One Way to Protect Your Data: Hand It Out Less

We all know companies collect a lot of data. After all, your business is no exception to this rule, and you likely collect significant consumer data to facilitate operations. But if you get the itch to protect your personal privacy (and you should), there are ways to limit how much advertisers, criminals, and other companies can gain access to. Here are just a couple of ways.

Actually Read the Privacy Policies and Reports

Apps and websites take in a lot of data, but you have more control over it than you think.

For example, scroll to the Data Collection section of any website’s privacy policy. You’ll see notes for what data the app or service collects, how the company stores it, and how it uses that information. App stores also contain information that can shed some light on how they use your data, so take note of that whenever you download a new app (and be sure to check the permissions too while you’re at it!).

Depending on the country and regulations associated, companies may have to email you notifications about policy changes and security issues, so pay attention and be your own advocate for data privacy.

Opt Out of Data Collection

Some companies have begun to use customer data to train generative AI tools, which doesn’t sit well with consumers.

We recommend that you do what you can to limit data collection whenever and wherever possible. Oftentimes you’ll find information on data removal in your user settings, as is the case with most platforms that use generative AI in some way. If you can significantly reduce the number of apps and services that use your data in this way, you’ll be in a lot better shape.

After all, you don’t know what the data is used for unless the company explicitly tells you.

Give Them Bad Data

Have you ever looked at a sign-up form for an app or website and wondered, “Why do I need to give them this information?”

For some apps, certain information might be needed, like your name, email, or date of birth. Other times, the website or app might ask for completely irrelevant data that does not affect how you use the service. In cases like this, there’s no reason to offer the information, and it would be foolish to do so without knowing why the data is collected.

You’re also free to not accept cookies on many websites, despite those increasingly large banners that claim otherwise.

Ready to Take Security More Seriously?

The big reason to be aware of personal data privacy and security: you’ll be more likely to protect that of your customers.

We know security is a nightmare to handle logistically, which is why we do all the heavy lifting for businesses just like yours. With Preferred, you can know your business will always be doing what it can to stave off attacks against its consumers’ privacy.

To learn more, call us at 708-781-7110.