Five Organizational Data Privacy Risks Caused by Digital Illiteracy

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Five Organizational Data Privacy Risks Caused by Digital Illiteracy

In today's digital age, the sheer volume of data generated, processed, and circulated daily is overwhelming. While technology equips organizations with invaluable resources and unparalleled new opportunities, it may also usher in hidden Data Privacy risks. A significant hurdle that these organizations grapple with is Digital Illiteracy.?

In the context of Data Privacy, Digital Illiteracy refers to the lack of understanding and skills needed to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly. Digital Illiteracy includes the inability to fully understand how personal and organizational data is collected, stored, used, and shared online and how to safeguard that data from misuse. Digital Illiteracy is not just about a lack of understanding of how to use technology but also about the implications of data uses that impact individuals and organizational privacy.

Considering the rapid pace of digital transformation and the evolving uses of technology, organizations must ensure that individuals within their organizations are digitally competent. We will explore the five key areas where Digital Illiteracy poses the greatest Data Privacy risks to organizations and provide effective strategies for mitigating these risks.

Digital Illiteracy Risk #1: Lack of Awareness of Application Data Usage

Many organizations use a variety of applications to increase productivity, improve customer service, and optimize operations. However, each application uses data differently, which may be challenging to understand, especially for individuals with low digital literacy. A lack of awareness of how these applications use, store, and share data could expose sensitive organizational information to third parties, even passively. This could result in severe privacy breaches and associated financial and reputational damage. Therefore, educating employees about application data usage and the potential implications for Data Privacy is crucial. Once individuals know how data is used in digital systems, they can become more aware of the danger signs and ask the right questions.

Organizations can address the “Lack of Awareness of Application Data Usage” risk by:

• Conducting assessments of application usage and their alignment with Data Privacy best practices
• Implementing measures to limit the access of applications to sensitive data
• Implement organizational measures for applications that cannot be made more compliant with technology

Digital Illiteracy Risk #2: Misunderstanding Data Classification

Data classification involves categorizing data based on its sensitivity, value, and criticality to the organization. This process is vital to determine appropriate data handling and security measures. Digital illiteracy can lead to misunderstanding or ignorance of the importance of data classification, resulting in inadequate protection of sensitive data.

When individuals do not understand the differences between public, confidential, privileged, personal, and highly sensitive data, they may inadvertently expose crucial information. This could involve sharing confidential files publicly or failing to adequately secure sensitive data within the enterprise that may result in unauthorized access or a data breach. Therefore, raising digital literacy levels to ensure a solid understanding of data classification is crucial in managing Data Privacy risks within any organization.

To mitigate the “Misunderstanding Data Classification” risk, organizations can:

• Establish clear data classification guidelines and share them with all employees
• Train employees on the importance of data classification and it's role in ensuring Data Privacy
• Regularly review and update data classification policies to address evolving risks

Digital Illiteracy Risk #3: Sharing Sensitive Information Without Caution

In the digital age, sensitive data can be shared swiftly and effortlessly, often without a second thought to the potentially dire consequences of a misstep. However, sharing sensitive information without proper caution can lead to serious Data Privacy breaches.

Digital Illiteracy can result in employees sharing sensitive organizational or personal data via insecure channels or sharing data with people not authorized to see sensitive data. As a result, organizations must ensure that their employees fully understand the risks associated with sharing sensitive information and how to do so safely.

Organizations can address the “Sharing Sensitive Information Without Caution” risk by:

• Limit access to sensitive data?within organizations to only those who “need to know” the information
• Training employees on secure data-sharing practices for sensitive data
• Establishing clear policies and consequences for negligent sharing of sensitive data

Digital Illiteracy Risk #4: Insufficient Data Disposal Practices

Proper data disposal impacts Data Privacy risks. No longer needed data should be disposed of securely to prevent unauthorized access or misuse. It is also key for organizations to understand that holding Personally Identifiable Information (PII) indefinitely is no longer acceptable without a purpose. Digital Illiteracy, in this context, may result in insufficient organizational triggers for when data disposal may be warranted.

Also, employees might delete files or emails containing sensitive information without understanding that the data may still be retrieved from the device or server. Alternatively, employees may discard old hardware without properly wiping the data, leaving sensitive information accessible. Training in secure data disposal techniques is necessary to mitigate this risk.

