Privacy in the digital age • A journey between challenges and opportunities

When I met Yael as part of my consultancy for CEOs, she told me that when she opened her email one morning, she was surprised to see an email from one of her favorite companies. This email was unusual - it informed her that her account information had been exposed in a cyber attack. Yael, who has always been strict about maintaining her privacy, felt fear and helplessness. This is how her journey began to understand the challenges and opportunities of information security and privacy in the digital age.

Throughout history, the concept of "privacy" has undergone many changes. From the days when secrets were kept in safes and letters were sealed with wax, we have moved to a world where personal information is stored in the cloud and accessible at the touch of a finger. This development has changed the concept of privacy and our expectations of it. Yael remembered the stories her grandfather used to tell her, about the time when personal information was rare and hidden. She realized how much the world has changed and how much she must be aware of maintaining her privacy in the modern era.

Convenience versus security

After the incident, when Yael wanted to install a new app to run the smart watch she bought to track her fitness, she was required to enter a lot of personal information. She wondered how much information she was willing to reveal in exchange for the convenience the app offered. She realized that the benefits of innovative technologies often come with privacy risks.

Every time she installed a new app, she faced this dilemma: how convenient versus how safe?

Yael, like many of us, realized that there are also complex social and ethical questions that need to be dealt with:
She wondered if she had the right to erase her digital past. If so, how can you exercise this right?
Transparency versus privacy: how can the need for public transparency be balanced with the right to privacy?
Digital education: And of course, Yael thought about the way she could educate her children about the value of privacy in a world where information sharing is the norm.

She realized that when talking about information security, it's not just about technology. The fear of identity theft and the fear of data breaches affected her daily behavior. She started to share less and follow the recommendations to maintain her privacy.

I explained to Yael that there are a variety of solutions to her feelings, and it is important that we all get to know them. I offered Yael a number of simple tools for maintaining privacy and security.

Beginners guide:

1. Free Password Manager – LastPass can be used to store all passwords in one secure place.
   • How to get started: Download the app and start adding your passwords.
   • Set a fingerprint or facial recognition to open the application, so you can make sure that your information will be saved.
   • Log in every time you need a username and password that you don't remember.
   
   
   2. Secure browser: it is recommended to surf with the Brave browser which blocks advertisements and trackers automatically.
      • How to start: just download the browser and start surfing.
      
      
   3. Message encryption:
      • You can download the Signal messaging app to send encrypted messages.
      • How to get started: Download the app, verify your phone number, and start sending encrypted messages.
      Note that the other party must also have the application, so you can communicate together safely.
      
      
   4. Anonymous Browsing: You can use DuckDuckGo as your main search engine while browsing anonymously.
      • How to get started: Go to duckduckgo.com and start searching.
      
      
   5. Automatic updates: You can turn on automatic updates on your devices to ensure they are always protected.
      • How to do it: On a smartphone, go to Settings > System updates > Turn on automatic updates.

Towards a more balanced future

Yael says that after using some of the tips that I also mentioned to you, she began to see encouraging signs, but the public discourse on the subject is increasing day by day.

• Growing awareness: More and more people are aware of the importance of data security and privacy.
• Public dialogue: The public discourse on these issues has become more profound and meaningful.
• Responsible innovation: technology companies are beginning to understand their responsibility on the subject and are developing solutions that respect user privacy.

In conclusion:

Yael's journey led her to understand that the challenges surrounding security and privacy in the digital age are complex and multidimensional. They touch not only on technology, but also on social values, ethics and basic human rights.
While there are no magic solutions, facing these challenges offers us a unique opportunity: to reshape our relationship with technology, rethink the value of privacy, and build a digital future that respects the rights and needs of each and every one of us.

Remember, you don't need to be a tech expert to maintain your privacy and security. Small steps can make a big difference. Like Yael, you too already understand that a little information and simple tools can give you a sense of security and protect your privacy. Don't hesitate to ask for help from a friend or family member who is more tech savvy, so you can better protect yourself.

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