Don’t overshare: A business owner’s guide to data privacy and security

Imagine you're leaving your home for a trip. You’d lock all your doors, and in some cases, even the windows. You wouldn’t want intruders to find an easy access point, especially in your absence. Your online world works the same way. Oversharing private information is like leaving your digital front door ajar—you might as well include a welcome note for thieves.

Oversharing happens a fair amount in business. In the rush to resolve issues, it's easy to overshare information, especially with customer success agents. However, it's critical to remember that not all information needs to be shared, even when you think it might speed up service.

Here are some tips to help you safeguard your digital home as you connect with customer service teams.

Use official channels

Connect with customer service agents only through official platforms. You can think of it like a secure handshake — by using official channels, you’re entering a protected space where each party can be sure of the other’s identity. This eliminates the risks associated with unauthorized access or fake platforms where sensitive information could be compromised. Plus, customer service teams like ours have put in extra security checks to confirm that we're actually speaking with you, ensuring that your information stays safe and secure.

Stick to the essentials - don't overshare

When it comes to providing information, stick to giving only what's necessary. Unnecessary details can increase the risk of sensitive data being exposed. At Paystack, we’re committed to asking only for the information we genuinely need to help you. This speeds up problem-solving and adds an extra layer of security by reducing the amount of data that’s being shared.

Your login details are just for you

Your username and password are more than just login details; they’re the keys to your business online. Just as you wouldn’t hand over your house keys to a stranger, you should treat these credentials with the same level of care and caution. When you share them with a customer service agent, you’re essentially undermining your lock and key. This could not only compromise your account but also risk the information of your customers who’ve trusted you with their data. So when you’re chatting with customer service, remember—those keys are yours alone. Customer service agents have other secure ways to assist you without needing your login details.

Data protection is good business

Being diligent about data protection not only keeps you compliant but also shields your organization from huge fines and reputational damage. Therefore, it’s essential to view data protection as an integral part of your business and always prioritize your organization’s data privacy practices. Here’s a handy guide from the US Federal Trade Commission on how to protect your customers’ personal information.

Support your customers' data rights

When your customers want to know more about their data, we're with you every step of the way to ensure that those requests are answered promptly and in compliance with applicable law.

If you've shared customer data with us, we're obligated to assist in fulfilling any data requests your customers might make, whether it's access, amendment, or even deletion. This isn't just about compliance; it's about maintaining a trustworthy relationship with your customers. We'll act swiftly, except in cases where legal obligations say otherwise. So you can rest assured that we're partnering with you to help fulfill your customers' data subject rights.

Read our privacy policy

We've designed a privacy policy to help you understand how we handle your data. It includes information on the data we collect from you, how we process it, who we share it with, your rights, and so much more. Dive in here.

Craft your own privacy policy

Having your own privacy policy isn't just a legal requirement; it also tells your customers that you care about their data.

In this digital age, it's crucial to remember that protecting our online world is just as important as securing our physical homes. By following a few simple guidelines, you can safeguard your digital front door, maintain privacy, and keep your customers' data safe.

For more information or concerns, reach out to our Data Protection Officer at [email protected]. We're always happy to help! 💙