Top Tips to Protect Your Data: Data Privacy Week 2025

Did you know your data is constantly being collected? It is continuously transmitted from your computer, smartphone, and every other internet-connected device you use or own. While we can’t control how every piece of data is collected about us, you still have the right to data privacy.

Taking charge of your data is the theme for Data Privacy Week (January 27-31, 2025). It is an international effort led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) to highlight the importance of data privacy and give people the knowledge and tools to protect their data. Data Privacy Week started in 2023, expanding Data Privacy Day which is celebrated each year on January 28.

In collaboration with this international effort, Information and Educational Technology (IET) compiled a list of actionable ways to protect your data.

7 actionable ways to protect your data

1. Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), such as Duo, wherever permitted. This will keep your data safe even if your password gets stolen. For UC Davis services, we recommend switching to the Duo mobile app instead of using SMS and voice call-back options to authenticate. Learn how to enroll a smartphone in Duo. 
    
2. Don’t overshare. When you post personal details on social media, identity thieves can find information about your life and use it to answer “challenge” questions on your accounts, gaining access to your personal info.  In addition, do not put personal or sensitive information into AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot.
    
3. Update passwords or create new ones that are long and unique for your accounts and devices. We suggest using a pass phrase to make the password long and easier for you to remember, while making it more difficult to guess by malicious actors. Consider using a password manager to store each password. That will make it easier to remember and maintain your passwords.
    
4. Be conscious of web security. Before submitting a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information, make sure the connection is secure and the URL is legitimate. A secure or encrypted connection begins with https:// instead of http://. However, fake or scam sites can also start with https://. Be wary of spelling mistakes or unusual characters in the address and verify the domain name. Verify URLs and phone numbers when asked to make payments by contacting support services that you know are legitimate.
    
5. Keep your devices, software and browsers updated. Updates often include patches that enhance security. Consider turning on automatic updates when possible. Here are some additional ways to boost your tech.
    
6. Look out for phishing and smishing schemes. Whether it comes via a phone call, email, text, or direct message, hackers will try to con you out of your personal information. Learn how to identify a suspicious message and how to report hackers.
    
7. Safely dispose of personal information. Before getting rid of an old computer or mobile device, remove all your personal information, such as photos, contacts, and web search history. We suggest seeking professional support to securely wipe the internal storage on your device.