On January 28, International Data Protection Day is celebrated, a date that reinforces the importance of ensuring security and privacy in the digital world. This is a topic that gains even more relevance with the growth of PIX, of Open Finance and the use of financial applications, like PicPay, Nubank and Mercado Pago, that transform the way we relate to digital services
The PIX, for example, it is already the most widely used payment method among Brazilians. The instant payment service, created by the Central Bank (BC), is used by 76,4% of the population. Next, they come the debit card (69,1%) and the money (68,9%). The data is in thesearch"The Brazilian and His Relationship with Money", published by the BC
Open Finance, in turn, reached 37 million consents in October 2024, being 99% individuals, what represents a growth of 35% compared to the 27 million recorded in the same period of 2023, according to the study "Evolution of Open Finance in Brazil", prepared by the international consultancy BIP.
These advances are a reflection of the growing confidence of consumers in sharing information in a structured and secure manner. However, despite the benefits of data sharing, there are still doubts about how to do it safely in the financial market, maintaining the balance between innovation and privacy
It is essential that both companies and consumers understand the importance of protecting data such as name, address, financial history and consumption habits, ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Law (GDPL), mention the specialist and CEO of Lina Open X, Alan Mareines
LGPD: 58% of companies increased their investments in security
The LGPD was created to regulate the use and protection of personal data, promoting privacy and security. However, onesurveyPwC revealed that 58% of companies increased their investments in information security after the implementation of the legislation. This demonstrates that, despite the compliance process being underway, there is a growing awareness of the relevance of protecting personal data
The adaptation of Brazilian companies to the law has progressed, but still faces significant challenges. According to astudyfrom Logicalis, only 36% of organizations in Brazil claim to be fully compliant with the LGPD, while 43% are in the process of implementing measures to comply with the code. Notably, 6% of companies have not yet started specific actions for compliance
"The adaptation to the LGPD brings several challenges for companies", how the need to review internal policies, train employees and implement new data protection technologies. These measures are essential to prevent information leaks and ensure consumer trust, analyze the CEO of Lina Open X, Mareines
For Mareines, consumers play a vital role in protecting their data. "It is essential to be aware of your rights", how the right of access, correction and deletion of your data, in addition to adopting good practices when sharing personal information, how to verify the legitimacy of companies and use secure channels, details
How to share data securely
To share information securely, it is essential to adopt best practices. First of all, make sure that the websites and applications you use are trustworthy and employ encryption technologies. You can check this by seeing if the address starts with "https" and if there is a lock icon in the navigation bar.
Furthermore, read the privacy policies carefully to understand how your data will be collected, stored and used. Prioritize services that are transparent and clear regarding these practices
Adjust the privacy settings on platforms and devices to control which information will be shared and with whom. Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts. It is also important to create unique and strong passwords for each account and, if necessary, use a password manager to organize them securely
Keep your devices and applications updated with the latest versions of software and security patches. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to transmit personal data; opt for private connections or, if necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure a secure connection. Revise, regularly, the permissions granted to apps on your device, authorizing access only to the information essential for its operation
Be careful with emails, messages and links that seem suspicious or request personal information. Always confirm the authenticity of the sender before sharing any data.
Make frequent backups of important files to ensure you can recover them in case of loss or cyber attack. In certain situations, consider using solutions like digital wallets or authentication tokens to protect sensitive data
Finally, stay updated on modern security and privacy practices, monitoring new threats and vulnerabilities. "By following these guidelines, it is possible to share information more securely, protecting privacy and reducing, significantly, the risks of exposure or misuse of personal data, highlights Alan
10 Benefits of Sharing Your Data Securely
Sharing personal information can offer a range of benefits for both consumers and companies. According to asearchfrom Mastercard, while 60% of executives believe that consumers recognize advantages in sharing their data to obtain benefits, only 44% of users actually see value in this
For companies, the data provides valuable insights into market trends and areas for improvement, what contributes to the development of more innovative products and services. Consumers can benefit in various ways by choosing to securely share their information, such as
1) Personalized services:shared data allows companies to tailor products and services to individual consumer preferences. A practical example is streaming platforms that suggest content based on the user's viewing history
2) Discounts and rewards:many companies offer benefits such as coupons, exclusive promotions or loyalty programs in exchange for customer information, incentivizing your loyalty
3) Improved user experience:data helps companies create more intuitive interfaces and features that meet user expectations, enhancing the customer journey
4) Exclusive access:some features or advantages, how to access early releases and exclusive events, are available only to those who choose to share their information
5) Most relevant recommendations:based on the data, companies can suggest products and services that truly meet the needs of consumers, saving time and improving the experience
6) Improvement of products and services:feedback and usage data help companies identify flaws and areas for improvement, resulting in more efficient solutions tailored to user demands
7) Enhanced security:banks and digital services can use behavioral data to quickly detect fraud, in addition to offering more secure and practical authentication processes
8) Personalized support:data sharing allows companies to provide faster and more effective technical support, adjusting solutions to the specific needs of each client
9) Advances in health and well-being:in the medical field, shared data enables more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments and continuous monitoring, improving the quality of life of patients
10) Encouraging innovation:ethically collected data contribute to advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, generating benefits that impact, positively, the whole society
Understanding the importance of data sharing and adopting secure practices can bring numerous benefits, both for consumers and for businesses, promoting a safer and more efficient digital environment, concludes Mareines