Cybersecurity is critically important for any market research business due to the sensitive nature of the data we handle and the potential consequences of a security breach. Here’s why we decided to take our cyber security to another level by completing the IASME Cyber Essentials certificate:
1. Protection of Confidential Data
- We often deal with proprietary client data, including market strategies, consumer behaviour insights, and competitive intelligence. A breach could expose this sensitive information, damaging client trust and business reputation.
2. Regulatory Compliance
- Regulation is a key element, we are fully compliant with data protection laws, such as GDPR (Europe) and also abide by the strict code of conduct of the Market Research Society of Great Britain.
3. Safeguarding Consumer Privacy
- Market research frequently involves collecting personal and demographic information from participants. Ensuring the security of this data protects the privacy of individuals and helps maintain ethical standards.
4. Reputation and Client Trust
- We’ve worked hard to build our reputation, so anything that risks it is worth protecting. Maintaining robust cybersecurity measures demonstrates our professionalism and commitment to protecting our clients interests.
5. Financial Protection
- Cyberattacks, such as ransomware or data breaches, can lead to significant financial losses through recovery costs, legal fees, fines, and lost business. Proactive cybersecurity measures can mitigate those risks.
6. Preventing Intellectual Property Theft
- We’ve developed proprietary methodologies, analytics models, and insights that are valuable assets. Cybersecurity ensures this intellectual property remains protected from competitors or malicious actors.
7. Continuity of Operations
- Cyberattacks can disrupt operations by compromising systems or data. Robust cybersecurity ensures business continuity and minimises downtime in the event of an attack.
8. Mitigating Insider Threats
- Employees, contractors, or third-party vendors can inadvertently or maliciously compromise security. A comprehensive cybersecurity framework, including access controls and monitoring, minimises risks.
9. Handling Global Data Exchange
- Market research often involves working with clients and data across multiple jurisdictions. Secure systems are essential for safely managing international data exchanges and ensuring compliance with diverse data protection laws.
10. Competitive Advantage
- In a highly competitive industry, demonstrating strong cybersecurity practices can be a differentiator. We know our clients will appreciate working with a market research partner that prioritises data protection and security.
We’re proud to be IASME Cyber Essentials accredited.
