EMC reveals conflicting views on Its Internet Privacy Study

EMC India has released the India and global findings of the EMC Privacy Index, a global study assessing consumer attitudes of online privacy. Spanning 15 countries and 15,000 consumers, the study explores how consumers worldwide view their online privacy rights and measures willingness to forfeit the benefits and conveniences of the connected world for the assurances of privacy.
 
Three distinct privacy paradoxes emerged from the global results –
 
“We Want It All” Paradox – On an average, Indian respondents say they are most willing to trade privacy for the benefit of digital technology:
•    61% of India consumers on average say they are willing to trade privacy for convenience.
•    Indian women are more unwilling to trade their privacy for convenience. 59% women say they are not willing as compared to only 43% men.
 
“Take No Action” Paradox – 64% of Indian respondents have suffered a data breach (email account hacked; mobile device lost or stolen; social media account hacked; and more.). Yet, many say they are not taking measures to protect themselves:
•         Further, 78% Indian respondents listed businesses using, selling or trading personal data for financial gain the top risks to the future of privacy.
•         64% Indian respondents claimed a high degree of confidence in the government in working to protect their privacy.
 
“Social Sharing” Paradox – Use of social media sites continues to explode. A vast majority of Indian consumers, 84%, say they don’t like anyone knowing anything about them or their habits unless they make a decision themselves to share that information.
 
These findings suggest consumers are likely to engage in more online activities with institutions that demonstrate greater privacy protection. This presents real opportunities that business and governments must not ignore. The study is instructive for consumers, businesses and technology providers.

“The unprecedented potential of Cloud and Big Data to drive commerce and societal advancement rests on a foundation of trust. Individuals need to know that their data not only is secure, but that its privacy is protected. The Privacy Index reveals a global divergence of views around these critical issues of our time, and a warning call that responsibility for transparency, fairness, safe online behaviour and trustworthy use of personal data must be shared by business, governments and individuals alike,” says Rajesh Janey, President, India & SAARC, EMC Corporation.
 
EMC suggests the following best practices for consumers to protect their privacy online:

•       Don't use same password for multiple accounts and change passwords frequently.
•       Use multi-factor authentication for email and other online accounts that offer it.
•       Don't use employer-owned devices or networks for personal business.
•       Turn off geo-location tracking for most mobile apps that don't require it.
•       Log out of apps when not in use.

Open Wi-Fi hot spots should not be trusted – investigate before connecting and avoid using open Wi-Fi to conduct sensitive transactions.

•       Keep devices current with the latest software and security updates.
•       Enable password protection, especially on mobile devices.
•       Get to know privacy policies of social media sites.
•       Limit the amount of information you share about yourself on social networks.