Take Control of Your Digital Presence: Data Privacy Tips for 2026

As we step into an increasingly data-driven world, safeguarding your digital information has never been more important. Data Privacy Week serves as a reminder for individuals and organizations alike to protect sensitive personal and organizational data.

From the apps you use to the IT solutions you implement, prioritizing data security is crucial in building trust and reducing the risk of exposure in today's digital world.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to respect privacy, leverage trustworthy software, and develop smart habits using insights from your data privacy. 

Why Data Privacy Matters in 2026

Data privacy is your right, and it’s more valuable than ever. Companies worldwide are using your data as currency—whether for advertising, product development, or creating user profiles. As a consumer or business owner, protecting this resource isn’t just about compliance; it’s about taking control of your digital identity, protecting customer trust, and safeguarding sensitive information from misuse.

The impacts of disregarding data privacy can include identity theft, unauthorized data use, and a loss of reputation for organizations. With 79% of U.S. adults concerned about how their data is being used by companies, it’s clear that respecting privacy makes good business sense.

Build a Privacy-First Strategy

Whether you're an individual or a business, respecting privacy begins with intentional actions. Adopting a proactive mindset is a great first step. Here’s how you can make positive changes:

1. Control Your Data with an App Audit
   Did you know that apps can collect and share your data even when you aren’t actively using them?  Take back control by performing an app audit every few months. Delete apps you no longer use and deny unnecessary data permissions. If an app doesn’t need access to your location or contacts, don’t grant it.
   
   Pro Tip: Many apps allow location and data access to be restricted to “only while using” the app. Adjusting these settings reduces exposure without sacrificing convenience. 
   
   
2. Prioritize Businesses That Respect Privacy
   As a consumer, demand transparency. Support businesses that:

• • Clearly explain how they collect and use your data.
  • Offer privacy-conscious options, such as limiting data collection by default.
  • Follow trusted privacy frameworks like the NIST Privacy Framework or ISO/IEC 27701.

For businesses, building a culture of respecting data can set you apart from competitors. Update your privacy policies, educate employees about privacy obligations, and regularly review the steps you take to keep customers’ information secure.

Leverage Privacy-Enhancing Technology

Technology plays a vital role in protecting your personal and organizational data. By choosing the right software and tools, you can maintain a higher level of privacy while continuing to benefit from innovation.

1. Use Private Apps and Browsers to Stay Anonymous
   Traditional browsers and apps often track user activity for advertising or analysis purposes. Switch to tools designed with privacy in mind:

1. • Private Email Clients: Use email services that offer end-to-end encryption and focus on user privacy for secure communication.
     
     
   • Privacy-Focused Browsers: Opt for browsers that minimize online tracking and provide robust privacy features, such as ad blocking and enhanced security settings.
     
     
   • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Implement VPNs to hide your IP address and encrypt sensitive information while browsing the internet.
     
     
2. Invest in Data Privacy with a Managed IT Provider
   If you’re looking for robust solutions, privacy protection suites offer centralized tools to boost security. These suites often include features like:

• • Automatic Threat Detection: Proactively monitor and identify potential threats to prevent breaches before they happen.

• • Identity Theft Protection: Safeguard personal and organizational identities with advanced protection solutions tailored to your unique risk profile.

By partnering with the National Cybersecurity Alliance as a Data Privacy Week Champion, we are committed to educating our team, clients, and the public on privacy settings and best practices. Working alongside a trusted managed IT provider that specializes in data privacy can greatly enhance your organization's security and compliance efforts.

Respecting Privacy in the Workplace

For organizations, respecting the privacy of employees, customers, and stakeholders fosters trust and strengthens reputation. Here’s what businesses can do:

• • Educate Employees: Remind your teams to update their security settings at home and at work.
    
    
  • Set Transparent Policies: Be clear about what data you collect and why.
    
    
  • Adopt a Privacy Framework: Frameworks like ISO certifications can streamline compliance and make privacy a core part of your operations.

Privacy isn’t only an external responsibility; it starts with internal awareness, habits, and policies.

Data and IT Management in 2026: Outsource Mindfully

For businesses working to optimize their IT infrastructure, data privacy must remain integral to decision-making. IT outsourcing—through managed or co-managed IT solutions—has become a go-to alternative for companies looking to save costs while accessing best-in-class technology.

Managed IT and Privacy

Managed IT services offer fully outsourced solutions, providing enhanced security measures, threat monitoring, and cloud service management. With privacy laws expanding, these experts help ensure your business meets compliance standards while safeguarding sensitive data.

Co-Managed IT and Collaboration

For organizations with in-house teams, co-managed IT fills in skill gaps or handles long-term privacy initiatives like compliance updates or cloud migrations. This hybrid model keeps your internal oversight intact while augmenting your security expertise.

Future Trends: Emerging Tech and Data Security

The latest advancements in AI, cloud computing, and IoT bring both new opportunities and privacy risks. Businesses are already addressing these with tools like AI-powered automation for threat detection, stricter cloud security measures, and heightened regulation of IoT devices. With the global cloud computing market projected to reach $1.44 trillion by 2029, secure cloud infrastructure will become increasingly crucial.

The right data privacy strategy for your business depends entirely on your organization’s unique needs, industry demands, and long-term goals. Talk with DVD Networks for an expert recommendation customized to your organization.

This blog post contains resources from the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s Data Privacy Week, as outlined at StaySafeOnline.org