The increasing integration of technology into daily life has led to a rise in data breaches, exposing personal information and affecting one in three Americans. These breaches disproportionately impact disenfranchised communities, which often lack resources for digital safety. The issue is particularly pressing during Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October.
High-profile data breaches have exacerbated vulnerabilities within disenfranchised communities, leading to financial burdens, identity theft, and discrimination. An example is the Grindr hack that exposed the HIV status of LGBTQIA+ users.
Encryption is a key tool against cyber threats, securing data by converting it into a format accessible only with an encryption key. However, regulatory discussions around encryption must balance security with innovation. Past mandates for backdoor access have shown that weakening encryption can lead to more frequent breaches.
Policymakers play a crucial role in supporting strong encryption standards without creating loopholes or stifling innovation. Regulatory measures should avoid placing undue burdens on small businesses while protecting digital infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the need for immediate action from both public and private sectors to protect personal information and support vulnerable communities. Strong encryption measures and improved cyber-hygiene practices are essential steps toward preventing future data breaches.
ACT | The App Association will host a panel at SXSW 2025 titled “IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Data Breaches and Encryption.” The panel will explore the importance of encryption as critical infrastructure and discuss policy challenges in balancing security with innovation. Panelists include Joe Bonnell from Alchemy Security, LLC; Dr. Lucienne Ide from Rimidi; Qyana Stewart from GlobalForce Tech Consulting, LLC; moderated by Graham Dufault from ACT | The App Association.
The panel aims to provide actionable steps for companies to strengthen their cybersecurity practices and engage policymakers in creating supportive regulatory frameworks.
