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Data Privacy in an Era of Compliance

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CTS

The internet is full of data about you. Whenever you play a game, shop, browse websites, or use any of numerous apps, your activity and some of your personal information may be collected and shared.

Similarly, the business of higher education requires us to collect, process, and store the digital information of others. Whenever we handle such information, we need to think about how we want our own information treated and treat other people's data with the same care and respect.

Protect yourself

  • Know what you are sharing. Check the privacy settings on all of your social media accounts; some even include a wizard to walk you through the settings. Always be cautious about what you post publicly.

  • Guard your date of birth and telephone number. These are key pieces of information used for identity and account verification, and you should not share them publicly. If an online service or site asks you to share this critical information, consider whether it is important enough to warrant it.

  • Keep your work and personal presence separate. This reduces the potential for SUNY Oswego data to be compromised if your personal account is hacked. Having separate accounts also ensures uninterrupted access to your private email and other services if you switch employers.

Protect the information, identity, and privacy of others

  • Know what resources are available at your institution. Campus Technology Services updates the security page, social media channels, and blog with security information on a regular basis to help assist you with common issues. CTS is always willing to answer security-related questions - contact the Helpdesk first, and they can put you in touch with the resources you need.

  • Keep constituents' personal information confidential and limit access to the data.

  • Only use data for its intended purpose. If you need to use data for another reason, always check relevant resources and policies first for guidance.

  • Destroy or de-identify private information when you no longer need it.