Trust Issues for the Digital Age

Data fuels business and society in the digital age. Consumers and organizations are storing and sharing more information online than ever before, giving rise to new services and business models that provide significant benefits to society. From social networking and location-based services to electronic health records, mobile commerce and cloud computing, information is being shared and accessed faster and more easily than ever before.

As more of our daily lives go online and the data we share is used in new and innovative ways, privacy and data protection have become important and complex trust and reputation issues. For businesses, the growing volume and sensitivity of information being shared, stored and used is driving a demand for greater transparency about how this information is protected (security) and managed (privacy).

The result: data security and privacy have moved from the backroom to the boardroom. Data breaches and real (or perceived) privacy missteps now regularly make headlines and are a focal point for social media discussions and legislation worldwide. Failure to communicate on these important issues can damage business by eroding trust, tarnishing brand and reputation and undermining competitiveness.

Edelman Data Security & Privacy Group

Edelman’s Data Security & Privacy Group helps companies enhance trust and advance brand, reputation and competitiveness through communications and stakeholder engagement. We work with companies across a wide variety of sectors to prepare for data incidents, manage security and privacy issues, influence the policy agenda and define leadership positioning.

The group pairs deep knowledge of the privacy and security landscape with Edelman’s well-established expertise in corporate reputation, crisis communications, public affairs, social media and consumer marketing. Key geographic hubs include Edelman’s Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, Silicon Valley, Seattle, Brussels, London and Beijing offices.

Our Approach

Every company has unique needs related to data security and privacy that are driven by the type of information collected, how it’s being used and the policy landscape. There is no one size fits all solution. Edelman provides customized programs that address the specific needs and opportunities of a given client or sector.

 

Our Experience

Edelman has helped companies and organizations across a variety of sectors to navigate the increasingly complex environment surrounding the collection, use and protection of corporate and personal data.

Our experience spans the following areas:

• Prepare for and manage communications following a data breach or cyber attack. Through developing clear decision-making processes, we have helped prepare companies to act quickly and thoughtfully following a data incident. Clients have included leading health care, manufacturing and technology companies.
• Understand and influence the policy agenda. Edelman works with a leading technology industry trade association to influence the security and privacy policy agenda as part of its comprehensive technology policy platform in Washington, D.C. and Brussels. Through direct engagement of key stakeholders and targeted media relations, Edelman has helped make the association a go to organization for expert perspective on policy matters.
• Manage security and privacy concerns with a product or service. We worked with a leading technology company to manage potential privacy and security concerns when releasing an electronic medical records system. Through strategic engagement ahead of the launch and careful mention as part of the roll out, Edelman helped turn a potential liability into a competitive differentiator. We also work with a leading technology company managing communications around software security updates and vulnerabilities.
• Develop privacy and security thought leadership programs. Edelman helps the International Association of Privacy Professionals raise visibility of the privacy profession through a comprehensive thought leadership program. Through securing cross-sector speaking engagements, driving influencer attendance at its conferences and identifying opportunities to position the IAPP’s CEO as a thought leader, the IAPP is seen as a trusted expert on privacy issues.
• Launch security and privacy products. Edelman has worked for several years with leading brands in the security and privacy industry. Edelman’s experience spans consumer, enterprise and professional services, including anti-virus vendors, networking security solution providers and cyber forensics firms.