On January 28, Microsoft joined governmental organizations and companies in the private sector to raise awareness of privacy and data protection issues. In 2007, the Council of Europe and the European Commission selected January 28 as the Data Privacy Day, and the Redmond company was quick to jump aboard, an indication of its commitment to deliver security to end-users. This year, the software giant is the host of the “My Privacy: Safely Navigating Life Online” event, held at the San Francisco Public Library. Microsoft’s Chief Privacy Strategist Peter Cullen stressed the fact that education and knowledge would permit end-users to make safe online navigation a reality for their digital lives.

“The Internet offers us so much now, whether it’s free or commercial — social networks, health services, online banking, retail sites or photo-sharing sites. These services provide great benefits, but they also require consumers to share more and more information about themselves online. This, unfortunately, makes the Internet a magnet for crime. Personal information has become the new currency of crime, and 'cybercriminals' are always trying to find new ways to target data for profit.”

Cullen warned that the biggest issue concerning data privacy was the fact that end-users had just a superficial understanding of the threats and risks they faced while failing to protect themselves online. In this regard, Microsoft indicated that industry, government and nongovernmental organizations should become actively involved into providing them with the necessary resources and information that would enable them to keep their sensitive data safe.

“Microsoft provides many technologies for people to have a more secure and private online experience. For example, the Microsoft Phishing Filter helps protect consumers from phishing attacks that might compromise their personal information. Windows Defender is a free program that provides protection against spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Windows CardSpace helps consumers manage multiple digital identities and ensure that parties asking for digital identities are who they say they are,” Cullen added.

 

My Privacy: Safely Navigating Life Online