The Psychology of Privacy: Why Protecting Data is Crucial Today

Most people don't believe they have control over their data today.

According to the 2021 UvA online privacy protection behavior study, internet users safeguard their online personal lives only through cookie files or declining terms and conditions. In addition to that, many people perceive the collection, usage, or sharing of personal information as a severe problem to which they are susceptible.

The UvA study results also show that the coping appraisal among internet users is rather mixed. On one side, people do have confidence in protective measures like 2FA or VPN, on the other, they often doubt their efficacy to protect their online privacy.

To top that off, the Deloitte 2023 mobile trends survey also underlines those trust issues. Many consumers are increasingly concerned about being “hacked and tracked” through their devices. They also don't trust the companies that sell devices or services online.

Regardless of generation, the vast majority of respondents declared that they want more protection and control over how their data is used.

• Almost 90% agree they should be able to view and delete the data that companies collect about them.
• 80% feel they deserve to be paid by companies that profit from their data.

Data breaches can often lead to unwanted exposure and potential misuse of your personal information like online harassment, fraud, and social engineered attacks. One slip on the part of those managing our private life becomes public. The 2014 Apple iCloud data breach is still among the best examples of online privacy violations.

Stress and anxiety during such incidents may ensue, accompanied by feelings of violation and loss of control. No wonder why most of the respondents declare little or no trust when it comes to their sensitive data protection.

Conclusions?

It seems that the current situation implies the need for a fresh approach, and new behavioral standards, both for internet users and businesses.

Privacy is closely entwined with personal space, autonomy, and sometimes even property rights. It is a psychological necessity of each human being and requires proper treatment and care. Some people, however, are under the impression that online activities are inaccessible to third parties.

Unfortunately, this is just one of several misconceptions about online privacy.

Let's debunk some of these myths:

1. "Incognito mode makes me invisible" - Not exactly. While incognito mode can keep your browsing history away from people who use the same device, it doesn't keep your activity hidden from websites, employers, or service providers. These parties can still track and collect your data.
2. "I have nothing to hide" - Also a myth. As once Edward Snowden stated: "Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say."
3. "My VPN grants me complete privacy" - Unfortunately, it doesn't. Most recent cases of VPN hacking show that, even though still great for daily use, it is not a 360-safety measure. You can read more about it in our article Securing Privacy of Communication in 2024 >
4. "My password is uncrackable" - Even if your password is complex, that doesn't make it invincible. Hackers employ sophisticated tactics to crack passwords. It's crucial to change your passwords often and consider using a password manager to secure them.  

Privacy is less about hiding and more about controlling than most people think.

While often used interchangeably, both aforementioned terms are distinct yet interconnected concepts. Data security is a vital component of ensuring data privacy, but the two concepts collectively contribute to fostering a trustworthy and ethical data environment.

While data security refers to a set of technical solutions against breaches, data privacy addresses the broader spectrum of ethical and legal aspects, emphasizing transparency, user consent, and the responsible use of information. Here is a short summarization:

Data security:

• Focuses on safeguarding data from unauthorized access, breaches, or cyber threats.
• Involves implementing measures such as encryption, firewalls, and access controls to protect information integrity and confidentiality.

Data privacy:

• Is concerned with how personal or sensitive information is collected, processed, and shared.
• Encompasses the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the responsible handling of data.
• Ensures compliance with privacy regulations, and respecting individuals' rights.

Every human being should have the legal right to regain control over their digital footprint. Safeguarding individual privacy is foundational for effective and democratic governance as well as individual well-being.

According to the 2023 Frontiers Organization's research article on social network users' behavior, social media agents should pay special attention to prevention-focused users who may be particularly vulnerable to privacy violations. By addressing "privacy fatigue", we can encourage individuals to protect their privacy online, ultimately leading to a safer and more secure social media environment.

Despite growing global recognition, a lack of privacy law and institutional infrastructure hinders the support of privacy rights. This void, evident in many regions of the world, coupled with poor implementation and enforcement, clearly shows that modern times require easily implementable solutions that are based on intuitive UX and UI design.

While today's data protection frameworks have inherent limitations, the constant emergence of new technologies and hacking strategies dictates new forms of additional regulatory regimes. Often pushed through institutions like the Supreme Court, privacy laws stack up one on another, however, all of the complex regulations like DORA, GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA, have the same purpose: protecting data itself.

That is why, government agencies, businesses, and institutions all around the world should switch to modern data security tools like Direct app. It can be easily implemented both on-premises and in cloud-based environments, thanks to its end-to-end encryption as well as privacy-first design. These tools require minimal specialized training and are way more user-friendly than complex, multilayered cybersecurity strategies.