Celebrate Data Privacy Day 2020

January 6, 2020

What's Data Privacy Day?

Champion Badge

Data Privacy Day, held every year on January 28th, is a global initiative promoting privacy awareness and education. This annual event focuses on instilling the importance of protecting and controlling your personal information. Champions represent those dedicated to empowering individuals and encouraging businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust, like UC Berkeley.

What you can do on Data Privacy Day (and everyday!)

Own Your Online Presence

  • Think Before You Share. Once you disclose information on the internet there is no undo button.

  • Read the Terms of Use and Privacy Policies. Understanding what you might be giving up before you click "Agree" may change your mind. Remember: There's no such thing as a free lunch.

  • Use Caution with Social Media. Networks like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Pinterest are the gravy train for cyber attackers. They use your personal information to try to gain access to your financial accounts or other personal information. Never Post Birthdays. Or any personal information for that matter. The more you share, the easier it is for an attacker to use that information against you.  

    • Be aware of what you're sharing and who you might be sharing it with.
    • Many security questions can be mined by someone scouring your Facebook page. Be especially cautious of what you post on open sites like Twitter
  • Always Be Alert. Cybercriminals can even call, text, or direct message you asking for information - and may even seem legitimate, if they have the right information about you. Remember, it's never OK to give out your password or Social Security number. Use your Spidey Sense - if something seems off or you don't know the person or entity calling, ask for their contact information and do some research.