Still searching for that perfect resolution for the new year? Why not make 2018 the year you reinforce your privacy practices? Becoming more privacy literate is an excellent way to gain a feeling of greater control over your use of technology. It’s also a perfect antidote to commonplace anxiety over the latest headline news about hacking, leaks, and security breaches. Finding the time to up your privacy awareness is easier than ever thanks to the rise of podcasting. Podcasts, with their on-demand audio format, are a perfect medium for learning on the go, at the gym, or when traveling for work. (Nothing makes the time pass during a long flight like three or four excellent podcasts… except maybe Netflix episodes of Black Mirror!)
With so much podcast content out there, it can be a little daunting to know where to begin. In the spirit of helping you enhance your privacy practice, I’ve put together some of my favorites. I think you’ll find there’s a nice range here, for those who consider themselves privacy experts to ordinary people who care (or want to care more) about their privacy.
The IAPP Privacy Advisor Podcast
Hosted by Angelique Carson, Editor of the IAPP Privacy Advisor, the IAPP Privacy Advisor Podcast is an interview program with privacy professionals. Angelique delves into their professional experience as well as some of their personal background. The podcast was started in 2016 and covers a wide range of topics. The tone is conversational but very informative. You can start by checking out the top 10 privacy podcasts of 2017, or even jump right to her interview with me, in a conversation on privacy and mindfulness.
Cisco’s Privacy Sigma Riders Podcast
A relative newcomer to the podcast arena, but already boasting ten robust episodes, Cisco’s “Privacy Sigma Riders” podcast “is essential listening for anyone interested in cybersecurity, data protection and privacy.” The podcast is hosted by Michelle Dennedy, VP and Chief Privacy Officer at Cisco. Topics covered include a diverse selection of issues such as the fight against online harassment, data mashups and missteps, and protecting the most vulnerable populations online. This is great podcast for privacy professionals looking for practical advice on how to implement privacy engineering into their organizations.
The Complete Privacy and Security Podcast
One of the most consumer-focused privacy podcasts out there, The Complete Privacy and Security Podcast co-hosted by Michael Bazzell and Justin Carroll is the comprehensive “how-to” guide on becoming digitally invisible. From the podcast description:
“You will make all of your communications private, data encrypted, internet connections anonymous, computers hardened, identity guarded, purchases secret, accounts secured, devices locked, and home address hidden. You will remove all personal information from public view and will reclaim your right to privacy. You will no longer give away your intimate details and you will take yourself out of ‘the system’. You will use covert aliases and misinformation to eliminate current and future threats toward your privacy & security.”
Interested in going deep on your privacy and security? Dig into the 60 episodes available for streaming right now.
Note to Self
WNYC’s “Note to Self” offers a more wide-ranging selection of technology, mindfulness, and privacy podcasts, including a 5-day plan to “take back your digital identity… and maybe even your soul.” A good place to begin is the “Privacy Paradox” launch podcast, though the whimsical, entertaining catalogue offers a lot to enjoy. If one of your new year’s resolutions is to use technology more mindfully, this is the podcast for you!
From the podcast description:
“Join host Manoush Zomorodi for your weekly reminder to question everything. Is your phone watching you? Can wexting make you smarter? Are your kids real? These and other essential quandaries for anyone trying to preserve their humanity in the digital age.”
I especially like the idea that we can preserve our humanity in the digital age. All of the podcasts presented here have that impulse at heart, and privacy is essential to the process.
Enjoy, and best of luck for living your privacy practice in 2018!