Today is Data Privacy Day and there is plenty that we can all do to ensure our personal and sensitive information remains safe from unauthorised access.

According to The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), Australian businesses reported 518 data breaches under the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme for period January to June 2020. During the one year period between October 2019 and April 2020, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) responded to 2266 cyber security incidents.

Beyond that there would have been numerous attempts at stealing data that would have been unsuccessful because the proper precautions were put in place - is your data safe?

Here at SuperConcepts, the security of all of our client and customer data is of the utmost importance as Executive Manager IT and Security Jim Robinson explains.

"Superconcepts takes data privacy extremely seriously using multiple controls, checks and awareness activities to keep all our clients’ data secure" he said.

"These take the form of things like Information Security audits on our processes and systems and the operation of our Information Security Management System to make sure controls function as they were intended.”

"Our staff complete mandatory privacy and information security training annually and we make it our business to make sure privacy is everyone at SuperConcepts responsibility."

It should come as no surprise that consumers are way more likely to place their trust in companies that treat data security seriously as well, with over 90 per cent of Australians more loyal to companies they trust and 47 per cent having greater trust in companies that commit to privacy compliance.

SuperConcepts wants all of our valued clients, trustees and the general public to have more control over their data security and we have compiled the following five tips to help you understand data privacy better:

1. Know your privacy rights

These include having the right to access and correct your personal data that an organisation holds about you and to understand what they’re doing with it, why they’re doing it and how it’s being kept safe.

2. Read and be informed

An organisation must be clear about the personal data they collect and the purposes for collecting it – they will likely detail this in their privacy policies and collection notices. If you cannot find this online or haven’t been provided with one, however, you are entitled to ask for a copy.

3. Be safe online

• Consider if the websites and apps you use are trustworthy and from a reputable provider;
• Read the privacy policies and cookie popups of the websites and social media you use to understand what they’re doing with your personal data and change the privacy settings (if required) to best suit your needs;
• Use strong passwords and update them periodically; and
• Think before you share, as a lot of what is posted online has a permanent digital footprint.

4. Consider your security

Use security software, such as a known anti-spyware, virus and firewall software, to protect your computer and your privacy.

5. Beware of scams

Be alert and protect yourself from falling victim to a phone, email or online scam. As a general rule, if you aren’t expecting it if it requires you to provide or ‘verify’ your personal data or click on a link, consider it carefully first to ensure it is legitimate.

For more information, you can go to The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) website or the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).