As small businesses, it’s important for us to be conscious of the security needs of our clients and customers. As a web development company, in particular, we must always be thinking about how to maintain the privacy and security of our clients AND our clients’ clients.

Collecting Information

As a business, it is necessary to collect information about your client. This information can be used for a variety of purposes from leads to newsletters or even internal research. The most important thing that businesses must remember when collecting any information from clients is to collect only what you need and maintain transparency.

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Collect Only What You Need

When collecting information from your clients via your website or another online source, collect only what you need. A simple website contact form shouldn’t need to collect sensitive information, but remember to protect this information anyway.

Some online forms collect sensitive information such as checkout forms on eCommerce websites. This is a case when you should be conscious of what you are collecting. Only collect the information you need to complete the transaction.

Transparency

Your business should be open and honest about what you will be doing with the information you collect. If you are going to be using the information for lead generation, mention this on the page where you collect their information.

If their information could be used for internal research, mention this in your privacy statement on your website.

Privacy Policies can be tricky. Make sure that you encourage users to read your privacy policy. Linking to it at the very bottom of your website in 10 pt font is not always sufficient.

Mention your privacy policy on your About page content or link to it again above the form on your Contact page.

Additionally, educate your users throughout your site about your privacy policies. Wherever it is relevant, mention your commitment to privacy and be transparent about your information collection practices.

Social Media and Privacy

Social media often gives us a false sense of security. We are lulled into believing that the people around us are our friends and family.

While most social media sites go through a lot of effort to protect the security of their users, be very aware of what your business is sharing about itself and yourself on social media sites.

Never share or encourage your users to share sensitive information on social media sites. When communicating with a client about a specific need or problem, encourage them to move to a private chat also known as a direct message or DM to discuss their problem. Wherever possible, encourage users to contact you offline such as calling or emailing privately to discuss their specific issue. This will aid in protecting your users’ privacy.

Due Diligence

Lastly, ensure that you conduct your due diligence to protect your users’ information. Protect your users’ information from vendors or partners with your company. Ensure that your vendors do not save or collect information from your clients without setting up the proper privacy protections. Additionally, inform your users whenever security breaches occur and encourage them to further secure their personal accounts from security threats.

Get Help Managing Security

If setting up and maintaining privacy and security for your clients and users seems overwhelming, contact Techno Goober for help. We can help you decide what is and isn’t safe for the web, and set up the proper security measures to protect your clients from potential online threats.

Call Techno Goober at 302-645-7177 or contact us online to get started with your new website or securing your existing website.