as emails, texts, and phone calls, and are designed to prompt a response or get you to click on links. Make sure to report any scams you see at Phishtank.uoregon.edu!
  • Keep your software updated: Turn on automatic updates for your devices, software, and browsers, or make sure to install updates as soon as they are available.

Additional Resources