For Immediate Release

Jan. 27, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is reminding Floridians of the importance of protecting their personal information during National Data Privacy Week, observed Jan. 26–30. The week encourages individuals and organizations to understand how their data is collected, shared and used, and to take simple steps that help safeguard their privacy.

“The protection of data privacy becomes especially important in a digitally connected era marked by rising fake emails, texts, and malicious links aimed at stealing passwords and personal information,” said Mike Duffey, Special Agent in Charge of FDLE’s Cyber Crime Technology and Telecommunications Division. “Safeguarding our privacy, and the privacy of those connected to us, remains essential, and taking a moment to verify any link before clicking is paramount.”

Whether shopping or banking online, gaming, using social media or working from a smartphone or computer, following basic data‑privacy practices can help keep your information secure.

Have a strong password and protect it:

Create a password that is at least 15 characters long, and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation. Keep your passwords private; never share them with others.

Use antivirus software and keep it updated:

Set up your antivirus software to monitor your system in “real-time” and keep it updated to protect your devices from the latest malicious software.

Turn your firewall on:

Firewalls protect your computer from hackers and other unwanted traffic. Current operating systems (for Mac and PC) come with a firewall already installed; keep it turned on. 

Apply your software security patches and updates:

Carefully review and install software patches as soon as they become available, especially for your operating system. This reduces the amount of time that you are vulnerable to an attack.

Carefully review your privacy settings on all social networking sites:

If you aren’t careful on sites like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), you can accidentally share information with everyone, not just your friends. Check the settings frequently to ensure your information stays protected.

Research any file before you download it:

Malware and spyware often hide within downloads, especially the free ones. Before you download anything, verify the source is legitimate. Scan email attachments with your antivirus program before you open them.

Beware of websites and emails that ask for personal information:

Identity thieves are creative in finding ways to get your personal information. Before you fill out any form in a website, or respond to any email, make sure you know where that information is going. If necessary, make a phone call to double check.

Watch out for frauds and scams:

Fraudsters and scam artists have become very sophisticated. Watch out for deals that are too good to be true, especially on auction sites or online classified ads. Do some research on any person or company before you do business with them. And never wire money to a stranger.

Secure your home wireless network:

Keep broadband thieves and hackers out of your wireless network at home. Create a strong network password and share it only with people you trust.

Secure your mobile devices with the same degree of protection you give your computer:

Smartphones, tablets and laptops are full of personal and confidential information. Be sure to protect them with passwords and consider full-disk encryption for your laptop.

Visit FDLE’s Secure Florida website for more information and tips to keep yourself, your family and your business safe at SecureFlorida.org.

Secure Florida is an initiative of the FDLE’s Cyber Crime Technology and Communications Division. Their mission is to establish and protect technological and telecommunication systems in support of criminal investigations. 

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us