With apps like Secret, Whisper, Yik Yak and Rumr gaining in popularity, organizations are left even more vulnerable.
Perhaps it’s due to the fact that we help organizations work their way through targeted attacks on a regular basis, but I have a hard time understanding why these sorts of apps are continuing to be developed (primarily due to the fact that they facilitate cyberbullying). It’s like anonymous communications are becoming the “thing” and this presents greater risk to organizations who are prone to hate attacks.
So what can you do to protect your organization from these anonymous apps?
Important note to educational institutions and professionals: These apps and these tips deeply apply to you. They’ve been known to facilitate cyberbullying, which as we know is a major digital crisis amongst today’s youth. (Learn more here)
Step 1: Know they exist
Don’t be blind to their existence or to the reality that comes along with them. Know they exist and explore their features, functions and use.
Step 2: Evaluate the risk
Do they present a risk to your organization? If so, how? What’s the worst that could happen if users decided to attack your organization through these apps? Could it actually cause repercussions or are your audience groups not interested in these sorts of apps? These are all important questions to answer – before you find yourself faced with an attack.
Step 3: Make a plan
If some worst case scenarios were to materialize through these apps, what would you do? How would you respond? Who would respond? Develop a plan before you find yourself in a bad situation and sleep easy at night knowing that you’re prepared.
Note: This plan absolutely needs to include real-time monitoring of these apps.
Takeaway
Anonymous communications are becoming the new digital communications fad. It’s important that your organization be aware of this, assess its risk and plan for the risks that it can present to your brand. For help with any of this, feel free to contact us.
Author of Crisis Ready: Building an Invincible Brand in an Uncertain World, Melissa Agnes is a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management, and brand protection. Agnes is a coveted keynote speaker, commentator, and advisor to some of today’s leading organizations faced with the greatest risks. Learn more about Melissa and her work here.
Anonymous communications are becoming the new digital communications fad. It’s important that your organization be aware of this, assess its risk and plan for the risks that it can present to your brand. For help with any of this, feel free.