Data Privacy: Protecting Your Personal and Professional Lives

As more parts of daily farm and business life move online, the information you rely on — financial records, personal data, operational details, etc. — has become more valuable than ever. Protecting your information isn’t just a technical task. It’s part of safeguarding your business, your family and your peace of mind.

Why Data Privacy Matters

Digital tools have become essential for communication, banking and many other daily activities. With this convenience comes exposure to risks: confusing or unfamiliar notifications, misleading emails or apps that request more access than they need. These small moments can create real disruption as you try to identify fraud. But with the right habits, you can confidently use the tools that make everyday life faster, easier and more connected while keeping your information protected.

Protecting your information helps prevent interruptions to your work, avoids unnecessary stress, and ensures that sensitive documents stay in the right hands. Strong privacy practices don’t slow you down — they help keep your business running smoothly.

Here are some common risks you may encounter and tips on how to protect your information:

Spoofed Emails and Calls

Risk: Messages that resemble invoices, contracts or vendor notices can trick even experienced users. AI can be used by bad actors to mimic faces and voices to appear as people you trust.

Tip: Be the one to initiate conversations when sharing personal information, use a trusted method and confirm the identity of the recipient before proceeding. For instance, if someone calls you to request banking information, be proactive: hang up and call back at a known, confirmed number.

Benefit reminder: Taking a moment to verify helps ensure you can continue using digital communication tools safely and efficiently.

Outdated Devices

Risk: If your devices aren’t set to automatically update, they can get behind in versions and their security measures become outdated. As bugs and vulnerabilities are discovered by criminals, they can exploit these older versions to access sensitive data.

Tip: Set devices to auto-update to ensure you are protected and use reputable anti-virus tools.

Benefit reminder: Updated devices not only keep you safe — they typically run faster and more reliably, helping you get more done.

Apps That Overreach

Risk: Mobile apps collect far more data than necessary — location, contacts and sometimes, even files. Approving these requests from untrusted apps can put sensitive information in the wrong hands.

Tip: When installing apps, always review the permissions you are granting and only grant the least number of privileges required.

Benefit reminder: Choosing trusted apps lets you enjoy helpful features without giving up control of your personal or business information.

Stolen or Reused Passwords

Risk: Sometimes unauthorized access happens simply because a password is reused elsewhere or was purchased on the dark web.

Tip: Use strong and unique passwords for each account you use. Password managers  can help generate and store secure passwords.   When available, consider using passkeys instead of passwords to strengthen identity verification.

Benefit reminder: Strong passwords protect your most important information while giving you secure, streamlined access to your accounts.

A Shared Responsibility

Farm Credit East continues investing in secure systems and tools to help protect your information, but effective protection works best when we all stay aware of current scams and follow best practices. By combining strong security with simple day‑to‑day habits, you can make the most of today’s digital tools while keeping your personal and professional data safe. Protecting your data protects your future, your business and the people who depend on it.