Next Saturday, January 28, 2012 is the fifth annual celebration of Data Privacy Day, a day designed to spur awareness and discussion about data privacy worldwide. We in the data security industry remain committed to ensuring the privacy and security of data. We recommend all individuals and organizations follow online security best practices. These include:

• • Follow the principle of least privilege. Only those who need administrative privileges should have those rights enabled.
• • Install, maintain, and monitor a firewall to limit access to systems.
• • Never share passwords or phrases.
• • Learn about the privacy settings on social networks and how to use them.
• • Do not share sensitive personal information on social networking profile pages.
• • Learn about cookies and how third-party sites are tracking you.
• • Use wireless networks securely, and protect your home wireless system through proper encryption.

At Futurex, keeping highly sensitive data private and secure is at the top of our priority list. We encourage the open discussion of how we can work towards creating a secure and safe online environment. For more information about Data Privacy Day and how you can participate, visit staysafeonline.org.

From within the data security industry, remaining focused on protecting the sensitive information constantly flowing around us in our day-to-day lives is second nature. For those of us who use and promote these concepts on a daily basis, it’s easy to forget that for many, cyber security is a daunting concept.

San Antonio is rapidly emerging as one of the United States’ leading cities in the fields of cyber security and data protection, but many individuals are still just developing the knowledge required to defend against sophisticated cyber attacks that are becoming increasingly common.

The proliferation of smartphones and other advanced consumer devices has provided significant benefits to our society; however, the vulnerability of unprotected data has also increased at the same time. Manufacturers of consumer-grade electronics are doing their part to provide tools to lock down data where possible, but those tools will only provide a false sense of security unless the consumer is fully educated and aware of how to use them properly.

At Futurex, we aim to do our part to help create an environment of awareness and education within our local community. We are committed to the goals of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and we encourage all individuals, particularly young people, to maintain a safe and secure digital presence.