Considering privacy in a work from home world

Data Privacy Day is a celebrated reminder of how to protect your privacy and draw awareness on how to stay safe in a digital world. With a new year we can take Data Privacy Day to reflect and develop a renewed focus on privacy. 

The Cyber Security + Information System Information and Analysis Center, says “millions of people are unaware of and uninformed about how their personal information is being used, collected or shared in our digital society. Data Privacy Day aims to inspire dialogue and empower individuals and companies to take action.”

The National Cybersecurity Alliance celebrates Data Privacy Day by providing guidance on topics such as online safety basics, identity theft responses, fraud and cybercrime. Providing tips and tricks on how to manage your personal privacy and privacy settings.

Data Privacy Day is not just one day. Its purpose is to remind us that privacy is important, and that we should consider privacy as part of our regular routine.

Privacy in a Virtual World

The pandemic has transformed everyday life for many of us. From the way we work, where we are located, and our surroundings. The “new normal,” a common phrase used during the pandemic, has translated into sheltering in place, social distancing, and remote working.   

The rapid uptick in virtual engagements has transformed both how we work and communicate, as well as how we interact with our customers around the world.

Our work environment may have also changed how we view privacy. Privacy has entered our homes in a completely different way than many could have ever imagined.  

How does this change the way we think about privacy? Here are some security and privacy practices to consider. 

• Give your virtual setup another look to ensure you have the privacy that you need while working.

• When appropriate, default to the approved corporate applications when communicating. 

• Be mindful of the data that you are entrusted to handle in a safe and secure way while considering privacy. It's not just your personal information, you need to consider that working from home may entail having company and customer data in your care as well. 

Remote working has forced organizations to fast-track virtualization efforts in order to maintain collaboration. With employee and customer engagement requiring greater attention to various communication platforms while staying true to their privacy values and ensuring trust. 

Privacy Matters

Building trust during the pandemic is no different than pre-pandemic times. Requiring organizational commitment to privacy principles and technical precautions is still a primary concern for us here at Red Hat.

Have you considered the following?

• Did you move locations?

• Are you sharing a device?

• Have job functions been realigned or altered significantly?

As always, visit our Trust Red Hat page to stay connected on topics such as security, compliance and privacy.