As more and more business operations are moving to the internet and the cloud, the issue of data privacy is becoming hotter by the day. Keeping the information secure from hackers is vital for keeping the business afloat. One small mistake can lead to the loss of reputation, which is often the company’s killer.
Data privacy has become a tool many marketers are using to attract customers to the company’s products. The hype about the data privacy was reinforced by the new European data privacy law.
Sharing Data For Identity Theft?
When it comes to marketing, the majority of modern campaigns are based on data collection. People fill out numerous forms, sharing information in exchange for freebies. Where does the information go later? How safe is it really? Marketing specialists promise utter privacy to the customers. But do they go through with their promises?
While there are laws controlling the actions of online companies forcing them to keep the data you share private, it’s important to take precautions so as not to become a target for a hacker. Even though there isn’t too much hype about identity theft today, many IT companies warn that the threat is just as real as it used to be.
Respectable companies are taking steps to protect their customers’ data while complying with the regulations.
Overusing Data?
Marketers have many opportunities to take advantage of the customers’ data. In most cases, such data is not used maliciously. Most companies use the data they acquire to improve their services and retain customers.
However, some marketers overuse data in such ways that customers themselves don’t expect. Some of these approaches make customers feel as if their trust and security has been violated. For example, a company may share its calling or email list with another company.
While you can’t keep the marketers from overusing the data, you can protect yourself from becoming a target of dishonest marketers.
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Choose Websites Wisely
Today, 90% of the websites you visit will bombard you with freebies to get your email address. Stop and think, how much do you really need this freebie? Are you willing to be spammed with emails from this particular retailer?
Many customers make impulsive actions when sharing their information on the website. This is what the marketers bet on. Allow yourself a few seconds of thinking before making that click.
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Turn Off Location Information
Don’t agree when the websites ask you to share your location, be it on desktop or mobile. It’s an additional piece of information you are giving the marketers. Sharing your location may be important on some local websites. However, in the majority of cases, giving out this information is unnecessary.
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Look For The Lock Icon
The little lock icon at the beginning of the URL signifies that the website is protected by SSL encryption technologies. This makes it much less likely for your information to be stolen. In fact, sharing your information on the website without the lock icon is downright dangerous, especially when you are making credit card payments.
Data security in marketing is not perfect. Some marketers refuse to take advantage of security options in order to get more profit. It’s up to the customer to make the right decisions when sharing information online.
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