Protecting Your Data in a Distributed World: 3 Must-Have Strategies for Data Privacy Week

It’s Data Privacy Week - a timely reminder of the growing challenges of safeguarding information in a world driven by global data-sharing. As the old joke goes, the only truly safe computer is one that’s turned off, but we all know that’s not practical. Businesses rely on data to function and sharing it responsibly is crucial.

To cut through the noise, here are three essential practices for protecting your organization’s data this week and beyond: 

1. Share Data on a “Need-to-Know” Basis
   Every piece of shared information should have a purpose. Before handing over data, ask yourself: Does this person or vendor need this information to do their job? Limiting access to essential personnel reduces the risk of accidental exposure and ensures that data isn’t unnecessarily vulnerable.

2. Know Where Your Critical Data Lives and Who Can Access It
   Maintaining visibility into your most sensitive data is key to building strong defenses. Apply the principle of defense-in-depth meaning layering tools like encryption, access controls, regular audits and endpoint security to ensure your most critical systems are protected. Understand where your data is stored, who has access and how it’s protected.

3. Ask: Is This Vendor Worthy of Your Data?
   A vendor’s claim to “need” your data shouldn’t override the question of whether they’re trustworthy. Conduct due diligence to assess their security practices and ask: Does this vendor deserve access to our sensitive information? Aligning with partners who share your commitment to privacy is vital for long-term security.

Every day, countless pieces of data are collected about us, from our online activity and purchasing habits such as health metrics tracked by wearable devices. While this data is convenient, it also presents risks when it’s collected, stored indefinitely or sold without consent.

By adopting simple, repeatable practices like those outlined above, you can take greater control of your data and help your organization respect the privacy of its users. Data Privacy Week serves as a reminder that while we can’t eliminate all risks, we can make informed choices that protect what matters most.