Privacy at the beginning of the 21st century
Privacy is an individual's right and ability to decide what information about themselves they want to disclose, to whom, to what extent and under what circumstances. It encompasses the protection of personal data, thoughts, spaces, communications and activities, both physically and digitally, ensuring autonomy, security and respect for human dignity. Privacy is a key element of personal freedom, enabling protection from unauthorised interference by other individuals, institutions, organisations or the state.
Is a privacy a worn-out phrase today? In this article I will look at privacy from a number of perspectives
There is a high risk that we are the last people who in practice can take care of and ensure our privacy
Privacy is one of the key challenges of the modern world. In the digital age, personal data is more vulnerable to leakage than ever before. However, the threats to privacy affect both the online and offline spheres. In this article, we will look at how different social groups - young people, entrepreneurs and the elderly - can effectively protect their privacy.
Privacy in the context of the most vulnerable group in society - young people.
In the age of digitalisation and universal access to the internet, privacy has become an extremely important issue, especially for the youngest users. Children and young people, who use the web on a daily basis, often do not understand the full meaning of the word ‘privacy’ and the risks associated with losing it. The virtual space, although full of educational and entertainment opportunities, carries the risk of revealing personal data, exposure to cyberbullying or manipulation. Young people, not yet educated in how to consciously manage their identity online, become easy targets for those with bad intentions. This is why online safety and privacy education should be one of the priorities of modern education in order to protect the most vulnerable group in society and prepare them to use digital resources in an informed manner.
Intense use of social media.
Today's technological and social realities mean that the concept of privacy is becoming less important, especially among the youngest generations. Children and young people are growing up in a world where sharing information online - from photos and videos to location and daily activities - is the social norm and a form of identity construction. Increasingly, they treat privacy as an anachronism, failing to recognise its role in protecting autonomy and safety. Social media, mobile apps and the omnipresent digital analysis of data teach young people that exposure of their own lives is not only acceptable but even desirable, leading to a gradual disappearance of the need for privacy in the traditional sense. For many of the youngest, the line between what is intimate and what is public is blurred, and awareness of the risks of making data public remains low. If this trend continues, there is a risk that future generations will not only be unfamiliar with the concept of privacy in its original sense, but will also fail to see the need to protect it, which could have far-reaching consequences for their personal freedom and security.
Location tracking apps
Location-tracking apps, although often useful, carry significant risks to users' privacy. On the one hand, they allow users to quickly find places of interest, optimise their routes or share their location with family and friends for security purposes. On the other hand, however, their ubiquity leads to the collection of vast amounts of data about users' movements, habits and preferences. The technology companies that develop these applications can use location data for marketing, sales to others or behavioural analysis, often without users being fully aware of the scale and purpose of the processing of this information. In addition, location data can become a target for cybercriminals, who can, for example, use it to track user habits, predict user behaviour and even plan home invasions when apps indicate that the owners are away. It is also worth noting that seemingly innocuous features, such as geotagging photos or automatically sharing locations on social media, can expose strangers to unwanted attention. The problem is compounded by the fact that many apps require location access even when it is not necessary for their core operation, and users often accept these conditions unthinkingly. To minimise the risk, privacy settings need to be consciously managed, applications need to restrict location access only when necessary, and data that may be processed by programmes that are no longer in use should be regularly deleted. Being aware and prudent in your use of such apps is the key to staying in control of your privacy and security.
Simple everyday practices to enhance privacy
To effectively protect your privacy, it is helpful to remember a few simple rules. First and foremost, limit the information you share online - don't publish your home address, photos of documents or detailed daily schedules. Take care to control your social media privacy settings by limiting the visibility of your posts to only trusted individuals. An important step is to enable two-step verification, which will increase the security of your accounts. Additionally, use privacy applications such as VPNs and tracking blocking programmes to protect your data from unwanted access. Simple steps can significantly increase the security of your data.
Privacy in business: How to protect entrepreneurial data
Data collection and storage
The storage of sensitive customer and employee data requires special care to ensure its security and compliance with current legislation such as the RODO. This data should be stored in properly secured digital systems, protected by strong passwords and encryption. Access to information should be restricted to authorised individuals only, and regular backups are crucial in the event of a disaster or cyber-attack. In addition, paper documents containing sensitive data should be kept in locked cabinets and unnecessary material should be shredded using a shredder. Such measures help minimise the risk of unauthorised access and data leakage.
Legal requirements, such as RODO (GDPR), require companies to properly store, process and protect the personal data of their customers and employees. These regulations require companies to use technical and organisational measures to ensure data security, as well as obtain consent to process data for clearly defined purposes. Companies must also allow customers to access, correct and delete their data on request. Failure to comply with these rules risks hefty financial penalties, so every company should ensure that it has a data protection policy in place and that its employees are regularly trained in compliance.