Organizations can mitigate the “Insufficient Data Disposal Practices” risk by:

• Implementing trigger events, policies, and procedures for when data has reached the “end of life” and needs disposal
• Implement and regularly assess data disposal practices to ensure compliance
• Promoting awareness of the potential consequences of improper data disposal

Digital Illiteracy Risk #5: Limited Knowledge of Data Privacy Regulations

Data Privacy regulations impose strict requirements on how organizations handle personal data, and non-compliance can result in severe penalties. However, Digital Illiteracy can lead to a limited understanding of these regulations, resulting in non-compliance. Employees might not understand the requirements for data consent, data subject rights, or breach notification, leading to violations. Organizations must invest in education about Data Privacy regulations tailored to improve Digital Literacy.

Organizations can address the “Limited Knowledge of Data Privacy Regulations” risk by:

• Providing regular training on relevant Data Privacy regulations and updates
• Creating a clear, easy-to-understand summary of Data Privacy laws for employees
• Explain how new technologies (like implementing?AI or Biometrics) may add more Data Privacy risks to organizations

Digital Illiteracy poses significant Data Privacy risks to organizations when it is not properly addressed. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive approach that includes raising awareness of application data usage, improving understanding of data classification, educating on the safe sharing of sensitive information, training in secure data disposal practices, and improving knowledge of Data Privacy regulations. By investing in Digital Literacy, organizations can make Data Privacy a Business Advantage.

Do you need Data Privacy Advisory Services? Schedule a 15-minute meeting with Debbie Reynolds the Data Diva.

The Pact Data Privacy Trust Framework

Debbie Reynolds, "The Data Diva," launched the PACT "Data Privacy" Trust Framework & Scorecard. This Framework can evaluate regulatory and business risk and the Trust of individuals around "Data Privacy". This is a gut check for organizations of all sizes to rate and triage their "Data Privacy" challenges. This Framework addresses Purpose, Alignment, Context, and Transparency.?Watch this video to learn the basics as Debbie Reynolds explains the PACT Data Privacy Trust Framework & Scorecard in 6 minutes.

Download our four-page PACT Framework Document here

Visit our website to learn more about the?PACT Data Privacy Trust Framework & Scorecard.

Do you need a Data +Privacy +Technology Workshop? Here are the top ten most requested Data Privacy Workshops for 2023:

1. Generative AI and the Future of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy in the Enterprise
2. Understanding Digital Assets: An Introduction to Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Concerns for Business
3. Web 3.0 and the Evolving Landscape of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy for Businesses
4. The Importance of Data Literacy in the Era of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
5. Navigating the Landscape of Emerging Data Types: Key Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Insights for Businesses
6. Future Threats to Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The Importance of Post-Quantum Cryptography for Businesses
7. Navigating the Cybersecurity and Privacy Challenges of the Internet of Things
8. Navigating the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Implications of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric Technologies
9. Navigating the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Implications of the Metaverse: A Business Guide to Virtual and Augmented Reality
10. The Five Fundamentals of Data Privacy and Data Protection Regulations

Each 120-minute workshop structure includes:

• Introduction and overview (10 minutes)
• ?Three poll questions (5 minutes)
• ?Part A - Main presentation (35 minutes)
• ?Part A - Breakout group activity Case Study Scenario #1 (10 minutes)
• ?Part B - Main presentation (35 minutes)
• ?Part B - Breakout group activity - Case Study Scenario #2 (10 minutes)
• ?Question & Answer?- group discussion and wrap-up (15 minutes)

Materials Provided:

• Presentation Materials (PDF)
• Take Away Checklist (PDF)
• List of Additional Resources (PDF)

Do you need a workshop? Schedule a 15-minute meeting with Debbie Reynolds the Data Diva to discuss your needs.

Did you know that the Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast has listeners in 99 countries and is ranked globally in the top 5% of podcasts? Here are more of our accolades:

• #1?Data Privacy Podcast worldwide 2021/ 2022 (Privacy Plan)
• Top 5 Best Privacy Podcasts 2021 (Podchaser)
• 10 Best Top 10 Data Privacy Podcasts by DataTechvibe in 2022
• 12 Best Privacy Podcasts for 2023 (RadarFirst)
• 14 Best Privacy Podcasts To Listen To In This Digital Age?(bCast)
• 20 Best Data Rights Podcasts of 2021 (Threat Technology Magazine)
• 20 Best Data Privacy Rights & Data Protection Podcast of 2021 (Welp Magazine)
• 20 Best Data Breach Podcasts of 2021 (Threat Technology Magazine)
• Best Data Privacy Podcasts 2022 (Player FM)
• Top 50 in Business and Management 2022 (Apple Podcasts)
• Top 10% in weekly Downloads 2023 (The Podcast Host)
• Top 5% of 3 million + globally ranked podcasts of 2022 (ListenNotes)

