January 28 marks National Data Privacy Day, a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly
digital world. At KSU, we take data privacy seriously, and we're committed to protecting
the sensitive information of our students, faculty, and staff.
Why is Data Privacy Important? In today’s interconnected world, protecting your personal data is essential to prevent identity theft, unauthorized access, and other cyber risks. Whether you’re sharing information online, accessing campus resources, or collaborating on research, understanding how to safeguard your data is critical. Protect your data privacy every day!
How You Can Stay Safe Follow these quick tips to help protect your data:
- Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update the privacy settings on your devices, apps, and online accounts to ensure you’re sharing only what you intend to.
- Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each account and enable multi-factor authentication
(such as Duo) for added protection. MFA requires two or more verification steps to
access your accounts, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
- Make Informed Decisions: Carefully read privacy policies, agreements, and terms & conditions before sharing
your data. Consider the amount of information being requested and weigh it against
the benefits you receive in return.
- Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages asking for personal or financial information.
- Clear Your Cookies & Update Regularly: Cookies store data about your browsing activities. Regular cleanups reduce privacy
risks, as these files can be exploited by hackers or shared with third-party advertisers.
Keep your devices and software updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Choose Private Browsers: Use internet browsers that prioritize privacy by blocking ads and trackers to minimize
the data gathered about your online activities.
- Stay Informed and Tech-Savvy: Commit to learning about the latest security practices and techniques to protect
yourself online. Attend informational seminars or workshops to enhance your knowledge.
- Know Your Privacy Rights: Familiarize yourself with privacy laws that allow you to request or delete personal
data collected by businesses.
- Share Your Knowledge: Spread awareness by sharing your tips, tricks, and experiences with others to help
create a more secure online environment.
- Lastly, you can visit NCA’s Manage Your Privacy Settings (staysafeonline.org/articles/manage-your-privacy-settings) to check the privacy settings for social media accounts, retail stores, apps, and
more.
What We’re Doing at KSU University Information Technology Services (UITS) is constantly working to ensure
the security of your data through robust policies, advanced technologies, and regular
training for faculty, staff, and students.
Additionally, our Director of Risk Management and Data Privacy oversees data privacy frameworks and inquiries to ensure compliance with best practices
and legal requirements. This role provides guidance and support on privacy-related
matters and helps maintain a secure and transparent environment for the university
community.
Together, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone. Stay safe, stay
secure!
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