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Data privacy: How to manage and protect your personal data

While we often focus on protecting Penn State Health’s private and sensitive information, the Privacy team reminds you to also consider protecting your personal data.

Your data is collected every day — your computer, smartphone and pretty much every other internet-connected device gathers data, which might even include your wristwatch or car. Seemingly innocuous information, such as your favorite restaurants or items you purchase online, can be used to make assumptions about you and your habits. Many companies have the opportunity to monitor the data of their users and consumers, and they sell the data for profit.

While you can’t control the fact that your data is collected, you can take charge of how and with whom you share data, in many cases. Here are some tips:

  1. Know what you can’t control. The truth is, you can’t control who has access to every scrap and byte of your data. Understand that there is a tradeoff between convenience and privacy. To use all the features of your devices, apps and software, you will often have to share more and more data. By understanding this balance, you can make better informed data decisions.
  2. Cultivate an online privacy habit. Apps, websites, devices and software will often seek out more data than you would think is necessary. Fortunately, many web browsers, computers and devices will ask you if you want to share certain types of data with a new app or website. Strike up a habit of paying attention to these requests and actually thinking about your answers. If an app or software program refuses to function unless you share certain data that you don’t think it needs (like the Solitaire app demanding your location), find another app. Generally, you might feel more secure erring on always limiting how much data you share when asked.
  3. Check your settings. Even if an app or software program never asks you for data, you should assume it is still collecting it. Routinely check your privacy settings and ensure everything fits within your comfort level. You can access app and software permissions through your device’s general settings. Remember, apps will often ask for you to give them access permissions at all times, but you usually only need to give them permissions for while you are using the app.
  4. Delete apps you don’t use. Go through your devices and think about each app you have downloaded. Many apps will collect and share your device-use data even when you don’t use them; you’re basically giving away your data. If you haven’t used the app in months, delete it from your device. Don’t be afraid to be ruthless. You can always download the app again.

Visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s Manage Your Privacy Settings website to access links to update your privacy settings on popular devices and websites.

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