STARTING A CAREER IN PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION: STARTER KIT FOR PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION PROFESSIONALS
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Technology Policy Lead
Tech Hive Advisory
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October 2019
TABLE OF CONTENT
PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION PRIMER
APPS (ANDROID & IOS)
CONTACT
DISCLAIMER
Everything here is my opinion and is solely for educational purposes. It is not intended as legal advice or to endorse the courses or brands mentioned.
INTRODUCTION
I am frequently asked how to get started in privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity. I would love to see a rise in the number of young professionals in this space, and I take pride in seeing them flourish. In the region of the world where I am from, privacy and data protection are still evolving. I hope that aspiring professionals find this manual useful.
DIVING INTO IT
Unquestionably, privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity are quickly becoming crucial aspects of our technology-driven society. Cyberattacks and data breaches occur more frequently and become more costly and sophisticated, and global regulations impose greater responsibilities on companies. These regulations and emerging risks necessitate a new cadre of professionals to manage risk, shape entities into compliance, and ensure global competitive advantage.
May the force be with you as you begin this journey. I want to use this starter kit to demystify the entry barriers, create an easy path for those who want to walk this path and make it free. According to Faith Obafemi, a Blockchain lawyer with a similar kit, "the only investment you need to make at this stage is devoting time to walk through the resources." Ten articles will not make you an expert, nor will a certification automatically confer proficiency; you must commit to continuous development and be deliberate about your growth.
This starter kit is free, and I encourage everyone to contribute. If you have suggestions for how it can be improved, please email me. You have permission to share with others. The ultimate goal is to enlighten more people and cultivate professionals who understand these technical areas thoroughly.
I wish you well as you embark on this journey, and I appreciate you reading this. If you wish to provide feedback, you can reach me through my contact information.
PRIMER ON PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
I suggest you read this article to grasp privacy as a speciality. For cybersecurity, please read this article and also watch this video.
COURSES
I compiled a list of courses that could help you understand privacy and data protection. Some of the courses intersect with other fields, which can help deepen understanding. You can sign up for the courses (most are free), and if you can afford it, encourage your learning with certification.
HANDBOOK & GUIDANCE
The resources here provide a basic understanding of data protection and cybersecurity from different data protection authorities and organisations.
GLOBAL GUIDE ON PRIVACY LAWS
The guides provide a database of privacy laws in every country.
WEBINARS
I've attended some of these platforms' most interesting and informative webinars. To deliver knowledge-packed sessions, they frequently host webinars collaborating with reputable professionals or organisations.
CERTIFICATION
Some organisations provide certification to privacy professionals. Though I do not believe certification validates data protection knowledge, it is becoming the industry standard for jobs. I will not recommend any as the best, but I have read good things about the ones listed below:
NEWS AND BLOGS
I made a shortlist of some places where I find useful insight.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
3. Goethe Universitat, Frankfurt
4. Data Protection Scholars Network
CONCLUSION
The recommendations above are merely examples of how the space appears. It is not a complete kit that leads to expertise, but it does point aspiring data protection professionals in the right direction, which I hope will lead to excellence.
Thank you for reading, and please spread the word if you find it useful.