Understanding the Importance of Data Privacy

As technology continues to evolve and our dependency on it remains heightened, some of us will sadly encounter cyber criminals capable of hacking your computer, accessing your online accounts, or even stealing your identity. Thus, it’s more important than ever to be diligent with regards to how you protect your digital properties.

Sunday, January 28 will mark Data Privacy Day, an “international effort” that is held annually to “create awareness about the importance of respecting privacy, safeguarding data and enabling trust.”

In advance of this occasion, Brian Beamish, Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, released the following statement:

“Recognized around the globe, Data Privacy Day raises awareness of privacy and personal data protection. Your data says a lot about you, and in today’s interconnected world, it can be collected, analyzed and shared in ways that put your privacy at risk. 

Brian Beamish

“While the analysis of personal information by government has the potential to improve public services, it can also be used in ways that are invasive, inaccurate or discriminatory. Without the proper safeguards in place, sensitive personal information is vulnerable to cyber security threats. 

“My office is committed to upholding the privacy rights of Ontarians and ensuring the public institutions entrusted with their personal information manage it responsibly. Evidence-based decision-making can offer significant opportunities for government and the public, but these advancements should not come at the cost of personal privacy.

“It’s time for the government to modernize Ontario’s privacy laws, to ensure public institutions harness data and analytics tools in a privacy-protective way.”

-Adam Grant

 theZoomer - Cyber Fraud

This week on “theZoomer” (Friday, January 26 at 2pm & 11pm ET), host Libby Znaimer is joined by cyber specialists to discuss how you can protect yourself from the growing number of online fraud schemes.