Watch a video short of our podcast on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, The Data Diva E137 - ?Louis Rosenberg CEO, Unanimous AI. Here is a sneak preview of our Data Diva Podcast guests:

• Tuesday, June 6, 2023, The Data Diva E135 - Ken Chikwanha Executive Head: Data Governance, Data Privacy & Data Protection, Standard Bank Group, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Tuesday, June 13, 2023, The Data Diva E136?- Elyse Wallnutt, Founder at Agility Lab Consulting, Washington DC
• Tuesday, June 20, 2023, The Data Diva E137 - ?Louis Rosenberg CEO, Unanimous AI,
• Tuesday, June 27, 2023, The Data Diva E138 - ?Sandor Slijderink Expert CISO, All Things Information Systems

Don't miss the new weekly episodes of?"The Data Diva" Talks Privacy Podcast, so listen and subscribe. Do you have an interesting view of Data Privacy or Technology that you want to share with the world? Become a sponsor of a Data Diva Podcast Episode. Contact us about the benefits of being a guest on our podcast and sponsoring a podcast episode.

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Do you need a Data Diva Exclusive? Courtesy of Data Diva Media and "The Data Diva" in cooperation with the generous supporters of our podcast, I am happy to share some valuable exclusives with our newsletter subscribers.

The Ultimate Easy Peasy Guide to Dependable DPIAs by Jamal Ahmed

Introducing: The Ultimate Easy Peasy Guide to Dependable DPIAs by Jamal Ahmed, a future Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast guest.?Data Privacy isn’t just about protecting information; it’s about safeguarding trust, ensuring ethical responsibility, and preserving brand reputation.

Are you finding it challenging to navigate the complex world of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)? Worry no more!

Jamal has developed the guide that takes the mystery out of DPIAs and puts YOU in control. Welcome to The Ultimate Easy Peasy Guide to Dependable DPIAs, your comprehensive guide to a confident data protection strategy.

Use the discount code “DataDiva” to get a 70% off this digital product.

Many thanks to our Podcast sponsor Safeguard Privacy for offering a "Data Diva" exclusive offer! Get 15% off the first year of?Safeguard Privacy?compliance software using the code: DATADIVA15%

Congratulations to our September Podcast Guest,?The Data Diva E97?-?Prashant Mahajan, Co-Founder & CTO,?Privado, for Privado's recently announced raising of?$17.5M?funding?led by?Insight Partners,?Sequoia India,?Emergent Ventures, and?Together Fund.?The Data Diva is a proud supporter of Privado, and I am thrilled to see its continued success. Privado bridges the gap between Privacy and Engineering by giving Privacy teams real-time visibility into engineering systems. Privado helps protect privacy by detecting privacy issues before the software changes or new products are shipped.

Courtesy of?August 2022 Data Diva Podcast Guest Gal Ringel?and Mine PrivacyOps, we are pleased to offer an exclusive discount to organizations. Thank you to our sponsor Mine Privacy Ops, The first platform dedicated to handling Data Privacy operations while placing consumers and user experience at the center. #1 highest-rated Data Privacy Management Software, the #1 highest-rated DSR/DSAR Software, as well as the #1 highest-rated Sensitive Data Discover Software in the industry on G2, the leading business software and services reviews platform. Use Mine PrivacyOps as your organization's Data Privacy management solution and receive a 20% discount on DSR, Data Mapping, and ROPA modules.

*To get the discount, contact [email protected] and add?Datadiva20 to the subject line.

Do you want complimentary access to a world-class course on Privacy Engineering?

Join our podcast?Data Diva Podcast alumni guest for episode 71,?Nishant Bhajaria, the head of privacy engineering at Uber and formerly with Google, Nike, Netflix, and Intel, for the premier Privacy Engineering course. This offer is from?Data Protocol, The Developer Education Platform: EXCLUSIVE FOR DATA DIVA FANS: You know it’s true. In tough times, belts get tightened, and corners get cut. It’s easy to deprioritize privacy. But we can’t afford that.?We need to stop thinking about privacy as compliance. We need to start thinking about privacy as performance. We need to invest in leveling up our teams and empowering them with privacy engineering tools.?I recently learned that former Data Diva guest and overall privacy engineering badass, Nishant Bhajaria, has partnered with the developer education platform, Data Protocol, to create the first widely available privacy engineering certification program for developers. I saw it, and trust me – Wow.?Data Diva fans have complimentary access to the courses.

