In the modern business era, cybersecurity failures are among the most common forms of a PR disaster. Not only do breaches in your network cybersecurity show to customers and clients that you haven’t run your due diligence on your network, but it suggests that the privacy and security of those associated with your firm are at risk. Naturally, this is not the impression you want to give as a business. As such, firms fearful of the repercussions of a cyberattack on their reputation should pay attention to preparation, as detailed below.
Identify weaknesses
Your firm is only as strong as its weakest cybersecurity feature. That might be the mobile devices that your employees use, which are often protected poorly compared with laptops and tablets. It might be the “bring your own device” culture you’ve fostered in your firm, which opens more avenues for hacks on your staff’s computers. Or it might simply be the outdated firewall and cybersecurity software you’re using. Get to grips with your weaknesses, so then you can address them with urgency.
Inform staff
Your workers are the lifeblood of your company. But like the blood in the human body, any infection can quickly spread throughout your entire business, causing severe disruption from a single point of failure. So, helping your workers understand online risks is an important measure to take, preparing them for the kinds of risk profiles your firm may experience. Of course, this will be different depending on whether you’re servicing a large client base or you’re providing services directly to consumers—but the upshot is the same. Your workers need to know cybersecurity best practices, and it’s your responsibility to teach them that.
New solutions
It’s far better to invest heavily in cybersecurity solutions than it is to go without them and to risk suffering the consequences of an attack. Your insurance and protection are paramount if you’re to avoid falling victim to a cyberattack, which means you shouldn’t scrimp and save on the network security you install. In general, business network security has come on leaps and bounds in the past decade, with many new features and smart ways to protect your business data and your devices. Engage with these new technological solutions, bringing in the latest software from smart and responsive cybersecurity firms to stand the best chance of avoiding hacks and attacks in the future.
Public relations
A public relations victory in the space of cybersecurity is never having to deal with an attack. In such cases, showing off about your amazing record on security can be a positive for your brand’s image, projecting confidence and competence to your clients and customers. But if you do suffer an attack, your PR management will need to leap into play to limit the damage such an attack can have on your brand. Carefully piece this together with your team so that you’re transparent whenever you suffer a cyberattack—if you do at all.
There you have it: the key ways to protect your company and your brand from the damaging impact of cyberattacks.
