GDPR Overview:
What is Privacy?
Privacy is a fundamental right that protects your personal space from external interference, control, or influence. It also ensures that you have control over how organizations process your personal data.
Why is Privacy Important?
Privacy safeguards your personal life and choices, allowing you to decide what information you share and what remains private. Without it, your personal details could be exposed, making you vulnerable to misuse or exploitation.
Misuse of Privacy-Sensitive Data
Personal data, also known as privacy-sensitive data, includes details such as names, birthdates, addresses, phone numbers, financial records, medical history, social media accounts, and biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition.
If this data becomes public, it can be exploited for various malicious purposes, such as:
-
Identity theft – Criminals may use your information to impersonate you.
-
Phishing attacks – Deceptive messages can trick you into revealing sensitive details.
-
Blackmail – Threats to expose personal information unless demands are met.
-
Doorstep scams – Fraudsters using personal data to gain your trust and manipulate you.
Tips to Prevent Data Misuse
-
Be mindful of what you share
Many organizations collect more data than necessary. Follow your company’s privacy policy and consult a security or privacy officer if you're unsure about sharing certain information.
-
Double-check before sharing
Data leaks often happen due to simple mistakes, such as sending emails to the wrong recipients or accidentally including confidential details in shared files. Always review files and emails carefully before sending.
-
Use secure sharing methods
Avoid sharing sensitive data via unsecured communication channels. If sending a password-protected file via email, share the password separately through a different method.
-
Store data securely
Do not store sensitive data in insecure locations, such as USB sticks, which can be easily lost. Use approved storage solutions.
-
Hold each other accountable
Many data incidents occur due to oversight. Encourage a culture where colleagues remind each other of best practices and correct mistakes.
-
Report incidents immediately
If you notice a security risk or accidentally cause a data breach, report it to your organization’s privacy officer promptly to mitigate potential damage.
What is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal framework that protects individuals’ privacy rights within the European Union. It ensures that organizations handle personal data responsibly, giving individuals more control over their information.
Under GDPR, organizations must follow strict rules regarding the collection, storage, processing, and sharing of personal data. It also grants individuals rights such as accessing, correcting, and deleting their data.
Key Principles of GDPR
-
Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency – Data must be processed legally and transparently.
-
Purpose limitation – Data should only be collected for a specific, necessary purpose.
-
Data minimization – Organizations should collect only the data they truly need.
-
Accuracy – Personal data must be kept accurate and up to date.
-
Storage limitation – Data should not be kept longer than necessary and must be deleted when no longer needed.
-
Integrity and confidentiality – Companies must protect data against unauthorized access, loss, or theft.
-
Accountability – Organizations must prove compliance with GDPR through proper documentation and processes.
By following these principles, GDPR ensures that personal data is handled securely and ethically, protecting individuals' rights.