Technics Publications?has graciously offered a Data Diva Promotion. Anyone who uses the coupon code?TheDataDiva?receives 20% off. The Promotional code is good for all books on the website, with the exception of DMBOK books. Visit the?Technics Publications?website now to take advantage of this offer.

Need a publication discount on Data Privacy books and digital products? Purchase any products (including Data Privacy books) from the?Manning Publications?website, and you can use?The Data Diva's permanent 35% discount code (good for all our products in all formats) using the following code at checkout: poddatadiva22

Need a VPN, Internet Controls, and Virus Protection??Data Diva Podcast alumni guest for episode 60,?Brad Hawkins, CEO of?SaferNet,?has a special offer!?SaferNet provides a very easy-to-use 3-in-1 device-level Cyber Safety protection solution, including an award-winning VPN, Internet Controls, and Virus Protection. SaferNet is ideal for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses who want reliable data protection. The Data Diva herself loves the product!?Go to?https://www.safernet.com/?and buy an annual SafeNet plan for 25% off, which can be paid monthly or annually using the case-sensitive code:?datadiva

Need a Privacy-Friendly Internet Browser extension??Data Diva Podcast alumni guest for episode 28,?Kelly Finnerty, Director of Brand and Content at Startpage, has a special offer! If you are looking for more control over your Data Privacy and less behavioral tracking while surfing the Internet, look no further.?

Install?Startpage?Privacy Protection Extension for Chrome and Firefox:?Install the link here

See our recently featured five-minute videos on Data Privacy from The Data Diva

• Data Privacy And Name Image Likeness NIL Ancestry.com
• Data Privacy And Voice Spoofing
• Data Privacy And The US 14th Amendment Vanessa Bryant
• Data Privacy Rights Versus Publicity Rights

Do you want to see more original video content on emerging Data Privacy topics? Subscribe to our?YouTube channel?to get notified about each week's new video.

Many thanks to the press organizations and reporters who seek my commentary on important events around "Data Privacy". Also, here are links to some of my other media collaborations. Here is a collection of a few of my 2023 media mentions and collaborations:

• Many thanks, Maven Analytics, for having me on the Mavens of Data Podcast talking about Data Privacy 101 for Data Teams
• What Does ChatGPT Mean for Privacy and Identity? Watch a replay of the 30-minute fireside chat with Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva” CEO and Founder of Debbie Reynolds Consulting, LLC, with Peter Counter of FindBiometrics. Find out what Generative AI like ChatGPT means for privacy with Biometrics and Mobile ID at the Innovation Highway Virtual Identity
• Five years ago, in May of 2018, I was interviewed on live TV on?PBS?about this new law in the European Union called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the impact it will have on businesses and individuals in the United States. In eight minutes, I predicted:

? The upcoming Cookie craze with consent requests in the US

? Passive Data Collection surprise in applications

? California leading in Privacy in the US

?Illnois leading on biometric privacy

? Prospect of US Federal Privacy regulation

? Juxtaposing how the Cambridge Analytica / Facebook privacy issues would be handled by regulators in the US vs. EU

? More awareness of privacy rights and privacy gaps in the US

• Watch here: https://lnkd.in/ePvbxvM

Please see our website?media mention section?for a full list of media mentions.

Need a Keynote Speaker on "Data Privacy", Data Protection, and Technology issues? View our?keynote speaker page?for popular talks and topics. Ready to speak to "The Data Diva" about your speaking event? Fill out our speaker request form and?Schedule a call now.

Do you need more Data Diva Events?

• Join Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva”,?and?Leonard Lee, the Executive Analyst & Founder of?neXT Curve,?for a new 20-minute video series called "The State of Privacy and Trust".?We will regularly address the critical topics related to?#privacy?and the growing concerns regarding?#trust?that is challenging every aspect of our society and lives.?See the latest video called,?"What is Safe & Responsible Use of Generative AI?"?Subscribe to the neXT Curve YouTube Channel to get notified when new episodes are posted.

Want to know where "The Data Diva" is speaking next? Please see our?Events?page for upcoming speaking engagements.

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