A cyber security crisis is a communications crisis.

A cyber breach is most likely to damage reputation if post-breach communication is not optimal.

The golden rule is to communicate.

Effective communications are based on honesty and transparency – and this applies just as much, if not more so, during a crisis when relationships and trust are tested.

People understand that mistakes happen and things go wrong.

That is when you must demonstrate you can be trusted to tell the truth, show leadership and act in the long-term interest of your clients and stakeholders.

This is where  a long-term investment in your reputation can pay huge dividends.

The stronger your reputation, the more leverage you have to protect the brand in a crisis.

The crisis sparked by a cyber breach need not damage reputation.

When properly managed it can provide an effective opportunity for communicating and demonstrating your values and integrity on a very public stage.

But in order to properly manage a crisis situation you need to prepare.

Planning is the key.

At FlemingPR we are experts at preparing, planning and acting when a crisis occurs.