News

How to Maintain Consumer Trust After a Data Breach

Steve Wallace PortraitIn today’s digital landscape, data breaches are an unfortunate reality that organizations must confront. With cyber threats evolving and becoming more sophisticated, the importance of robust data protection strategies has never been greater. A data breach can pose significant risks to sensitive information, but they also threaten the trust that consumers place in brands. How do organizations navigate this complex terrain?

This Q&A with Syracuse University’s cybersecurity expert, Stephen Wallace, explores the multifaceted approaches organizations can use to prepare for potential data breaches and maintaining consumer trust. Uncover the strategies that help businesses safeguard their data and uphold their reputation in an increasingly connected world.

Interested in a career in cybersecurity? Check out the College of Professional Studies Bachelor of Professional Studies and Credit Certificate in cybersecurity administration!


Preparing for a Data Breach

What processes can organizations use to identify and assess potential vulnerabilities in their data security?

Organizations should consider a multifaceted approach to identify and assess potential vulnerabilities in their information security environment. One of the primary methods an organization uses to assess their risk is a security audit.

A security audit is a systematic examination of an organization’s information systems. This includes network infrastructure, software applications, and data storage solutions. By conducting an audit, organizations can pinpoint gaps and weaknesses in their security processes and procedures.

A vulnerability assessment is a crucial component of an audit. Organizations can use automated or manual techniques to scan for flaws vulnerable to an attack.

Additionally, penetration testing, or ethical hacking, can simulate cyberattacks to help organizations evaluate the effectiveness of their existing security measures. Finally, organizations should consider implementing a governance framework to help them identify and mitigate risks.

What types of training should employees receive to recognize and respond to potential data breaches?

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, employee training is critical to an organizations ability to recognize, respond to, and prevent data breaches.

Organizations can start educating their workforce on basic cyber hygiene practices. For example, foundational techniques can help organizations mitigate common vulnerabilities that cyber attackers will often attempt to exploit.

Cybersecurity has become a mission critical function inside all companies both large and small. Syracuse University has been designated, by the National Security Agency, as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through academic year 2028.

The College of Professional Studies offers a B.P.S. and Credit Certificate in cybersecurity administration, which will teach students about the cybersecurity tools, techniques and best practices.


Globe representing cybersecurity

Responding to a Data Breach

What measures should be in place for data recovery after a breach occurs?

Organizations should consider developing an incidence response plan and be ready to deploy it if necessary. This plan assigns roles and responsibilities, establishes communication plans, and tailors specific actions for different breach scenarios.

Regular data backups are also critical in this scenario. It is a good idea to regularly test these backups, ensuring that in a crisis, data can be restored swiftly and accurately.

How can organizations analyze and learn from past breaches to improve future preparedness?

If an organization experiences a data breach, resolving the immediate crisis is the top priority, but they should not stop there. Once things have stabilized, the leadership team should meet with cybersecurity experts and conduct a comprehensive post-incident review. It can be helpful to examine systems logs and system behaviors, to understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used in the attack.

Moreover, lessons learned from this analysis can be a source of useful information on an organization’s vulnerabilities. These lessons should lead to updated policies, enhanced training, and fortified defenses.


cybersecurity graphic for data breach blog post

Maintaining Consumer Trust After a Data Breach

How important is transparency in maintaining consumer trust during and after a data breach?

If a breach were to occur, the leadership team needs to understand that their initial steps will be crucial to maintaining consumer trust. Organizations should prioritize transparency, by immediately informing their customers about the breach using clear, honest communication. Customers feel reassured when the company engages in open dialogue, showing its commitment to addressing the issue head-on.

As the situation unfolds, the company should continue to provide regular updates, sharing their progress in securing the system and preventing future breaches. This approach can not only help to manage the immediate fallout, but it can also help build a foundation of trust.

Customers appreciate a company’s candor. The more a company communicates, the more likely it is that customers will remain loyal. Most customers understanding that breaches can happen to any organization and will value a company’s integrity if the company responds well. 

How can a customer’s perceptions of the company change after a data breach?

As outlined above, in the aftermath of a breach, customers closely watch how the company handles the situation. If the company is transparent, communicative, and takes swift action to address the breach and enhance security, the customer’s initial anger may transform into a cautious appreciation for the company’s integrity and responsibility.

However, if the company is evasive, slow to respond, or downplays the breach’s severity, the customer’s perception can sour quickly, leading to a loss of trust and a potential shift to a competitor.

Just remember, a breach can quickly become an organizations defining moment.

Which Online Minor Should You Enroll In?

young woman studying and working on her laptop


Are you unsure about which College of Professional Studies online minor to enroll in? Take this fun quiz to find out whether you should explore cannabis studies, project management, or creative leadership!

1 / 5

What excites you most about your future career?

2 / 5

How do you prefer to solve problems?

3 / 5

What type of environment do you thrive in?

4 / 5

Which of the following statements resonates with you?

5 / 5

What’s your ultimate goal in your career?

Disability-Rights Advocate John Robinson Joins Office of Microcredentials

John Robinson ’90, P’25

The College of Professional Studies announces the appointment of John Robinson ’90, P’25 as a professor of practice in the Office of Microcredentials. This position is made possible by a generous gift from the Einhorn Family Fund for Disability Entrepreneurship, founded by Syracuse University Trustee Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92 and his wife, Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92.

Robinson will help coordinate and scale the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities, while also serving as a member of its instructional team. The workshop is a non-credit microcredential program designed to empower people with disabilities to either become entrepreneurs or to be better prepared for employment.

