The top 10 marketing & tech trends that tickled our fancy in 2014! (part two)

Part two of our top ten list of marketing trends is all about data! Big data started gaining traction as a concept last year, and in 2014, we’re finally starting to figure out what it actually means. Simply put, “big data” is an all-encompassing term for any large collection of data too big and complex for traditional processing applications. With Big Data awareness on the rise, let’s take a look at two data-related trends of 2014.

8. Data Breaches

2014 saw a number of high profile companies experience significant data breaches.  In most countries, data breaches are most often caused by either insiders in the company leaking information, or a criminal attack. According to a recent report by the Ponemon Institute, 43 per cent of companies have experienced a data breach in the last year, up 10 per cent from the year before. This number is only expected to rise.

Data breaches damage a company’s long-term reputation and can significantly decrease customer loyalty. According to the report, the average cost to a company that experienced such a breach was $3.5 million – 15 per cent more than the previous year! This money must be spent regaining the company’s brand image, retaining old customers and acquiring new ones. Recovering from a data breach is never easy.

7. Data security

Given the devastating nature of a data breach, the best way to deal with a potential breach is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Companies need to have a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy, including solid encryption practices, digital certification and user education and awareness. Your company should also consider investing in cyber liability insurance, if you haven’t already.

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