In times of escalating privacy and data breaches, customers expect every business — large or small — that collects their sensitive personal information will protect it. Better Business Bureau advises business owners to proactively address customer anxiety and takes steps to both prevent and prepare for a security breach. BBB has endorsed the Online Trust Alliance’s Data Protection and Breach Readiness Guide, recently updated for 2012

Last year, more than 125 million people were affected by data loss incidents.  Increased awareness of these high visibility incidents, as well as aggressive data collection and sharing practices, have eroded consumers’ trust and online confidence, according to OTA.

“The Internet has become the land of opportunity for scams and, unfortunately, we see thousands of them every year,” notes Genie Barton, Vice President of the Council of Better Business Bureaus and director of its Online Behavioral Advertising Program.  “Consumers need assurances that they can trust the companies they do business with to secure their data, and the OTA Data Protection and Breach Readiness Guide is a great tool to help businesses protect themselves and their customers.”

In the wake of a security breach, it’s important to take action quickly. Small and large businesses alike need to be able to readily determine the nature and scope of the data incident, and take all appropriate steps to contain and stop the attack.

BBB recommends the 2012 guide and encourages all businesses to use its suggestions to help build a safer Internet for all.

The 2012 Data Protection and Breach Readiness Guide reflects input from a wide range of stakeholders, including interviews with companies that have experienced breach and data loss incidents, and industry and breach analysis experts.

For more data security advice you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/data-security, and for a complete OTA guide, visit https://otalliance.org/breach.html.