Experts have used Data Privacy Day, observed today, to spotlight challenges in data management and protection across Australia and New Zealand.
IT Brief New Zealand has highlighted a recent survey indicating that 70% of Australians believe they lack control over how companies share their personal data. Meanwhile, two-thirds of organisations reported that their boards have a limited understanding of data governance challenges.
Keir Garrett, regional vice president for Cloudera in Australia and New Zealand, stated that effective data privacy strategies are essential. He noted that addressing these issues involves more than compliance with laws such as New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020 and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) guidelines.
Instead, Garrett argued, the focus should also be on giving individuals greater control over their personal information.
Recent high-profile cybersecurity breaches have highlighted vulnerabilities in data security systems, leading to public distrust and reputational damage for organisations. Experts have emphasised the importance of secure-by-design data management platforms, where privacy measures are embedded during the system development phase rather than being added later.
Ben Chamlet, senior director for solutions engineering at Twilio, discussed how the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming data practices. He pointed out that consumers are demanding more transparency in how businesses collect and use their data, especially in AI-powered processes.
Research by Twilio revealed that 60% of Australian consumers view robust data protection as a key factor in establishing trust with brands. Globally, nearly half of consumers said they would be more inclined to trust a brand that clearly explains its data practices.
Chamlet also highlighted a shift away from third-party data collection methods, such as cookies, toward first-party data strategies. First-party data, which is shared voluntarily by customers or collected directly through interactions, is seen as a more transparent and ethical approach to personalisation.
Healthcare organisations remain a key target for cybercriminals. Anthony Spiteri, regional CTO for Veeam, noted that the healthcare sector accounted for 18% of ransomware attacks last year.
Spiteri warned that while many organisations are increasing their cybersecurity budgets, these measures alone are insufficient. He recommended adopting a proactive approach, including data encryption, access control systems, and comprehensive employee training to mitigate risks.
He also pointed to the importance of real-time monitoring tools that detect potential vulnerabilities before data breaches occur. He stated that Data Privacy Day serves as a reminder for organisations to reinforce their security measures and foster a culture that prioritises data protection.
The discussions around Data Privacy Day underline a pressing need for businesses in Australia and New Zealand to balance data-driven innovation with a commitment to privacy and transparency. With the adoption of AI and other technologies expected to grow, companies face increasing pressure to implement ethical and secure data practices to retain consumer trust.
