At Penn State, privacy is a shared responsibility. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, or visitor, there are steps that you can take to help protect your privacy and minimize risk. Below are examples of actions you can take to help protect yourself and other’s privacy.
-
Secure Personal Information
Protect all materials containing personal information; this includes documents, removable media, laptops, and other devices.
-
Encrypt Sensitive Communications
Use encryption or password protection for any sensitive information sent via email. Never send personally identifiable information (PII) via email.
-
Properly Dispose of PII
Shred documents containing PII when they are no longer needed and retention is not required.
-
Be Cautious with Personal Information
Be aware of the sensitivity of the information you manage and share. Take steps to ensure it is securely handled, stored, and destroyed when necessary.
-
Unsubscribe from Unwanted Emails
To stop receiving a particular type of email, click the unsubscribe link found at the bottom of the message. This allows you to manage your email preferences and reduce unwanted communications.
-
Be Proactive Against Identity Theft
Use this guide to learn how to reduce your risk and what steps to take if your identity is stolen.
-
Understand your Privacy Rights
In certain cases, you may have additional rights under state, federal, or international privacy and data protection laws. If you wish to request actions such as access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data in connection with a privacy-related law or consumer right, please complete the Data Subject Request Form.
Please note that certain information you request to access, correct, or delete may need to be retained to meet legal, regulatory, institutional obligations, or retention schedules. As a result, we may not be able to fulfill every request. However, we review all requests in good faith and in accordance with our policies and applicable legal requirements.
By taking proactive steps to protect your privacy, you contribute to a safer and more secure Penn State environment for all.