Additionally, Robinson will collaborate with the University in developing and offering non-credit microcredentials aimed at educating potential employers on appropriate work environments and accommodations for employees with disabilities.

Through the College of Professional Studies, Robinson will assist the University in the development of funding for the continued offerings of these microcredentials.

“Syracuse University aims to become a global leader in the research and application of advanced technologies that can dismantle the professional boundaries and barriers experienced by people with disabilities,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Microcredentials. “John’s experience and background are essential to achieving that goal.”

Creating Pathways for Accessible Education

Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92 and Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92

A trailblazer in the architecture and entrepreneur industry, Steve Einhorn is dedicated to creating a more accessible campus. Previously, the family has supported the School of Architecture and made a naming gift to create the Einhorn Family Walk, which forever changed the footprint of Syracuse University. This latest gift builds on the Einhorn’s commitment to accessibility, which includes accessible online learning.

“The values that fuel this mission are baked into my DNA as an architect. As a trustee, we want to create a campus welcoming to all,” Einhorn says. “Syracuse is flourishing with entrepreneurial opportunities, and we need to create more space for the disability community.”

Einhorn says the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities provides space to thoughtfully merge technology and AI with the curriculum. Additionally, the program creates opportunities for people with disabilities in the entrepreneur industry as well as potential partnerships throughout the local community.

“This is an educational opportunity to sharpen the skillsets for business development and produce more mentors. It is an honor to be a part of this initiative,” says Einhorn.

The Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities is part of Syracuse’s Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program, a pilot program that started two years ago and was originally funded through the support of New York State Senator John Mannion. The program has received additional state funding for the 2024-25 academic year.

“We are deeply grateful to the Einhorn family for making John’s position possible, and to Senator Mannion for his ongoing support of inclusive education at Syracuse,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Together, we are creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to realize their potential.”

About John Robinson

Robinson holds a B.S. in Project Management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and an M.A. in Disability Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.

Robinson serves as the CEO for Our Ability, Inc., a disability-owned platform dedicated to building employment opportunities for people with disabilities through technology. In 2015, Our Ability, Inc. was presented with the Business Excellence Award in Small Business by the New York Small Business Development Corp and was also recognized in 2023 by the Zero Project as an Innovative Solution.

In 2013, Robinson was named one of the ten White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment. Moreover, Robinson was presented with the Chamber Champion Award in 2023 in recognition of actions that have advanced the mission of the Capital Region (NY) Chamber.

Robinson is the author of the autobiography, Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination, which reflects on his life as a quadruple amputee and the journey to his success. The book was adapted into a public television documentary titled Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story by WMHT.

To learn more about the Office of Microcredentials, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/microcredentials.


About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or education experience.

About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University

Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit foreverorange.syr.edu to learn more.

Executive Director of Student Experience Receives Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Brus Award

When it comes to providing educational access to military-connected students, the mission comes from the heart for Liz Green, executive director of the student experience at the College of Professional Studies.

Air Force 2nd Lt. Green is currently serving as a public affairs officer with the New York Air National Guard in the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field in Syracuse.

Green recently completed the Public Affairs Communication and Strategy Qualification (PACS-Q), a Department of Defense course at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade. The PACS-Q program includes six months of intense distance learning followed by a two-week capstone residency at Fort Meade.

In addition to graduating the program with academic honors, Green received the Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Brus Award for her overall achievements in a cohort of 77 public affairs officers and communication strategists. The award is the highest honor conferred on a graduating public affairs officer who demonstrates an unrivaled positive attitude, steadfast motivation, team building, and unwavering professionalism.

“The College of Professional Studies is the most mission-driven and service-focused college within Syracuse University,” says Air Force veteran, dean Michael Frasciello. “Throughout our history, we have been a place where veterans and currently serving military can excel and serve out of uniform. Liz is continuing that tradition of excellence and leadership at the College and within the University.”

Green has played a vital role in the College of Professional Studies’ mission to providing pathways for military-connected students, as shown by the No. 3 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans of private universities from the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs rankings.

Green’s service to military students dates back to February 2022 when she began advising members of the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. The mission and community inspired Green to join the New York Air National Guard. Her service in the military and higher education have serendipitously evolved into missions that complement each other.

“Completing PACS-Q at DINFOS was a career and life highlight for me,” says Green. “I am grateful for this unique opportunity to both serve my country while continuing to serve military students through their educational pathways at Syracuse University.”

Austin Zwick Co-authors Paper on the Evaluation of International Smart City Competitions

Austin Zwick, assistant teaching professor and program director of the B.P.S. in Policy Studies program at the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, co-authored the paper “Levelling Up Innovation in Local Government: An Evaluation of International Smart City Competitions” with Zachary Spicer, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at York University, and Aaron Eben, an undergraduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. The article was published by the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance.

Abstract:

With rapid advancements in technology around the globe, all orders of governments are trying to spur modernization, digitalization, and innovation in local governance structures and service delivery. This process is known widely as “smart city” design. To encourage municipal governments to implement these new tools, some national governments hold incentive-based competitions.

In a new paper for the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance, Austin Zwick, Zachary Spicer, and Aaron Eben ask whether the smart cities competition model is a good way to further the adoption of technology in cities. Using case studies from the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Canada, they find that these competitions helped generate new ways of thinking about technological solutions and supported the building of new relationships to address urban challenges for winners and non-winners alike. However, in terms of institutional and system change outcomes, the results of these competitions were more limited. The authors conclude by making policy recommendations on how to improve the future implementation of smart city competitions.