Attacks on IT security vulnerabilities
Phishing attacks and ransomware pose a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. Phishing involves phishing for sensitive information, such as passwords or financial data, using fake emails or websites that look authentic. Ransomware, on the other hand, is malware that blocks access to data, demanding a ransom to unlock it. To protect against these threats, it is worth training employees to recognise suspicious emails, avoid clicking on unknown links and attachments, and use anti-virus software and data backups. Regularly updating security systems is key to preventing these types of attacks.
How to effectively protect privacy in a company?
Protecting corporate privacy is a key part of building trust and minimising the risk of data breaches. The first step is digital security, such as encrypting data, using comprehensive anti-virus systems and implementing multi-level authentication. Regular software updates are also an important aspect, preventing known vulnerabilities in systems from being exploited.
The second pillar of protection is team education. Employees should be aware of the principles of safe device use and recognising threats such as phishing and social engineering attacks. Regular training and educational materials will help raise the level of cyber security in daily work.
Also, do not forget to implement a data protection policy that details information management procedures. This document should specify how data is stored, who has access to it and what action should be taken in the event of a security breach.
The final element of privacy protection is regular back-up. Company data should be backed up on secure media or in the cloud with advanced protection. This will ensure that, in the event of a disaster or attack, key information can be quickly restored without risk of loss.
These four pillars of privacy create a solid foundation for keeping company data safe.
Older people: privacy in everyday life
In the age of ubiquitous internet access, protecting privacy is becoming a challenge especially for older people who do not always feel confident in the digital world. Key issues are the security of personal data and protection against online fraud. Seniors often become the target of phishing scams through fake emails, text messages or fraudulent websites. It is important to educate them on how to recognise such threats and apply basic security principles, such as using strong passwords, avoiding clicking on suspicious links and regularly checking privacy settings on apps and social networks. In addition, it is worth promoting the use of anti-virus software and the inclusion of two-factor authentication. In this way, older people can use the internet in a safe and informed way, protecting their privacy and data.
Privacy of older people: How to deal with the challenges?
Older people often struggle to understand technology and privacy mechanisms, which exposes them to a variety of risks. Lack of knowledge of online safety rules means that seniors may unknowingly disclose sensitive data, such as on fake sites or in response to suspicious messages. In addition, popular scams, such as ‘grand-kidnapping’ phone scams, exploit trust and lack of awareness of caller ID verification mechanisms. Another challenge is ignorance of data protection laws in government offices or medical facilities - older people do not always know what data may be requested from them and how it is stored. To protect their privacy, seniors should be educated on the basics of cyber security, how to verify phone callers and their rights in the context of personal data. This way, they can avoid risks and feel more confident in everyday situations.
How to protect privacy in old age?
To protect your privacy in old age, it is worth noting a few key principles. First and foremost, be careful when making telephone calls - under no circumstances should you give out personal information to strangers, even if they pass themselves off as bank or government employees. If in doubt, it is a good idea to stop the conversation and contact the institution directly using official contact numbers.
Security is also enhanced by the use of strong and unique passwords, which can be made easier to create and remember with the help of a younger family member. It is worth establishing a secure way of storing them, such as in a dedicated password management application.
Another aspect is to know one's rights regarding the processing of personal data. Seniors should be aware of what information may be requested by institutions and for what purpose it is processed. Education in this area avoids abuse and provides greater control over their data.
On a day-to-day basis, it is also important to protect documents such as identity cards or medical records. They should be kept in a safe place and never left unattended, especially in public places. Following these rules can effectively increase security and protect the privacy of older people in their daily lives.
Offline privacy: how do you protect your ‘offline’ data?
Protecting privacy in everyday life starts with proper document management. Important documents such as identity cards, passports or contracts should be kept in secure places, such as in locked drawers, safes or special organisers. Documents that are no longer needed, especially those containing personal information, should be shredded before discarding - preferably using a shredder that effectively prevents the information from being read. In public places, it is a good idea to avoid giving out sensitive data such as your personal identification number or home address, especially if the environment does not provide privacy. Exercising caution and implementing these simple rules can effectively reduce the risk of abuse and help maintain privacy in the offline world.
Privacy education - the key to security
Privacy education is essential in a world where personal data is of great value. Awareness of risks and the ability to respond appropriately to potential risks help avoid situations where privacy may be compromised. Knowing the basics, such as how to recognise phishing attempts, how to protect documents or how to consciously manage data in institutions, gives people more control over their information. Education is particularly important for the elderly and children, who are more vulnerable to manipulation. It is worth organising workshops, awareness campaigns and creating accessible educational materials that explain how to function safely in the offline and online world. Knowledge is the best protection against privacy breaches.
Privacy - right or duty?
Taking care of privacy is not only our right, but also a duty towards ourselves and others. The modern world, in which personal data has become a commodity, increasingly leads to neglect of this subject. Excessive carelessness in sharing information, both online and in everyday situations, risks turning privacy into a thing of the past - something that existed but is no longer relevant, like the professions of the ropemaker or wheelwright. Each of us has a responsibility to consciously protect our data and educate others so that privacy does not become a mere memory in dictionaries. If we don't start taking it seriously, it could disappear from our lives faster than we expect, and with it our sense of security and control over our own world.