Ensure Everyday is Data Privacy Day

It’s no secret that the world has become more dependent on mobile technology. We can now pay our bills, shop for groceries and share photos with family with the tap of a finger. But this also means that our personal data is now more exposed than ever.

On the bright side, we are collectively becoming more conscious about data privacy.

In 2020, TikTok kick started an unexpected global discussion about what data apps collect and how they are used. Since then, Apple mandated developers to list the data their apps collect. We also saw people start using messaging apps Signal and Telegram because they didn’t agree with WhatsApp’s latest data sharing policy.

To celebrate Data Privacy Day, a recognized international event created by the National Cyber Security Alliance held annually on January 28, I’d like to highlight the role cybersecurity providers have in preserving privacy, and share best practices about how you can safeguard your data.

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Cybersecurity must respect personal privacy

It’s great that companies like Apple are ensuring consumers are aware of the data they are  giving up to apps. When it comes to cybersecurity for Chromebooks, tablets and smartphones, everyone would prefer to have protection without prying.

A lot of us have been using our personal tablets, smartphones and Chromebooks to stay productive while at home. What this means is that organizations need to ensure that the security solution they use to secure remote workers don’t impose the invasive security measures that we’re used to on desktops and laptops.

At Lookout, we respect user privacy on mobile devices by crowdsourcing data and leveraging machine intelligence. By understanding what threats look like, we don’t need to inspect content to be able to detect and respond to a threat.

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How to start safeguarding your privacy today

There are countless actions you can take to protect your privacy while using your mobile device. To get you started, here are three basic things to keep in mind:

1. Set up basic security measures

There are two simple things you can do to ensure your accounts are secure from bad guys. One of them is a password manager. Reusing or having weak passwords makes it easy for bad guys to get into your account. With a password manager, you can set up unique and strong passwords.

The other security measure you should use is multi-factor authentication (MFA). By setting up your phone number, email or fingerprint as a second verification channel, you ensure that your account is secure even if your password has been compromised.

2. Check the permissions your apps have

A lot of us tend to click yes to everything an app asks for when we’re installing. To ensure that you aren’t giving away information you don’t want to, double check the permissions you have given your apps.

3. Think twice before giving up information

This is probably common sense for many of you. But above all else, consider the information you’re providing when doing anything. Just as you wouldn’t give out your social security number to a stranger, it’s important for you to only provide information when it’s absolutely necessary and only through a secure channel.

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Make everyday your Data Privacy Day

The main theme I want to get across here is that data privacy is essential, especially as we continue to rely on our mobile devices for personal and work purposes. As a security provider, we will continue to ensure that we’re providing comprehensive security while respecting people’s privacy.

If you want an additional layer of security on your mobile device, Lookout Personal has a free mobile security app on the Google Play Store (4.6 out of 5.0 rating) and the App Store (4.7 out of 5.0 rating). Feel free to download it for yourself!