Privacy Matters – Expect It. Respect It. Protect It.

Data Privacy Day (DPD) is an international effort held annually on January 28 to create awareness around the importance of privacy and protecting personal information. SiteLock has committed to being a DPD Champion to acknowledge and bring attention to the value and importance of privacy. This year, Data Privacy Day is all about respecting privacy, safeguarding data and enabling trust.

Respecting Privacy
Every time a customer visits your website, you’re collecting their data. When that customer buys something from your website, you’re collecting even more personal data. Many of these customers don’t know exactly how their information is being used. When a security breach occurs, these customers are left in the dark as to what cyber criminals are doing with their data. Studies show 87% of individuals are either somewhat or very concerned about their information being shared with another party without their knowledge or consent.

Your customers value their privacy. They want the freedom to choose what they share and with whom it is shared. Online data can be stored indefinitely, and it’s up to businesses to protect that data.

Safeguarding Data
One way to safeguard your customers’ data during checkout is by becoming PCI Compliant. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of requirements designed to ensure all companies that process, store or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment for their customers. PCI applies to any organization or merchant that accepts credit cards online.

Enabling Trust
Your customers’ trust is not simply a nice thing to have, it’s a critical asset. Brand value diminishes 20% to 30% on average as a direct result of a data breach. On top of that, it takes as long as a year to restore this kind of damage. Use data privacy day as an excuse to further protect your customers by respecting their privacy, safeguarding their data and enabling their trust.

^{Source: https://www.experian.com/assets/data-breach/white-papers/reputation-study.pdf, https://www.staysafeonline.org/about-us/news/results-of-consumer-data-privacy-survey-reveal-critical-need-for-all-digital-citizens-to-participate-in-data-privacy-day}