An often overlooked aspect of data security is the potential for sensitive personal information to be concealed in seemingly mundane data. Companies and organizations need to raise employee awareness to ensure comprehensive protection of all personal information, no matter how innocuous that personal information may appear at first glance.
Underestimating the sensitivity of everyday data
Staff may inadvertently underestimate the level of sensitivity of the data they process daily. Apparently routine information can, particularly when combined or analyzed, reveal deeply personal details about individuals concerned. Some examples of this hidden sensitivity:
Diet and religious beliefs
Food delivery services such as UberEats or Deliveroo, or perhaps even a supermarket customer loyalty card. Although food orders or shopping habits may at first seem innocuous, if an account consistently orders only halal foodstuffs, this could serve as a strong indication of the person’s religious beliefs. When coupled with other identifying information like names or addresses, information about an individual’s background, ethnicity, or socio-economic group may be deciphered.
Purchases which provide health indicators
Insights into an individual’s health can be provided by their purchase of certain products. For instance, regular purchases of prenatal vitamins or baby products might indicate pregnancy.
In fact in one famous example American retail corporation Target figured out that a teenage girl was pregnant before her own parents did through analysis of her purchasing history and interactions with its website.
In the same manner, frequent purchase of specific medications or dietary products hint at underlying health conditions. This information, although part and parcel of our daily transactions, can quickly become sensitive when it is linked to an individual’s identity.
Public transport and privacy
Public transport subscription cards and similar services track the user’s travel patterns. Daily commutes to particular locations can disclose sensitive details about a person’s life; e.g. their workplace, health clinic visits, the address of a significant other, or places of worship.
Lifestyle choices
Patterns in food and drink purchases, entertainment subscriptions, or fitness application data can indicate personal lifestyle choices that people may prefer to keep private. For example, the regular purchase of fast food or alcohol might be interpreted as indicative of a certain lifestyle or long-term health risk.
Informing employees about data sensitivity
In order to adequately protect all forms of sensitive data, organizations should create an environment where employees fully comprehend the potential sensitivity of the information they handle. To achieve this, the following strategies may help:
Training programs
The implementation of regular training sessions that go beyond the basics of data security is a must. Such programs should include real-life examples of how ostensibly mundane data can become sensitive. Interactive workshops and scenario-based training are particularly useful in illustrating these points.
Communication
Clear and concise guidelines that help employees recognize sensitive data should be developed. Simple examples and case studies which illustrate how certain types of data can be sensitive should be used. The employees’ need to think critically about the information they encounter and process is to be emphasized.
The minimization and anonymization of data
Data minimization and anonymization practices should be standard. Staff should be aware that they must only collect and retain the data that is necessary for their tasks. Whenever possible, data should be anonymized to prevent the identification of the individuals concerned.
Implementation of data policies
Solid data policies must be established. These policies need to be enforced and should include access controls and regular audits. Staff need to comprehend the importance of these policies and how to apply them in their daily duties. Access to sensitive data should be limited to only those employees who absolutely need it.
A culture of privacy
The workplace should value privacy and data protection. Management needs to lead by example, emphasizing these principles and recognizing those employees who demonstrate a strong commitment to data security. Open discussions about privacy concerns and the continuous improvement of data protection practices are to be encouraged.
The last decade has experienced an explosion of data production, collection, and treatment. All companies must acknowledge the simple reality that the sensitivity of that data extends far beyond obvious personal details. Even the most mundane information can, when analyzed or combined with other data, present highly sensitive insights about the people it relates to. Businesses must work to raise their employees’ awareness about these hidden sensitivities to guarantee comprehensive data protection. Through the implementation of thorough training programs, clear communication, sturdy data policies, and a culture of privacy, organizations can safeguard all types of sensitive data and maintain the trust of their clients, suppliers, and employees.
Photo credits: Leo, AdobeStock.com
