Table of contents
Introduction
What is privacy in web design?
Simply put, it’s web design that prioritises security will protect your customers, and your business.
Hackers will take advantage of gaps in your website’s security to steal data and disrupt user privacy and protection.
Understand the effects this will have on your business and learn ways to implement privacy by design, so you can keep both your customers and your business safe.
Why is privacy important in web design?
Create a trustworthy business
Establishing trust with your customers is paramount to the success of your business.
When it comes to privacy in web design, online data protection is an essential part of user trust and experience.
Consumers should feel safe and secure when they access your business’ website. Safeguarding user privacy is also a part of your website’s services, and, by default, a part of user rights.
Privacy measures also show users your business respects their privacy and prioritizes their protection.
This promise is relevant now more than ever, a time when websites are constantly in a battle to steal and misuse user information. Securing user data, such as credit card information, reflects how much you value your customers, and take their wellbeing seriously.
Face the consequences of poor privacy
When a business’ website has poor security, sensitive information can be leaked.
Not only does this damage users, but it also damages your business’ reputation. When trust is undermined, businesses can see to revenue plumet, and even face legal action.
Smaller businesses, especially, are at risk for major data leaks.
Cyber hackers can target individual devices and use a shared network to hack into devices connected to this network. This creates a situation in which employees can also fall victim to poor security measures.
Don’t endanger your business by neglecting your users’ privacy in web design.
How do I maintain privacy online?
Keep your customers informed
You’ve likely designed your business’ website to request access to private information in order to improve user experience and deliver the best service.
Implementing informed consent into your website’s design is a great way to maintain transparency with your customers.
Informed consent allows your customers to specify what information they would like to allow your website to have access to.
This include providing clear and easily accessible options to deny sharing their information whenever possible.
Maintain customer privacy in web design
On the topic of requesting data, it’s best to gather only what is necessary and keep it anonymous.
These actions limit unwarranted access to what can be considered vulnerable information.
It also shows users that collecting their data is performed with their best interests in mind. It shows that you care.
There are plenty of plugins and tools to collect analytical data without the use of tracking cookies. Burst Statistics for WordPress is one we use ourselves, but it’s worth looking for one that works for you.
Okay, the information may not be as dense. However, requiring less cookies sends a clear signal to your users that you value their right to privacy far more than most big sites.
Secure your log-ins
To protect your employees, your data, and your customers – it’s best practice to prevent any threats as opposed to waiting for one to arrive and playing catch up.
A way to do so is by using a two-step authentication system to stop hackers from breaking through your security network.
Requiring strong passwords for website users and employing security encryptions are also ways you can help maintain the security of your website, and therefore, your business.
Conclusion
A secure website protects your users and your business.
It maintains customer trust, keeps company information safe, and avoids costly measures to correct data leaks from persistent hackers that want to harm your business.
Investing in proper website security is an investment in the future.
Do what’s best for your business and ask yourself what security measures your website should be taking to protect consumer and company interests.
Kayla Monteiro is a talented, socially conscious MA Creative Writing graduate and freelance copywriter based in Manchester.