Does Your IT Policy Make Your Customers Uncomfortable?

To many, an IT policy is simply an internally ignored recommendation written 30 years ago that they saw at some point during their employee orientation. In actuality, these policies not only preserve confidentiality and integrity internally, but they can have a very real impact on your customers. An IT policy is an internal document that has external consequences. The degree to which employees follow (or don’t follow) these practices can either encourage customer trust, or completely destroy it.

No Passwords

Imagine you are at your doctor’s office when the doctor comes into the exam room, sits in his chair at the computer, and simply clicks on your account to access your medical information. No username. No password. Nothing. Knowing that your personal information is readily available to anyone coming to that office is not only concerning and uncomfortable, but it can also have a very significant impact on your brand. Your IT policy must take into account the fact that what customers see is directly correlated to their beliefs about your business and will have a direct impact on revenue. Show your clients that their information is safe with you by having a clear and helpful IT policy that they can see being implemented.

Sharing Files & Information Securely

An IT policy that covers an employee’s online customer interaction is just as, if not more, essential. Sending confidential information over email or through services like DropBox can make that customer feel uncomfortable about the security of their information. It may be convenient, but you are risking security. Use services like Swift’s Titan to send sensitive information without fear of unintentional access. These systems are designed to be both convenient and secure. You can even use systems like this to create temporary guest accounts that only work for a predetermined amount of time.

Build a Good IT Culture

When it comes down to it, the culture around your IT policy is what will make it successful. If employees take it seriously and are aware of the best practices, then your customers will trust their information with you. If not, uncomfortable customers could leave, and your company’s brand could take a serious hit. Make sure information is shared securely and reliably through emails, VoIP, and any file-sharing systems you use.

Having no passwords, not using secure file sharing, and having an insufficient IT culture can clearly have a big effect on the customer. An IT policy is an internal document that has external consequences. Knowing this, it’s important to make sure your company uses this knowledge: have secure passwords, promote a good IT culture, and have the appropriate file sharing software. This is a huge task, but you aren’t alone. You can partner with companies like Swift who specialize in IT management. They can provide you with top-of-the-line IT software, provide services to keep your systems secure, and even help you set up an IT policy that will actually be followed. Don’t go through this alone. Have Swift be your true technology partner.

Let our Specialists take care of your IT Support