Reclaiming your privacy: what to do when your data is already out there

By Jeffrey VAVA

In Ghana and across Africa, the digital age has ushered in unprecedented convenience, yet it has also introduced significant privacy challenges. For instance, in many organizations, visitors are routinely required to register their details upon entry—whether for attendance tracking or as part of security protocols. This apparently harmless interaction, nonetheless, can lead to privacy breaches.

Consider a typical scenario: when entering a government office, a business, or even a social event, your personal information, including contact details, is often recorded. While this practice is intended for security purposes, it often results in your data being stored in various databases.

Unfortunately, the journey of this data doesn’t end there. In some cases, it can be resold to third parties or utilized for unsolicited marketing, creating a ripple effect of privacy concerns.

Understanding the Scope of Data Exposure

As hackers gain access to personal data through cyberattacks or stolen information from social media, they use this data to target individuals in troubling ways. A concerning trend is the increase in unsolicited phone calls from unknown numbers, where callers seem to know personal details about the victims.

Posing as legitimate organizations like banks or government agencies, these callers aim to trick individuals into revealing more sensitive information or making financial transactions under false pretenses. These fraudulent calls range from phishing attempts to elaborate scams involving threats or promises of rewards.

Victims might provide personal or financial information, leading to significant financial loss or identity theft. The rise in such scams underscores the broader implications of data breaches, highlighting the need for individuals to remain vigilant, monitor their financial accounts, and exercise caution with unsolicited communications.

Common Sources of Data Exposure

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are major sources of personal data exposure. When you post details like your location, contact info, or personal interests, it becomes part of a large database.

Even though you can set privacy controls, there’s always a risk that your information might be accessed by people or companies you didn’t intend. When you shop online, you often provide sensitive information such as credit card numbers and addresses. Although online stores use security measures to protect this data, breaches can still happen.

If a retailer’s system is hacked, your payment information could be stolen and misused. Sometimes, organizations that hold your data—like banks or social media sites—are attacked by hackers. These attacks can expose personal details such as your email address, password, or financial information. This stolen data can be sold or used to commit fraud.

In some countries, including Ghana, public records like voter registrations and property records contain personal information. While these records are public for administrative reasons, they can also be accessed and misused by people with bad intentions.

Many apps ask for access to personal data, like your contacts or location. While some apps use this information to improve their services, others may share it without your permission. This data can be used for targeted advertising or sold to other companies.

If personal information like Social Security numbers or bank details are exposed, it can be used to steal your identity. This can lead to serious problems, including financial loss and damage to your credit score.

Exposed data can be used to create convincing scams. For example, fraudsters might use information from your social media to send fake emails or texts that trick you into giving away more personal details or money. When your personal information is accessed without your permission, it can lead to unwanted surveillance or harassment.

This can make you feel unsafe and invade your personal space. Your data might be sold to third parties, leading to a flood of unwanted advertisements and spam. This can be annoying and intrusive, and it shows how personal information is often used for commercial purposes.

Immediate Steps to Take

When your personal data is exposed, prompt action is essential to protect yourself. Start by changing your passwords for all affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each one and avoid reusing old passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security; this requires both your password and a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.

Next, check your account security settings on social media and other platforms. Adjust privacy settings to limit who can access your personal information and review account recovery options to ensure they are secure and up to date. Monitor your financial statements regarding any unauthorized transactions and report them immediately to your bank.

Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Additionally, signing up for credit monitoring services can help you keep track of changes to your credit report and detect potential identity theft early. Taking these steps will help safeguard your information and minimize the impact of the breach.

Addressing Data Breaches

When addressing data breaches, start by identifying breached accounts using tools or websites such as Have I Been Pawned, which can help you determine if your personal data has been exposed in any known breaches. Next, notify relevant entities, including your bank, credit agencies, and any companies where your sensitive information might be at risk. This step ensures that they can monitor and protect against potential misuse of your data.

Long-Term Privacy Strategies

One of the most effective long-term privacy strategies is to be cautious about how you share personal information. Always take a moment to consider the implications before providing data to websites, apps, or services. Reflect on whether you genuinely need to share this information and understand how it might be used or misused.

Read and Understand Before You Act: Before agreeing to terms and conditions or privacy policies, make it a habit to read and comprehend them. Many people skip these details but understanding what you’re consenting to is crucial.

Look for information on how your data will be collected, used, and shared. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about which services to use and how to manage your privacy effectively.

Data Minimization: Emphasize the importance of data minimization, which involves sharing only the minimum amount of personal information necessary. Avoid oversharing on social media and be selective about the details you provide on online forms. By limiting the amount of personal data you disclose, you reduce the risk of it being misused.

Use Privacy Tools: Leverage privacy-enhancing tools to protect your online activities. Consider using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to encrypt your internet connection and shield your browsing activities from prying eyes. Ad blockers help prevent intrusive ads and reduce the data collected about your browsing habits. Integrating these tools into your digital routine can significantly bolster your privacy and security.

Legal and Support Resources

Understanding and protecting your privacy involves knowing your rights and accessing available resources for support in your country. In Ghana, familiarize yourself with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), which provides a framework for safeguarding personal data.

This law outlines your rights to access, correct, and delete your personal information held by organizations. Understanding these rights helps you navigate how to demand data protection and assert your privacy effectively within the Ghanaian legal context.

Seek Professional Help: In cases where privacy issues become complex or overwhelming, consulting with privacy experts or legal professionals can provide valuable guidance. These professionals can offer advice tailored to your specific situation, help you navigate legal processes, and assist in resolving disputes with companies

Reclaiming your privacy starts with proactive steps to secure and minimize the impact of data exposure. By understanding your rights, using privacy tools, and seeking professional help, you can better protect yourself and regain control over your personal information.

The author is a  Cybersecurity Analyst, Eprocess International | Tutor & Member, IIPGH

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