Data privacy: Protection that continues to fail

Cyberpeace Tech
Jul 23
3 min read

Today, protecting data privacy has become more important than ever. Although companies and governments are allocating more resources to cybersecurity (such as firewalls, encryption, and digital education), personal information leaks not only continue but are increasing every year.

For example, in 2024, more than one billion notifications were sent to victims of security incidents, reflecting an alarming growth in data breaches.

This situation shows that current efforts, while useful, remain insufficient.

Data privacy: more than a technical issue

Effective defense of personal privacy must be based on three fundamental pillars:

Appropriate technology.
Social awareness.
Clear regulations.

When one of these elements fails, the entire system is weakened. In many cases, cybersecurity tends to be seen as a strictly technical problem, but the reality is that tools alone are not enough.

Encryption and multi-factor authentication are not optional

Encryption is essential for keeping data secure. Browsing websites that use protocols such as HTTPS, for example, prevents attackers from spying on your communications. However, protecting only data that is “in transit” (i.e., moving between two points) is not enough.

It is also necessary to encrypt data at rest (stored), such as that stored in the cloud or in corporate databases.

Despite its importance, this type of protection is still rarely applied. Many companies in Mexico and around the world do not adequately encrypt their files, leaving a large amount of information exposed.

Another vital resource is multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires more than one verification to access systems or accounts. This simple measure can significantly reduce the risk of attacks. However, its adoption is not yet universal. Increasing its implementation in Mexican companies would be a key step in reducing vulnerabilities.

Awareness: the human factor remains weak

Most leaks occur due to human error. Often, people are not trained to identify risks or adequately protect their information. To counteract this problem, it is crucial to:

Train employees and users.
Implement data minimization policies.
Establish rigorous access controls.
Prepare incident response plans.

In addition, organizations must strengthen physical and digital security to prevent internal leaks or unauthorized access.

Legislation: a pending issue in many countries

In Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has established firm standards to protect individual privacy. In contrast, countries such as the United States still lack comprehensive national legislation, and Mexico also faces similar challenges.

Although Mexico has regulations such as the Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties, their enforcement and updating remain topics of discussion. Taking European regulations as an example can help strengthen the Mexican legal framework and ensure uniform protection throughout the country.

Tools yes, but willpower is lacking

We have the resources, knowledge, and laws to protect data privacy. However, their effective application is not yet widespread. To improve this situation in Mexico and around the world, it is essential to move toward:

Widespread adoption of encryption and multi-factor authentication.
Greater cybersecurity training and awareness.
A robust and unified legal framework that prioritizes personal privacy.

Data privacy should not only be a concern when a breach occurs. It is time to make it a collective priority for governments, businesses, and citizens alike.

At Cyberpeace, we believe that an informed citizenry is the best defense against digital threats. Cybersecurity education and responsible use of technology are key to protecting your privacy. Want to learn more about how to protect your information online? Follow us on social media and stay up to date with our recommendations.