Data protection is more than just part of the IT toolkit. More than ever, the pressure is on to make smarter use of customer data without breaching regulations and trust. Security-forward businesses understand that, and embed data security into every aspect of their operations.
Companies that make the most of their data uncover new efficiencies and find opportunities to innovate and personalize products and services. But with high-profile data breaches still a common occurrence, many businesses are emphasizing data protection as a core part of their brand image and strategy.
A movement among businesses to prioritize customer privacy and data protection as part of their core strategy.
Putting data protection at the heart of your business can help build trust and protect you from the reputational damage and financial losses of data breaches.
Depending on your current approach to security, you may have to make significant cultural and technological changes.
Security-forward businesses are improving their reputation and using their image to attract new customers, build trusted partnerships, and even deliver new products.
What is it?
Security-forward businesses place significant emphasis on their data privacy and protection efforts, making their approach to security a core part of their brand image, and a key competitive differentiator.
Today, there’s a major tension between the demand for smart services and concerns about data protection. Customers want intelligent, connected, and personalized services and experiences. But, they don’t want to expose their data to any risk. security-forward businesses acknowledge that concern, and do all they can to provide the services customers want, while keeping their data and privacy safe.
That helps to improve satisfaction, win trust, and encourage long-term loyalty among increasingly security-aware customers.
What’s in for you?
People want to know that you’re using their data responsibly. If they get the impression that you’re breaching their trust, or neglecting their privacy rights, they’ll take their business elsewhere.
By taking a transparent and ethical approach to data privacy and protection — including how you capture, store, and use customer data — you can build stronger customer and partner relationships. Adhering to regulations and keeping data secure also helps you mitigate the risk of financial loss and reputational damage.
You can also increase engagement and trust by introducing flexible data privacy features to your products and services to give users greater control over how you use their data.
What are the trade offs?
Depending on your existing approach to data privacy and protection, you may find that significant changes are needed before you publicly promote your commitment to security. It’s not enough to simply say you’re committed to security, you must be ready to demonstrate that commitment — and that takes work.
What’s more, there’s a risk that as more businesses choose to focus their PR strategy on security, the more likely their sincerity will be brought into question. It’s important not to overplay it, as you may come across as disingenuous or simply jumping on the bandwagon.
How is it being used?
The likes of Apple and Facebook have made very public changes to their services to prioritize security following data breaches. By putting security first, these organizations are protecting themselves against everyday cyberthreats and building trust among partners and customers.
However, as customers become more security aware, the qualities of security-forward businesses are quickly becoming a basic expectation. Strong security policies and a commitment to protecting customer data won’t be enough to help you stand out for long.
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