The rise of cyber attacks on major brands: A wake-up call for customer trust and brand protection?
This rising trend in the number of major organisations falling victim to a cyber attack has far-reaching reputation concerns for all businesses and brands. It raises critical questions about how customers perceive these incidents and the brands’ commitment to safeguarding their personal information.
The increasing number of cyber attacks on major brands should serve as a wake-up call, but is it being heeded? It appears that only when their reputation and bottom line are at risk do these companies take customer trust and protection seriously.
In recent months, we’ve seen a troubling surge in cyber attacks targeting well-known brands. Marks & Spencer (M&S) experienced severe disruptions in April, and now The North Face and Cartier have reported breaches that compromised customer data.
This trend raises critical questions about how customers perceive these incidents and the brands’ commitment to safeguarding their personal information.
- See our article: M&S crisis continues with comms under greater pressure
When customers see their favorite brands falling victim to cyber attacks, it can lead to a perception that these companies are not taking cybersecurity threats seriously.
This perception can be damaging, suggesting that brands may not value their customers’ personal data as much as they claim. The reputational fallout from such breaches can have long-lasting consequences, eroding customer loyalty, trust, and ultimately influencing purchasing decisions.
Brands must prioritise robust cybersecurity measures and transparent communication to reassure their customers and maintain trust. The stakes are high, and the cost of inaction could be significant over the long term.
If your organisation is facing an attack on its reputation, it’s crucial to act swiftly and decisively to mitigate the damage and restore customer confidence.
Get in touch if you need crisis communications support.
