YOUR DATA, YOUR CONTROL

We do many things to preserve our privacy, but it is important to know exactly what we’re talking about when we say “privacy.” And it is important to know that privacy means something very specific when it comes to your digital life because it revolves around your right to protect your personal data.  

WHAT IS PRIVACY?

Privacy is a right – it is generally thought of the right to not be observed or disturbed by others. This includes a right for certain information to not be observed.  

Like all rights, the exact meaning of privacy varies from age to age and among different cultures. But today you can usually think of privacy as your right to keep your person and your information to yourself.  

IS DATA PRIVACY THE SAME AS CYBERSECURITY?

Data privacy and cybersecurity are different fields, but they go together. Data privacy revolves around rules, guidelines, and your personal choices about who has access to your data, and how much access they have. Cybersecurity is focused on preventing and solving threats like hacking, malware, and online scams.

WHY IS DATA PRIVACY IMPORTANT?

You might be thinking that all your data is already out there, who cares who sees it?

Think about this: have you ever been creeped out after using a search engine and then suddenly all the ads on the websites you visit are about the thing you searched? Do you want unscrupulous marketers to have your phone number so they can call you constantly? 

There is probably some data you really don’t want others to have full access to, like your emails. However, if you don’t pay attention to your data privacy, you might download a program or plug-in that scans your email for data and sells it to advertisers. Even if the plug-in provides a decent service, like easily allowing you to unsubscribe from promotional emails, you might think twice about giving the service total access to your email inbox if you know that they sell your data. This is where knowing about data privacy can help you make decisions and form habits. Believe us, finding peace of mind by being more aware of your data privacy is worth it.  

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

The effects of a data leak can be a lasting issue for the health center’s reputation, finances, and more.

How to report privacy/security breaches:

Immediately report any known or suspected privacy/security breaches to your manager. An incident report is to be completed and submitted within 24 business hours of the occurrence to qualityassurance@careresource.org 

Reference: Policy No. 4002.001 and Policy No. 1033.001 

Quote of the day: “Privacy is not about something to hide. Privacy is about something to protect.” – Jim Harper

CARERESOURCE.ORG