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Privacy Fundamentals

What is Privacy?​

Privacy is a fundamental part of digital security and personal freedom. It ensures that your personal data, communications, and online behavior remain under your control. Protecting privacy reduces the risk of identity theft, data leaks, and unauthorized surveillance.

Recent studies highlight the importance of privacy:

  • Over 60% of internet users report feeling concerned about how their personal data is used online.
  • In 2025, more than 15 billion records were exposed in data breaches globally.
  • Surveys show that 70% of people would stop using a service if they believed their personal information was mishandled.

For organizations, privacy extends to the protection of sensitive data, internal communications, and member or customer information. Ethical and secure handling of data fosters trust and helps comply with legal requirements, such as GDPR or other data protection regulations.

Even small actions, like managing what personal information you share online or controlling app permissions, contribute to stronger privacy. Understanding privacy principles empowers both individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about their digital footprint.

Tip: Review your digital accounts and devices regularly to ensure that personal information is only shared when necessary and with trusted parties.

Personal Privacy Practices​

Protecting your personal privacy starts with understanding how your data is collected, shared, and stored. Even small habits can significantly reduce your exposure online.

1. Manage Account Privacy Settings​

Review the privacy settings for all online accounts, including email, social media, and cloud services. Limit the visibility of personal information and control who can see your activity.

2. Use Strong Authentication​

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security in case passwords are compromised. Use a password manager to create and store unique, strong passwords.

3. Control App Permissions​

Review the permissions granted to mobile apps and browser extensions. Limit access to only what is necessary for the app’s functionality.

4. Protect Your Browsing Activity​

Use privacy-focused browsers or extensions that block trackers, ads, and fingerprinting. Consider using secure DNS and a VPN to hide your browsing activity from third parties.

Organizational Privacy Practices​

Organizational privacy extends beyond personal information to include sensitive internal communications, member data, and operational records. Protecting this data is essential to maintain trust, comply with regulations, and reduce the risk of data breaches.

A key practice is role-based access control (RBAC). By limiting access to sensitive information according to each team member's responsibilities, organizations reduce the risk of accidental or malicious exposure. Regularly reviewing permissions ensures that outdated accounts do not retain unnecessary access.

Securing communication channels is also critical. Use encrypted email services, messaging platforms, and file-sharing tools when handling confidential information. Avoid using unsecured platforms for transmitting sensitive data, and educate staff about the risks of unencrypted communication.

Data storage and monitoring are equally important. Sensitive organizational information should be encrypted where possible and backed up regularly. Monitoring access logs helps detect unusual activity early, allowing the organization to respond quickly to potential threats.

Finally, clear privacy policies and ongoing training reinforce good practices. Team members should understand how to handle sensitive data, create strong passwords, and recognize potential security threats like phishing or social engineering attacks.

Tip: Conduct periodic privacy audits and training sessions to ensure all team members follow organizational privacy policies and stay aware of potential risks.

Conclusion / Key Takeaways​

Privacy is a cornerstone of both personal security and organizational trust. By understanding how data is collected, shared, and protected, you can make informed decisions to reduce risk and maintain control over sensitive information.

Key points to remember:

  • Regularly review and update account and device privacy settings.
  • Use strong authentication methods, including two-factor authentication, for added security.
  • Limit app permissions and control the data shared with software and services.
  • For organizations, implement role-based access, secure communication channels, and data monitoring.
  • Maintain a culture of privacy awareness by conducting periodic reviews, audits, and training sessions.

By following these principles, individuals and organizations can better protect sensitive information and foster a safer digital environment.

ESPA Best Practices for Privacy​

Building on these principles, ESPA recommends the following best practices to standardize privacy across personal and organizational contexts:

  • Adopt a privacy-first mindset: Treat personal and sensitive organizational data with care in every decision.
  • Use secure and verified tools: Choose software and services that respect user privacy and follow ethical data handling practices.
  • Enforce access control: Only allow necessary access to sensitive data and regularly review permissions.
  • Document and train: Maintain clear privacy policies and provide training for individuals and teams to stay current with best practices.
  • Stay informed: Continuously monitor updates in privacy regulations, security threats, and emerging tools to maintain strong privacy practices.

ESPA Best Practices provide a framework for consistent, actionable privacy measures that can be applied by anyone, from individuals managing personal accounts to organizations handling sensitive data.