Protecting customer data is a method to protect data from cyberattackers as well as accidental leaks. CX leaders who prioritize this strategy can deliver tailored experiences to build trust with customers, increase loyalty and boost the bottom-line.

No matter if it’s PII (personally identified information), PII, medical records, financial data or even social security number, keeping customer information safe is essential for maintaining a trustworthy relationship. That’s why it’s essential to follow data privacy regulations, which vary by region (PIPEDA in Canada, HIPAA in the US and GDPR in the EU).

To ensure that only employees who need access to sensitive customer information are granted access, create roles based on each employee’s specific job responsibilities and assign permissions accordingly. It is important to ensure that access rights are re-established when an employee is promoted or moves. It’s recommended to secure information both while in transit data rooms and at rest, with tools like 256-key bit length encryption for email communications, or encryption of files on systems as well as servers.

Also, make sure to crosscut or shred paper copies of customer data prior to throwing them away. If a computer is shut down it is recommended to wipe the hard drive or physically destroy it. This will keep any data from getting into the wrong hands. This simple, proactive step can drastically reduce the risk of an attack on data.