In recent years, data has become an incredibly valuable resource, but also one of the most vulnerable to cyber threats. Throughout 2024, global privacy experienced a critical period marked by new regulations, significant court rulings, and an increase in cyberattacks. These dynamics have shaped an increasingly complex privacy landscape that will continue to be decisive in 2025 and beyond.
On the occasion of Data Privacy Week (January 27 to 31) and International Data Protection Day (January 28), ESET, a leader in cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the digital era…, emphasizes the importance of protecting personal and corporate data in an ever-evolving digital environment.
“Data, both personal and corporate, has become one of the most valuable assets for users and companies. Cybercriminals have been aware of this for a long time, which is why they are constantly launching malicious campaigns to try to access and steal it,” explains Josep Albors, Director of Research and Awareness at ESET Spain. “Data Privacy Week reminds us that protecting this information is not only a legal obligation but also an essential necessity to ensure trust and security in the digital environment,” he adds.
Key Lessons from 2024: Regulations, Sanctions, and Technological Trends
As ESET reminds us, the year 2024 brought forth regulatory and judicial decisions that have redefined global privacy. The fines imposed on major companies such as LinkedIn, Uber, and Meta for GDPR violations highlighted the need for rigorous compliance and proper protective measures. At the same time, rulings from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) generated new legal interpretations, such as the expansion of the definition of sensitive data and the establishment of stricter criteria for processing information under legitimate interests.
“We cannot forget that the adoption of regulations like the EU AI Act also underscored the growing concern about privacy and security risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence. These events highlighted that privacy is not just a technical issue but also a legal and strategic priority that requires continuous attention from organizations,” comments Albors.
Preparing for the Challenges of 2025
As the regulatory framework evolves, organizations will face a more challenging landscape in 2025. Stricter enforcement of regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act and new requirements from the EU AI Act will demand a proactive approach from security and compliance teams. At the same time, technological advancements are driving the proliferation of more sophisticated threats, with artificial intelligence tools being used to enhance cybercrime attacks. These trends also pose ethical and legal dilemmas, as the massive use of data in AI systems may conflict with users’ privacy rights.
In this context, indirect risks also emerge. According to ESET, cybercriminals could exploit fears of regulatory sanctions to extort companies, while a lack of preparedness could attract scrutiny from regulators. “All of this emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures and strengthening security strategies,” warns Josep Albors.
Recommendations for Users and Companies
To navigate this complex landscape, ESET recommends:
- Stay informed: Understand applicable regulations and their implications.
- Adopt good security practices: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and apply encryption to sensitive data.
- Invest in technological solutions: Implement tools like ESET Internet Security for consumers and ESET PROTECT Advanced for businesses, which provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
- Promote education: Raise awareness and train employees and users on the importance of protecting information.
- Update devices and software: Always keep operating systems and applications up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Monitor compliance: Stay aware of regulatory changes and conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) before introducing new products or services.
- Strengthen data security: Review existing protocols, identify responsible parties, and establish clear reporting and management systems.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: These networks are easy targets for cybercriminals. If you need to use them, ensure you use a VPNA VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a secure connection… to protect your connection.
- Back up data regularly: Ensure that your important data is backed up in a secure location, whether on an external drive or in the cloud.