This week is Data Privacy Week. This is an international event that occurs every January to raise awareness and promote privacy and data protection. This year’s theme is: Take control of your data. I could think of no one better to give us some insight into this incredibly important topic than our very own IT Manager, Tate Nance.
In today’s digital world, nearly every action that we take online leaves a trace, from the websites we visit and the apps we use to the purchases we make and the content we share on social media. These bits of information make up our digital footprint, which is the trail of data we leave behind when using the internet. Our digital footprint isn’t something that is stored in one place or something that can be directly accessed, rather, it’s a way to symbolically refer to all the pieces of our personal information that have been collected online.
Our digital footprint can reveal more about us than we might realize, including our shopping habits, personal interests, and locations we frequent. Companies can collect the data that makes up your digital footprint and use it in different ways. Some companies use this data to improve their services or better understand customer behavior. Other companies may share or sell this information to third parties for profit, often for advertising purposes. Your unique information is highly valuable for targeted marketing, which means you may see advertisements tailored to your interests. While some of this can be convenient, it often leads to unwanted advertising campaigns, spam emails, and even malicious attempts to convince you to give away more information. And of course, there is also the threat of cyber criminals eventually obtaining this data. Being aware of how your data is used helps you make better decisions about what to share and which companies to trust.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance has designated January 26-30, 2026, as National Data Privacy Week. Data Privacy Week is an international effort to empower individuals and businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data, and enable trust. Their theme for 2026 is Take Control of Your Data. This campaign is designed to raise awareness about what you can do to help protect your data online and better understand the choices you have. You can view the complete article at https://www.staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week.
While it may not be possible to completely avoid data collection, individuals can make informed decisions to prevent their data from being abused. For example, the next time you download an app on your phone or create an account on a website, ask yourself the following:
- Is this app or service worth the amount of personal data it wants in return?
- Can I control or limit what type of data is shared?
- Is the data being requested actually necessary for the app’s functionality?
Data privacy is not just about how companies treat your data, but also how you treat it yourself. Fraudsters can take advantage of poor digital privacy practices by using your digital footprint against you and try to impersonate you. This is commonly done by reviewing information shared on social media. It’s very important to pay attention to what you post publicly on social media. Even information that seems harmless, such as your pet’s name, the type of vehicle you drive, or your favorite team, could be used against you. This information can be used to guess passwords, answer security questions, or make fraudulent phone calls that appear legitimate, making it easier for fraudsters to compromise your accounts.
Taking practical steps such as reviewing account privacy settings, limiting what is shared online, and choosing services with strong privacy practices can significantly reduce your vulnerability. To take control of your data, access the Settings section on most apps and websites and look for privacy controls. The National Cybersecurity Alliance has also provided a helpful online resource to guide you through managing your privacy settings on major apps and websites at https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/manage-your-privacy-settings.
At Exchange Bank, we are committed to taking every precaution to protect and safeguard your privacy. You can read our complete privacy policy at https://exba.com/privacy-policy.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Tara Montgomery
Exchange Bank of Alabama
Fraud Specialist
(256) 691-0328
