What To Do instead of Apologize for a Data Breach

It's no surprise that cybersecurity is a big challenge for businesses and individuals alike. The problem: life pretty much revolves around being online these days, so there’s no avoiding it. Thus, it’s your responsibility to ensure that any data you collect from your customers, employees, and other key stakeholders in your business is well-protected, otherwise you will face severe consequences.

Breaches are Costly

If you think bad PR is the only consequence of a cyberattack, you’re in for a rude awakening.

If customer data, financial records, and other sensitive business information is exposed, victims can experience a variety of bad outcomes, including identity theft, financial loss, and erosion of trust. You can bet that people aren’t going to want to hear an apology without other, more serious action taking place. They’ll want to know why it happened and what you’re doing about it.

And, if you fail to meet these expectations, that’s when the other consequences become an issue.

Prevention Beats an Apology

With cybersecurity, you should aim for prevention rather than damage control.

Your businesses will need powerful security solutions, comprehensive employee training, and proactive monitoring if it hopes to combat today’s threats. We recommend you implement preventative solutions like two-factor authentication, encryption, and security audits. These are non-negotiables these days, as without them, you’re putting your business (and its customers) at risk.

Remember, customers want to work with businesses that make their safety and security a priority, and it’s never been more imperative to do this.

Keep Your Promises

It’s equally critical that you practice what you preach, so to speak.

The public doesn’t want to hear another public apology from a company that was lax with its security measures and procedures. Rather than say you’re taking security seriously, show your customers through your actions. Do it in the first place and keep your promises.

A little transparency in this regard can go a long way toward fostering consumer trust and confidence in your business.

Take Responsibility

If you cannot meet the expectations of your customers, then you should be prepared to accept responsibility… and the consequences.

You might be subject to regulatory fines and lawsuits if you cannot protect your customers’ information. Moreover, your customers will leave your business and place their trust in a competitor who takes security more seriously. Your business can’t afford either of these, and it takes a culture of cybersecurity to ensure everyone is on the same page and willing to do their part to protect your company’s future (because that’s what’s at stake here).

Remember, leadership teams need to be invested in cybersecurity if your business wants to remain profitable and, well, in business.

Apologies are all well and good, but ideally, you want to prevent the need for them in the first place. Use your actions to prove your organization is taking security seriously, especially when customer data is involved. Macro Systems can help you take the necessary steps and precautions to work toward this goal; call us today at 703-359-9211 to learn more.