Data Privacy and Consumer Trust in the Digital Age Privacy……what’s that now?! – Atmadeep Upadhyay

Before I start, I have something to ask……

Dear reader, have you watched the Tamil movie “Irumbu Thirai” or “Return of Abhimanyu”? Yes, the movie featuring Vishal and Samantha, where Vishal as an army officer loses his money from bank due to a fraud and sets out to nab the culprit?

If yes, then you know what is importance of data privacy in digital world. The story very aptly explains our vulnerability to data privacy.

Shortly, data privacy means proper handling of sensitive data, mostly personal data, user credentials, biometric, along with financial, health, corporate, intellectual property right data and other confidential data. The day computer and electronic system of calculation were introduced, there was a threat to data security. But data wasn’t safe previously as well; as very first data loss was in 1834 in France; when two thieves stoke stock market information by hacking French Telegraph System. Fast forward, huge developments came after 1950s, where data was compromised.

In today’s world, apart from frauds, hacking and phishing; data privacy is compromised from post purchase reviews from service providers. Suppose you went to a restaurant, and after checking out, the authorities took your personal details. Later next week, you got call from chain of restaurants!

Or you must be familiar with entrance exams institutes calls! What nuisances!

But this shows the extensive network, how data is compromised even in so called safe regions.

Common methods of comptonization:

Hacking, phishing, malware, frauds etc. are some techniques of compromising of data. Other means are:

1. Unauthorized access

2. Poor management

3. Software vulnerabilities

4. Third party apps and means (seriously guys/gals; don’t blindly allow all permissions while using any app or software)

5. Hackers leaking data

6. Accidental leaks in cloud storage

7. Visits to shady and risky sites (including dark web; I mean, why throw axe on foot?)

The impacts of compromised data, on trust and security of companies could be:

1. Financial Risks and hence stress and losses for customer

2. Irritation, anger and uneasiness due to constant calls/emails

3. Refusal to adopt online services due to fear and nuisance

Hence, we must be pretty cautious and careful while using online services, to prevent our loss in any form.

Some recommended techniques could be:

1. Using of stronger, irregular passwords

2. Updating passwords on regular basis (no need to tell, never reveal passwords to anyone)

3. Enabling two-factor authentication; i.e. using of two layers of security checks for sensitive information

4. Software Updates

5. Don’t use public Wi-Fi for banking, seeing stock information or logging into social media sites

6. Don’t verify application permissions blindly, as said earlier

7. Don’t visit or click on suspicious/lustful sites

8. Regular Data Backup

9. Don’t share anything and everything in online world

10. Keep yourself updated

11. Keep AADHAR card in ‘locked on’, unless required.

Data is our, safety is ours. All in our hand. In our childhood, our parents used to tell, “Dear, don’t talk to strangers!”

Then why we don’t follow that now? Another pressing issue is sharing information, in personal relationship, is a major risk.

That’s why readers and friends, stay safe, and act care fully!!

Stay Safe

Author:

Atmadeep Upadhyay

Batch 2024-2026

MBA-Agribusiness

SIIB