Safely Navigating Life Online
Data Privacy Day highlights the importance of protecting your personal data.
With the rapid growth of online commerce and an explosion of innovative new Web services, protecting your personal information and your privacy online is vital—but figuring out exactly how to do that can be a challenge.
When is it safe to click on a Web site or an e-mail attachment? How do you know whether to trust an online merchant? When is it OK to share or download files? How complicated do passwords need to be in order to be secure?
Moreover, many online services such as search engines, Web-based e-mail and social networking sites rely on the exchange of information from users to operate. While these services provide great benefit, they can also create complex privacy decisions for consumers. In many instances, users simply aren’t aware how their information is being shared or used. And in some cases, the increased flow of data is leading to the misuse of information and making the Internet a magnet for cybercriminals who prey on unknowing consumers.
Microsoft’s leadership in efforts to address these issues starts with a fundamental premise: that people have the right to control their personal information. We have implemented strong privacy policies on a global basis; we ensure that privacy protection is built into our products and services; and we work with government, consumer groups and other industry leaders to develop privacy best practices for the online world.
To increase awareness and educate people about how to protect their privacy and data, Microsoft is helping organize activities around the globe this week as part of Data Privacy Day. We also offer easily accessible tools and guidance at Web sites like www.microsoft.com/security/privacy and www.microsoft.com/protect. For example, consider the following tips when online:
| • | Use a combination of at least eight numbers, letters and symbols to create strong passwords. |
| • | Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know. |
| • | Be careful about sharing files from an unknown source that have not been scanned for viruses. |
| • | Don’t use public computer networks for banking or sales transactions, and guard account numbers, Social Security numbers and passwords with special care. |
In the end, protecting users’ privacy is a shared responsibility. It’s important for individuals to get educated and stay alert about how to protect their privacy and their personal data. Software companies, including Microsoft, have a responsibility to offer solutions and services that evolve as the threat landscape changes. And governments have an obligation to protect citizens through legislative and other initiatives. Given the dynamic nature of the Internet and the inventiveness of cybercriminals, there will always be risks online, just as there are offline. But by working together, we can create safer, more secure and enjoyable experiences for everyone.
