Protecting client data is vital no matter what industry you’re in, it’s especially important for designers as we hold so much data about businesses we work with that we need to keep this information secure at all times. In this article we discuss Why is Data Privacy so Vital During Logo Design?
Human error is linked to 60% of all data breaches and other cyber attacks in the UK, as reported in research from Gallagher. This data is both a good and a bad sign. The upside is that the issue can be solved through training and the use of reliable software and cloud storage systems. The downside is that cyber attacks are becoming increasingly more frequent, having already affected approximately 3.5 million companies.
If you are a niche firm that has set aside a percentage of your branding budget to hire a designer that can come up with a groundbreaking logo, you will have to relinquish various pieces of data to enable them to provide an informed perspective. If you are designing your own logo, you should be extra vigilant, since established designers may already have a foolproof cybersecurity strategy in place like we do here at The Logo Creative. To ensure that sensitive information about your clients, your business strategy and your employees remains completely safe, ensure data remains private by following these tips.
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What Type of Information will be Involved in Logo Design?
Whether a design firm or individual designer takes charge of logo design or you’re foolish and decide to have a stab at it yourself, you will probably have to provide or access key data that will help to distil the spirit and ethos of your firm. This may include analytical data you have already obtained from clients, as well as their age, location, social media sites, and their or your product and service preferences. The designer will also need your information – including your name, address, financial information so they can bill you, etc. All this information will also need to be analysed if you are your company’s logo designer.
How do Logo Design Firms Use Your Information?
The information you are asked for should always have a purpose — above all, that of listening to your company’s ethos and aims. Key information will also allow designers to present different services (including web design, social media management etc.) which work alongside company logos to create and express brand identity. It will enable the marketing or design firm to let you know when new services or products become available and to rely on your opinion for feedback, reviews, etc.
Defining Your Limits
When dealing with a logo designer or if you are co-designing a logo, always ensure you set limits in terms of which type of data you wish to share. You may, for instance, wish to keep information such as the location of your biggest clients a secret, or simply be bound to privacy – which is something the designer or firm will have to respect. If you are handling sensitive data yourself when designing a logo on your own, it is vital to keep data safe throughout the process. Unwittingly exposing your clients to hackers will destroy the trust they have in you and reveal holes in your company’s data privacy code of ethics.
Changing Your Mind
You should always be in control of your personal information during the process of logo design. If you have previously agreed to the design firm having access to key information, you should be able to change your mind immediately by simply informing them that this is the case. The firm does not have the right (unless expressly authorized) to sell your information. However, most companies use data obtained from clients and providers to send information they think these companies may find useful. At any point in your dealings, you should also be able to receive information regarding the nature of data on your company that the firm is using.
Third Party Data Sharing
Once you or your firm of choice have designed your logo, some information about your company may be required to get your logo printed or merchandize manufactured. Sometimes, a designer may need to ask reasonable advice from another designer or even sub-delegate components of logo design to another firm. All these will be trusted partners bound by contractual obligations such as privacy and secrecy, but this type of sharing should be known to you in their data privacy policy.
Protecting Important Data
Data Protection can be achieved through smart password protection strategies, the use of trusted firewalls and anti-virus protection, and encryption protocols — to name just a few strategies. However, any strategy adopted should be done on a wide scale and should cover everything from correspondence (printed mail is more secure than emails or instant messaging) to data shredding. Ensuring your Wi-Fi network is protected and secured with a strong password is also key.
Cookie Use
The use of cookies is widespread and before you have even dealt with a designer, chances are, they will already have stored a small amount of data in your browser. This is done mainly to see whether or not you are a repeat visitor, or to track trends and patterns so they can, if necessary, make changes to their website. It can also help identify you as someone who is potentially interested in their services. Their advertisers could also potentially be permitted to set their own cookies on your browser.
Ransomware Attacks Threaten the UK
When you are working on a logo and you are trying to meet a tight deadline, the last thing you need is ransomware hijacking your data for several days. In the case of some attacks, payment is even demanded in DASH cryptocurrency that’s distributed via multiple vectors, including ZIP files and spam emails. Ransomware continues to be a huge threat to UK companies. SonicWall reports that in 2019, the UK was the second most affected country on a global scale, with ransomware attacks around by 195% in the first six months of last year. In 2017, the NHS itself was afflicted by various days during the WannaCry outbreak — an event that rocked the proper functioning of key systems.
Avoid Ransomware Attacks while Designing Your Logo
Backing up the data required for the design of your logo is the best way to ensure that, should you be unlucky enough to have to defend yourself against a ransomware attack, your workflow won’t be compromised. This way, your team can continue to make progress on your branding strategy with full access to key files. Also, rely on content scanning and filtering on your email servers so that all emails arriving in your system are scanned and blocked if they should post a threat. Software patches, which regularly fix vulnerable software issues, can help keep your data from being compromised.
Training Staff on Safety Measures
You may ultimately be responsible for your logo’s design but even if you are relying on an outside company, you should receive a guarantee that all staff is trained to spot and put an end to ransomware. For instance, they should be asked not to provide personal information via email or engage unsolicited callers who try to trick them into installing malware. If part of your team is travelling and will be needing public WiFi, they should protect their data by using a good VPN. Finally, all staff should be instructed to avoid giving into ransomers’ demands. The best policy is to immediately notify management so that steps can be taken to ensure the situation does not happen again. For instance, it may be necessary to update your security software.
Best Practices are Also Key
Forbes’ Insights team states that training staff on cybersecurity in particular is one thing but ultimately, the stronger your team is and the more seamlessly they work, the less likely attacks are to open the company to vulnerability. They state, “Awareness is a big part of the battle. Incorporating best practices into every nook of the business is another”. Leadership is also important. Good managers know how to attract and retain good talent, including those who are focused on security. Goal-oriented employees who are keen on updating their knowledge and networking with mentors and other key figures can help ensure that your company always has cutting edge cybersecurity measures in place.
When dealing with a logo designer or designing your own brand material, giving data privacy its due importance is vital. The process begins with understanding normal, reasonable uses of data obtained. These uses include cookies, as a way for companies to comprehend key trends and patterns. Provision of specific information to third parties involved in logo production may also be required. The more merchandise that’s produced, the more likely everyone from clothing to accessory manufacturers will require important data on your company.
When you are designing a logo yourself, your concerns are less about third parties and more about protecting your vital information and that of your clients. One of the UK’s most pressing problems is malware, so make sure you take all the steps you need to (including data back-up). Finally, invest in staff training. The vast majority of data breaches and cyber security attacks are caused by none other than human error.
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