Businesses Should Market Their Data Protection Policies

Customers are Concerned About ID Theft

Identity theft is a problem that seems destined to remain for the foreseeable future. Customers are concerned because they realize they are potential victims. There's a good chance your customer has been or knows an identity theft victim. There are over 10 million Americans victimized each year.

I always mention in my seminar that America is a wonderful place for many reasons. One reason is that we have a choice where we spend our money. We have every motivation to take our business elsewhere when we don't receive satisfactory service which includes protection of our sensitive data - SSN, driver's license number, date of birth, etc.

Your customers may take business to your competitor if they feel you're exposing them to identity theft through sloppy data protection policies. Take the responsible initiative to protect customer data and then advertise your efforts as part of your marketing plan.

The credit card companies have caught on to this marketing idea.  You probably remember the funny commercials about identity thieves. What is the message? These commercials are saying:

• We are aware of and share your concern about identity theft.
• We take our data protection policies seriously.
• We know you prefer to do with business with a company that respects your privacy concerns.

Educate Employees

Data protection and privacy can't be implemented by simply publishing rules. It has to become part of a business culture from the top down. Every business should consider increased training in their data protection responsibilities and perform periodic inspections to verify compliance.   Add business and customer data protection as an element to employee performance reviews.

It Should Be Obvious

It should be obvious to customers that protecting their data is an integral part of your business. For example:

• Crosscut shredders located in customer view.
• Passwords are always requested if the customer has indicated this desire.
• Customer data are never exposed to others.
• Computer monitors are not viewable by others or left unattended without 'locking' the screen.
• Social security numbers, account numbers and other data are not spoken loud enough for others to hear.
• Access to sensitive customer data is tightly controlled on a need to know basis.
• Forms and applications don't request sensitive data that is not required.
• Access to sensitive data is controlled.
• Information about identity theft prevention is available through brochures, company web site and public seminars.

Provide ID Theft Seminars for Customers and Potential Customers

Your business can show the community that you're taking proactive measures against identity theft through sponsorship of public seminars. Suggested topics would include Identity Theft, Reading Your Credit Report, and Social Engineering.

Provide the seminar on the weekends, evenings, and lunch hours to make it accessible to more people. Your business will provide a valuable public service and leave a good impression on your customers and potential customers.

Public seminars market the idea that you consider data protection as part of your business.

Employees Benefit Too

Your employees have a right to expect protection of their data.

Creating a business culture that emphasizes data protection increases customer satisfaction. It will have a positive effect on your employees too. Think of your personal situation. Does your human resource staff protect your data? Are they controlling access to your social security number? Does your company make you vulnerable to identity theft?

Take Action Against ID Theft Today

Create an effective data protection culture in your business and advertise it. Quality data protection is a win-win situation for your business and customers. It should be part of your marketing plan.