“Our mission to help businesses harness the power of their information and to make the digital world safer, is intrinsically linked to our corporate citizenship. As access to data protection, security, and privacy continues to dominate as a key societal issue in the connected world, our attention to corporate responsibility priorities enhances our ability to create business value.” ~ Mike Brown, Symantec CEO
In everything we do here at Symantec, we do with the aim to increase cybersecurity. It is no secret that the security of data is essential for businesses, governments, and individuals alike. However, cybersecurity breaches have only increased, both in frequency and impact. In 2015, there were a reported 781 breaches that exposed over 169 million records, which is double the 2014 number. Today is Data Privacy Day. First launched in 1981 as Data Protection Day, every January 28th we are reminded of the importance of privacy and security online. The nonprofit National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) coordinates efforts for Data Privacy Day to ensure that the annual international awareness initiative is promoted globally. This year, Data Privacy Day’s theme is Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data and Enabling Trust. Here at Symantec, we value cybersecurity not only as our core business operation but also as our corporate responsibility both from an ethical and philanthropic perspective.
One way we spread awareness about data privacy is through our Online Safety in the Community initiative. The volunteer program empowers employees to become ambassadors for safe Internet use in their communities. Our employees share in our company’s commitment to empower the public to be safe in all their online experiences. This program provides employees with training and materials to help them reach out to their communities and educate parents and students about how they can behave safely and participate responsibly online.
For more information, contact us at community_relations@symantec.com
Here are some privacy tips from NCSA – share them with your family, friends and community!
Share with Care:
- What you post can last a lifetime: Before posting online think about how it might be perceived now and in the future and who might see it.
- Own your online presence: Set the privacy and security settings on web services and devices to your comfort level for information sharing. It’s ok to limit how and with whom you share information.
- Be aware of what’s being shared: Be aware that when you share a post, picture or video online, you may also be revealing information about others. Be thoughtful when and how you share information about others.
- Post only about others as you have them post about you: The golden rule applies online as well.
Personal Information Is Like Money. Value It. Protect It.
- Think before you act: Be wary of communications that implore you to act immediately, offer something that sounds too good to be true or ask for personal information.
- Get two steps ahead: Switch on two-step verification or multi-factor authentication wherever offered to prevent unauthorized access.
