Personal Data Protection Office

We are increasingly reliant on technology for various aspects of our lives, safeguarding our digital assets has become paramount. One of the essential tools in this endeavour is antivirus software. Antivirus software, commonly referred to as antivirus or AV software, is a specialized program designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, also known as malware, from your computer or any other digital device. Malware consists of a wide range of threats, including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, and many more. The primary objective of antivirus software is to protect your system and personal information from these digital threats. Antivirus software works in a way that it has digital libraries of known malicious code i.e., an ever-growing database of all the malware that has been found out there and identified by various security experts. The Library is updated frequently no matter which antivirus software you are subscribed to or using. Some antivirus softw...

  Mobile applications (apps) have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. From checking the latest news on social media to ordering lunch and seeking entertainment, mobile apps are ubiquitous, especially among Gen Z. They have not only transformed our social lives but also revolutionized various industries, including e-commerce, health, and education. However, as we embrace these apps, it's essential to acknowledge the hidden risks and threats they pose. In this blog, we'll explore the dark side of mobile apps, focusing on the creepy permissions and trackers that invade our privacy. Moreover, we'll provide practical tips on how to detoxify your mobile phone and protect your digital life. Mobile apps have come a long way since their inception. The journey began in the 1980s with the Psion Organiser I model, considered the "World's First Practical Pocket Computer." This early device featured apps like a calculator and clock. A decade later, IBM introd...

  In the era of advanced Artificial Intelligence, the need for prudent handling of personal data in conjunction with generative AI models cannot be overstated. Recent revelations surrounding Google Bard Conversations have illuminated a pressing concern: sharing exchanges with AI chatbots such as Google Bard and OpenAI's chatGPT can inadvertently lead to the indexing of these conversations by search engines. This inadvertent indexing transforms what was meant to be a private exchange into potentially accessible public knowledge. In this article, I dive into the risks inherent in deploying generative AI and underscore the paramount importance of anonymizing personal data to fortify privacy. Consider this scenario: You engage in a conversation with Google Bard, Google's AI-powered chatbot, similar to OpenAI's chat GPT, especially as it integrates with the Bing search engine. If you choose to share a conversation link with a colleague, here's the startling revelation: G...

  Following the notification of an alleged data security breach at the Uganda Securities exchange in June 2022, t he Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) has concluded its investigation into the data security breach involving the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) and its technology partner, Soft Edge Uganda Limited. In its report, the Office revealed that the breach resulted in unauthorised access of personal data of individuals whose data was collected by USE.   Findings from the investigation indicated that the data security breach was caused by non-compliance with the Information Systems Policies Manual, the Data Protection and Privacy Act, and supporting Regulations. The breach was specifically attributed to a change in the firewall configuration that left a port open, which did not follow the established change management procedures.   Additionally, there were critical areas of non-compliance with the Data Protection and Privacy Act and supporting Re...