Take Control of Your Data: Guide for Data Privacy and Protection

Your online activity generates a vast amount of personal data, everything from your interests, purchases, and online behaviours to more intimate information like your health data. This data is constantly being collected by websites, apps, devices, and companies across the globe. For instance, think of the fitness app on your phone that tracks your daily steps or the online store that remembers your shopping preferences.

While you may not have full control over how every piece of your data is collected, you do have the right to the privacy of your data, and you can take steps to manage and protect your personal information. Your data is valuable, and you deserve a say in how it's used.

First, you may ask, when is Data Privacy Week 2025? The data privacy week for 2025 is from January 27th to January 31st, 2025., and the theme is “Take control of Your Data”

3 Actionable Tips to Take Control of Your Data

To mark Data Privacy Week 2025, here are three actionable tips to help you take control of your data and protect your privacy:

1. Understand What You’re Sharing

In today’s digital world, downloading an app, creating an online account, or joining a social media platform often comes with a price: sharing your personal information. Businesses collect data such as your location, contacts, and photos, which can be incredibly valuable to them. While many of these services are free to use, your data is your true currency. Before agreeing to share your information, ask yourself:

1. Is the service worth the data I’m giving up?
   Consider whether the app or service provides enough value to justify the amount and type of data requested.
2. Is the data requested relevant?
   For example, does a game app really need access to your entire contact list? Be wary of overreaching requests.
3. Can you control your data and still use the service?
   Explore whether you can limit the information you provide (e.g., opt out of unnecessary permissions).
4. Are unused accounts still collecting data?
   Old apps and accounts you no longer use may still collect and share your data. Regularly review and delete accounts or apps that you no longer need.

2. Adjust Your Privacy Settings

Many apps, accounts, and devices allow you to customize privacy and security settings, giving you control over how much data you share. These settings are usually found in the “Settings” or “Privacy” section of an app or device and can be adjusted in a few minutes. Here’s how to get started:

1. Lean towards sharing less data. When in doubt, limit what you share. It’s often safer to keep your information private unless absolutely necessary.
2. Tackle it one step at a time. You don’t have to adjust settings for every app or account all at once. Start with the most frequently used ones and make gradual adjustments.
3. Use free tools to manage privacy settings. Websites like the “Manage Your Privacy Settings” page provide resources to help you check and adjust privacy settings for social media platforms, retail stores, apps, and more.

3. Strengthen Your Security Practices

Data privacy and data security are interconnected. Managing your privacy settings is only half the battle, you must also ensure your data is protected against cyber threats. Follow these Core 4 cybersecurity tips:

1. Use strong, unique passwords. Each account should have a long password (at least 16 characters) that is different from others. To simplify this process, use a password manager to generate and securely store passwords.
2. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step (like a code sent to your phone) to verify your identity.
3. Keep your devices and software updated. Enable automatic updates for your devices, apps, and browsers to ensure you have the latest security patches.
4. Spot and avoid phishing scams. Phishing attacks can come through emails, text messages, or direct messages. Learn to recognize suspicious messages and avoid clicking on unverified links.

Empower Yourself to Protect Your Data

Your personal data is valuable, and you deserve to have control over how it’s collected and used. While you can’t eliminate data collection entirely, you can make informed decisions to protect your privacy and reduce unnecessary exposure.

Start today by reviewing your apps, adjusting your privacy settings, and adopting better security practices. Taking these small but meaningful steps will help you stay in control of your digital footprint and protect what matters most, your personal information.

Your data, your rules.

How Youverify Can Help You Take Charge of Data Privacy and Fraud Prevention

At Youverify, we recognize that privacy is a fundamental right and a critical aspect of trust in the digital age. Our solutions are designed to help businesses navigate the complexities of data protection while ensuring compliance with global regulations.

We prioritize minimizing unnecessary data collection and securely handling sensitive information. By embedding privacy into every process, we enable businesses to build trust, protect their customers, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

With a focus on transparency and security, we empower organizations to confidently manage data privacy, safeguarding both their reputation and their customers’ personal information.

Related: Guide for Data Privacy and Protection

Why Choose Youverify for your Data Privacy and Protection Concern?

1. Comprehensive Fraud Solutions: From onboarding to ongoing monitoring, we provide end-to-end protection for your business and customers.

2. Regulatory Compliance Made Easy: Stay compliant with local and global regulations effortlessly using our automated tools.

3. Tailored for Your Needs: Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, our solutions are scalable to meet your unique requirements.

4. Innovative Technology: We leverage the latest advancements in AI and machine learning to ensure your data and transactions are secure.

5. User-Friendly Tools: Designed with simplicity in mind, our solutions are perfect for anyone, no technical expertise is required.

Take the First Step Toward Fraud Prevention Today

Your data privacy and protection are non-negotiable, and protecting your business from fraud is crucial. At Youverify, we’re committed to helping you build a secure and compliant future.

Visit Youverify to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you stay ahead in the fight against fraud.

Your security. Your compliance. Your peace of mind.

Let us partner with you to make it happen.