Today we’re interviewing Tara Taubman-Bassirian, who specialized in Information and Internet law in the UK. She’s been following the data Protection Regulation since the reform of the Directive. And obviously, she has a lot of useful information to share. Here’s what Tara had to say…
Can you shortly introduce yourself?
I am a French lawyer, previously a corporate lawyer in France before I specialized in Information and Internet law in the UK. I was recently voted Privacy Hero by my pears.
I have been following the Data Protection Regulation since the reform of the Directive. My company Data Rainbow helps businesses and private users remain compliant with the regulation. I am also a public speaker and writer.
What do you see as the main challenges for our privacy today?
The challenges of privacy are the price we are paying with the development of digitalization and global access to data.
What can we as individuals do about it?
Education and keeping aware of the greatness and dangers of the cyberworld are key. I like to say that data breach, cybersecurity or ransomware incidents are not anymore IF but WHEN. And when it happens, we need to be prepared. It starts with data minimization. It is our duty to secure data and protect ourselves when surfing online as much as it is for major companies to secure data storage.
Can VPNs help? Do you use one?
I use ExpressVPN that several techy friends and colleagues have advised me. I am hoping it helps to protect my identity online.
What do you do to protect your personal information?
I start by minimization as I mentioned. Every now and then, I check what I have been collecting and delete the data once it is not necessary. I archive my files on external hard drives, with no internet access. I regularly update my applications and computers, and I use strong passwords.
Also, I don’t leave my paper files unattended when I leave; I use a password on my laptop which I don’t leave unattended when I’m not around.
Do you have some other advice for our readers so they could, at least partially, regain their privacy?
I use fake names on social media. I use Twitter and Facebook as these are part of my professional life. I intentionally post fake news about myself trying to blur the reality of my persona. I believe if more users did so, Facebook algorithms would become totally useless. I don’t give up my real name or date of birth when it is not needed.
I don’t recommend two-factor identification as I don’t trust these companies to share my phone with them. I turn off my geolocation unless needed; same with Bluetooth. Never use public Wifi.
I share my security knowledge and news and regularly read on these subjects to keep up to date.