What is data?

 




In general terms, data is defined as a collection of facts and figures. Data consists of alphabets, numbers or symbols in raw and unorganized form, which represents conditions, ideas or objects. In case of the above example, the debit card numbers and PINs is considered data for the payment service.

 

How is Data Generated?

 

Data can be generated in two ways: explicitly and implicitly.

 

Explicit Data:  

data can be provided intentionally and received at face value instead of trying to analyse or interpret its meaning. This kind of data is called explicit data. Information provided in surveys and membership applications are examples of explicit data. Making a purchase or favouriting an item are also examples of explicit data.

 

Implicit Data: 

data can also be provided unintentionally and may be derived from analysis of explicit data. Posting something on social networking sites, leaving the browsing history of your computer uncleared and leaving transaction receipts at public places are all examples of implicit data there are various tracking technologies that gather implicit or behavioral data.

 


On a daily basis, we generate data in various form and share it intentionally and unintentionally. Some examples of creating data intentionally are saving phone numbers, sending text messages, voicemails, creit card transactions, etc. data can be created unintentionally, such as the call log on your smartphone, detail of the last login on your laptop and the amount of battery left in your digital device.

 

Why securing personal data ?

 




Personal data can be defined as the data which is related to a living individual. The identity of this individual can be revealed using this data. If the act of revealing one’s personal data is unauthorised, it is called identity theft. Personal data is confidential.


Increasing number of people are shopping online, performing online banking and actively participating on social media platforms. These activities require sharing personal data, which can be the accessed by criminals for financial gains or other illegal motives. It is very important to secure the personal data by adhering to cybersecurity plans.


Some of the risks involved in the event of theft of data are as follows:


     Personal identity theft

·         Banking information theft

·         Burglaries

·         Loss of potential job opportunities

·         Threat to your business’s online reputation

·         Credit card scams

·         Safeguarding your insurance policy

·         Medical benefit fraud

·         Lawsuits and legal action



As technology is globally used, it is important to ensure that your valuable personal data I secure and is for your personal use only. Take the following simple steps to protect the data from cybercriminals:


·         Use two-factor authentication

·         Keep social network activities to private

·         Don’t share sensitive data with anyone

·         Lock down your hardware

·         Use a password vault

·         Backup data regularly