To mark International Data Protection Day 28th January 2016 IT Services collaborated with Information Compliance and the Science Gallery to run a number of interesting and successful events, which you can read about below:

Drop in Lock-Picking and Encryption Workshops

These interesting workshops provided the opportunity to learn how to pick physical locks and encrypt your data to keep it safe online. Attendee’s had the opportunity to find out how to secure their emails, chat securely and avoid surveillance and censorship online using trusted tools and technologies.

Online Privacy: Risk, Opportunity & Innovation

How can the internet adapt to a more privacy-aware culture? How can we address the risks of online life, but still seize business, social, and cultural opportunities? With the rise of AdBlock, Ghostery, and a general frustration with online advertising, how can businesses continue to reach new customers?

An interesting panel debate took place with guest speakers:

Know your Rights

As an individual or a consumer you should know that that when you give your personal details to another organisation or individual, they have a legal duty to keep these details private and safe. This process is known as data protection.

Know your Responsibilities

As a staff member or a student in the University you may be collecting and storing personal information as part of your job role, studies or research.  You have a responsibility to ensure that the data is stored and processed appropriately and securely.

Have a read through our top 10 tips below to ensure that you are doing all you can to protect the data entrusted to you

Top 10 Tips for Data Protection

1. Become familiar with Trinity’s Data Protection policy and procedures. These can be accessed on the website at www.tcd.ie/Info_Compliance/dp
2. Complete Trinity’s Data Protection training, either in person or via podcast.
3. Do not retain excess data, only record the precise data that you need
4. Keep data up-to-date and accurate
5. Keep data safe and secure: keep offices/filing cabinets locked, password protect your computer or other computing devices, update the software on them regularly and use antivirus software to keep them free from threats. See www.tcd.ie/itservices for further information
6. Remembering passwords can be difficult but passwords are often the sole keys to accessing your information and are fundamental to your security. Passwords need to be long, complex, unique and not easy to guess, so no dictionary words, names or dates of birth.
7. Back up digital files regularly and securely, use encryption where appropriate to protect the data from unauthorised access.
8. Do not disclose personal data to a third party, even at the request of the data subject’s family or friends, without the data subject’s consent.
9. Regularly review the data you hold and dispose of data you no longer need by confidential shredding or deletion. Don’t forget your deleted items folder and recycle bin, and take appropriate steps to clear hard drives on computers, tablets and phones before disposal
10. Take extra care with sensitive data such as medical or financial information, and only store sensitive data on laptops or devices which are password-protected and have suitable encryption software in place.

Remember IT Services are always available to advise you on how to manage data securely.  We can advise on encryption techniques, evaluate IT partners’ products and services or review your current arrangements and advise on any improvements that may be necessary.

The College Information Compliance Office is also available to assist with any queries around Data Protection Legislation and compliance.