Valentine’s Day Special: Cyber Love or Cyber Risk

Date: Friday, 14th February 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Hosts: Philip Brining, Joe Kirk, Catarina Santos

Valentine’s Day is all about trust, connection, and relationships—but how much do we really trust the companies handling our personal data? Whether it’s dating apps storing sensitive information, businesses relying on third-party vendors, or individuals sharing login details with loved ones, data protection is crucial in both personal and professional relationships.

In this special Data Protection Made Easy episode, our expert hosts will take a deep dive into how personal data is used, misused, and sometimes exploited in the name of love. From real-world breaches in the UK’s online dating industry to the dangers of data sharing within organisations, this session will be packed with insightful discussions, expert advice, and cautionary tales.

What’s on the Agenda?

How Dating Apps Handle Your Data:

Dating apps collect and store vast amounts of personal data, from names and locations to preferences and even biometric data like facial recognition for profile verification. But what really happens to that data behind the scenes? We’ll examine:

• The privacy policies of leading dating apps and what users unknowingly consent to.
• How long dating apps retain your data after you delete your profile.
• Major data breaches in the UK online dating sector and how they impacted users.

Finding a Trustworthy Partner – In Business and Beyond:

Just like in dating, businesses need to be selective about who they trust. Choosing a third-party vendor to handle personal data comes with risks, and companies need to ensure the right security measures are in place. We’ll explore:

• The key due diligence steps businesses should take when engaging third-party vendors.
• Lessons from high-profile vendor-related data breaches.
• The role of Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) in keeping relationships secure.

Sharing Passwords – A Sign of Trust or a Security Risk?

Sharing passwords is often seen as a sign of trust in relationships, but is it ever a good idea? Whether you’re sharing a Netflix account with a partner or a company login with a colleague, password security is more important than ever. We’ll discuss:

• The dangers of password sharing in personal relationships and how it can lead to identity fraud.
• The risks for businesses when employees share credentials.
• Best practices for secure password management, including password managers and multi-factor authentication.

When Data Breaches Lead to Heartbreak:

Some of the biggest data breaches in dating history have exposed millions of users’ personal data, leading to blackmail, reputational damage, and even financial fraud. In this session, we’ll revisit some of the most shocking data leaks from UK-based dating apps and explore:

• How these breaches happened and whether they could have been prevented.
• The legal consequences for the companies involved.
• Steps individuals and businesses can take to minimise their exposure to data breaches.

Who Should Tune In?

Whether you are a Data Protection Officer, IT Security Professional, Compliance Specialist, or just someone interested in how your data is handled, this session will offer valuable insights and practical takeaways.

If you work in a business that shares personal data with third parties, this discussion will help you understand how to vet your partners and avoid compliance pitfalls.

How to Listen Live or Catch Up Later

Join us live on Friday, 14th February, where you can engage with the discussion, ask questions, and share your thoughts on data protection in the modern world.

If you can’t make it, don’t worry—the episode will be available on-demand across all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and our website.

Sign up now and ensure your data stays as secure as your most trusted relationships!