The Runtime Security leader advocates for increased transparency within the cybersecurity space and focuses on improving data privacy practices
Contrast Security (Contrast), THE Runtime Security company and leader in modernized Application Security, today announced that it has signed on as a Data Privacy Week 2024 Champion for the third consecutive year. Data Privacy Week, which takes place from January 21 – 27, is an international effort to empower individuals and businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust.
Contrast recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal information. Contrast strongly promotes empowering individuals to take control of their data footprint. Its Legal & Operational Risk program is dynamic and proactive, allowing the company to stay abreast of the latest changes and enhancements to the ever-evolving global compliance landscape. Contrast has implemented practical and sound administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, use, modification and disclosure of this information and works hard to educate its employees and users on effective data privacy management. Contrast takes this responsibility seriously and has erected strong internal controls to manage change management and employee accountability.
“2023 was an incredible year for privacy, as we saw an unprecedented amount of interest from lawmakers, both state and federal, in safeguarding the privacy of Americans,” said Jen Amaral, Contrast’s Data Privacy Manager. “The rise of generative AI also creates both plentiful opportunities as well as the potential for risk. There’s never been a better time to learn about data privacy and how to take control of your data.”
The goal of Data Privacy Week is to spread awareness about online privacy among individuals and organizations. This goal is twofold: to help individuals understand that they have the power to manage their data, and to help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users’ data.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance has offered the following themes to help guide individuals and businesses to better data privacy practices:
Data: The Story of the Consumer
All online activity generates a trail of data. Websites, apps and services collect data on an individual’s behaviors, interests and purchases. Sometimes, this includes personal data, such as taxpayer and driver’s license numbers. It can even include data about your physical self, such as health data. While it’s true that consumers cannot control how each byte of data about them and their family is shared and processed, consumers are not helpless! In many cases, an individual can control how they share their data with a few simple steps.
For Businesses: Respect Privacy
Respecting the privacy of a company’s customers, staff and all other stakeholders is critical for inspiring trust and enhancing reputation. According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of U.S. adults report being concerned about the way their data is being used by companies. By being open about how the company uses data and respects privacy, businesses can stand out from competition.
Be transparent about how the company collects, uses and shares consumers’ personal information. Think about how the consumer may expect their data to be used. Design settings to protect their information by default. Communicate clearly and concisely to the public the meaning of privacy to the organization, as well as the steps it takes to achieve and maintain privacy.
In honor of Data Privacy Week, Contrast will be publishing some helpful blog posts, including Contrast Data Privacy Manager Jen Amaral’s guide to becoming a data privacy snob and a collection of cybersecurity best practices for safeguarding sensitive data.
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