Data Privacy Day will be marked on January 28, 2024. In 2023, there has been a noticeable surge in data breaches and worries related to privacy. This increase can be attributed to the growing number of ransomware attacks, deepfake incidents, and phishing scams. As a result, there is a rising demand for experts to help elucidate the intricate issues and obstacles that individuals and businesses encounter while protecting their data.
In this digital age, where every facet of our lives is increasingly intertwined with technology, Data Privacy Day serves as an important reminder of the fundamental concept of Digital Trust. It underscores that in an era where governments worldwide are fervently pushing for stringent data protection laws, the contemporary cybersecurity landscape stands as one of the most formidable challenges to individual and organizational privacy. It is a challenge faced by entities of all sizes, from multinational corporations to startups, as they navigate the complex landscape of safeguarding critical data against an array of innovative threat actors while adhering to an increasingly regulated environment.
“Data privacy is every business’s top priority, as we move into an increasingly digital and connected world,” said Ripu Bajwa, Director and General Manager, Data Protection Solutions, Dell Technologies India.
He added, “Data privacy is every business’s top priority, as we move into an increasingly digital and connected world. This necessitates the need to protect our data from any potential cyber threats.”
The rapid rise of Generative AI technology has not only revolutionized our world but has also brought new challenges that demand our attention. It underscores the need for proactive measures in data governance and privacy to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Balaji Rao, Area Vice President, India & SAARC, Commvault shares, “As we observe Data Privacy Day, it is imperative to reflect on the ever-growing importance of safeguarding sensitive information in our digital landscape. Currently, India ranks among the top three most targeted APAC countries for cybercrimes, with the prominent factor being the surge in Generative AI. A study conducted by PWC reveals that nearly half of the respondents fear the consequences of a cyber-attack, foreseeing potential losses in customer data and revenue. The increase in AI-powered cyber-attacks in India raises substantial concerns, highlighting the urgency for organizations to redirect their focus toward data governance and privacy.
In today’s era dominated by generative AI, integrating AI with data protection is imperative for solidifying cyber resiliency, and enabling faster and more precise threat detection. The objective of Data Privacy Day is twofold: a reminder for organizations to embrace a more structured strategy regarding AI to counter new threats and for users to understand the power to protect personal data.
There’s no doubt privacy is not just a priority but a necessity. Effective data security serves as the bedrock of data privacy and leaders must recognize that security needs to be seamlessly integrated into every facet of their operations. As we navigate the digital landscape, let us collectively uphold a resilient architecture that extends visibility, ensuring that data privacy remains a steadfast commitment, safeguarding the trust of customers and the integrity of organizations.”
Organizations are not only morally obligated but also legally bound to fortify their defences and proactively protect sensitive data. Prioritizing stakeholder privacy is a central focus, and this can be realized through a comprehensive, proactive, and risk-based data privacy strategy. Jayaprakash Nair, Senior Engineering Leader – Data Science, Altimetrik comments, “Data is the lifeblood of innovation and the key driver of transformative business strategies. Commitment to harnessing the power of data goes hand in hand with ensuring data privacy. In the age of digital acceleration, where data fuels every decision, protecting the integrity and privacy of the customer information entrusted to enterprises is pivotal.
The surge in sophisticated data breaches and AI-powered cyber-attacks highlights the urgent need for comprehensive data security and privacy measures. As per a popular study, global consumers distrusting tech companies managing their data has risen to 48% in 2023. Organizations are bound by legal obligations and are responsible for fortifying defences and implementing proactive strategies to protect sensitive data. Prioritizing stakeholder privacy is a central focus, realized through a comprehensive, proactive, and risk-based data privacy strategy.
The objective of Data Privacy Day encompasses two key aspects. It aims for every user to recognize their right and capability to safeguard and oversee their data. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of organizations understanding the reasons for safeguarding and securing their customers’ data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Achieving harmony between innovation and data protection demands collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, policymakers, and an informed public.”
