Who Owns Your Data?: Cybersecurity, Ethics, and Digital Rights is a timely and insightful book that explores one of the most important questions of the digital era who controls personal data in an increasingly connected world. This professional reference examines how data is collected, stored, shared, monetized, and protected across digital platforms, while highlighting the growing importance of privacy, cybersecurity, ethical responsibility, and legal rights. The book provides a structured understanding of key topics including the data economy, digital ownership, personal data classifications, cybersecurity foundations, phishing, ransomware, data breaches, encryption, authentication, privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, AI ethics, surveillance, consent, transparency, GDPR, CCPA, global data laws, digital rights, blockchain, Web3, decentralized identity, IoT risks, and the future of privacy protection. Designed for students, researchers, educators, IT professionals, policymakers, and cybersecurity enthusiasts, this book bridges technical knowledge with real-world social and legal implications. It explains complex concepts in a clear and accessible format, making it valuable for academic learning, professional development, and policy awareness. With growing concerns around cyber threats, misuse of personal information, and AI-driven decision-making, Who Owns Your Data?: Cybersecurity, Ethics, and Digital Rights serves as an essential guide for understanding digital citizenship, responsible technology use, and the future of secure, ethical data governance in the modern world.
About the Authors’
Dr. Hannah Vijaykumar is working as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science, Anna Adarsh College for Women, Chennai with three decades of teaching experience. She obtained her MCA and M.Phil from Bharathidasan University and completed her Ph.D from University of Madras. Her research domain is Software Engineering and her areas of interest include Software Metrics and their Constraints, Agile Software Development, Cloud computing architecture and Cyber security. She has published 5 papers in International and National Journals. In addition she has published 6 book chapters and authored 5 books. She has 3 International and 1 National patent in her interest areas. Dr. Hannah Vijaykumar serves as Dean Science, Anna Adarsh College for Women, Chennai.
Ms. Unnamalai K. is a passionate Computer Science professional currently working as an Assistant Professor at Anna Adarsh College in Chennai. With over two decades of teaching experience, she holds expertise in Operating Systems and Microprocessors. She is presently pursuing her Ph.D. in Cybersecurity at the University of Madras. Unnamalai has authored 18 research papers in various reputed journals. She played a key role in developing study materials and course content for the Master’s program in Computer Science at Tamil Nadu Open University, specifically in the area of Computer Architecture. Additionally, she has published a book on Operating Systems and has guided several student projects in the field of Machine Learning.
Dr. A. Lakshmi MCA, M.Phil, SET, Ph.D. is an accomplished academician with over 27 years of distinguished teaching experience in the PG Department of Computer Science and Computer Science with Data Science in Anna Adarsh College for Women (Autonomous). She currently serves as the Head of the Department of Computer Science with Data Science providing academic leadership, curriculum development, and strategic direction aligned with emerging industry trends. Her areas of specialization include Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Data Science. She has published and presented numerous research papers in Scopus-indexed journals and reputed international and national conferences and also authored several academic textbooks like Python Programming, Computer Architecture and Organization, Java and Data Structures. Her publications are widely used by undergraduate students for their clarity, structured approach, and practical orientation. Dr. A. Lakshmi continues to play a pivotal role in advancing technology education and preparing students for global careers in Computer Science and Data Science.
Ms. Vaddithandra Vijaya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at CMR Institute of Technology, Medchal (Kandlakoya), Hyderabad, Telangana. She brings over 14 years of teaching experience in higher education. Her areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation, Computer Networks, and Software Engineering. She is deeply passionate about integrating emerging technologies into academic practice and fostering innovative thinking among students. Her teaching approach emphasizes practical learning, conceptual clarity, and industry relevance. Ms. Vijaya actively contributes to curriculum development and student mentoring, preparing future engineers to meet evolving technological challenges. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Machine Learning at Anna University, Guindy, Tamil Nadu. She has published several research papers in Scopus-indexed journals and presented at international conferences. In addition, she holds granted patents and utility patents for her innovative work. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Indian Icon Teaching award.
Dr. G. Vasukidevi, Working as an Associate Professor in Department of Computer Science and Engineering, R.M.K. Engineering College, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. She has professional teaching experience of over 21 years. Her area of research interest is Blockchain technology, Data Science and Analytics. She is has published 22 Journal articles in reputed National and International journals. She has received Best faculty award, Best researcher award in the year 2023 and 2024.
