Cybersecurity Landscape Through the Lens of Public Relations

Sectors that have experienced the most technological advancement and disruption have inevitably become targets of cybersecurity threats. This is especially the case within the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, known for its continuous technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and rapid growth. “Over the past decade, Asia’s technological capabilities have expanded rapidly. Just a few figures give a sense of the scale of its transformation. Between 2006–08 and 2016–18, Asia accounted for 52 percent of global growth in the revenue of technology companies,” according to Financial Times.

It follows that cybersecurity companies are thriving and working tirelessly to help businesses combat cyberthreats, safeguard digital assets and maintain their reputation and confidence among investors, clients and other stakeholders. A key role in instilling that confidence plays strategic communications and public relations.

PR professionals are trained to bridge the gap between the complexities of a situation, regardless of whether it’s a crisis or not, and the outsiders’ understanding of it, serving the role of educating both internal and external stakeholders.

When a business is faced with a cybersecurity incident, such as phishing attacks or ransomware attacks, PR professionals develop crisis response plans and media relations strategies for the company to maintain and enhance its brand reputation with transparent and timely communication to build trust with its customers and partners. However, the effectiveness and success of the PR campaign will depend on the company’s ability to handle the cybersecurity threat and maintain the integrity of its cybersecurity.

Because cybersecurity is in high demand, cybersecurity companies need to deploy owned, earned and paid media strategies to differentiate themselves.

An effective PR plan can help them build an image as industry leaders and foster partnerships as well as assert their leadership position in the industry. This blog will explore how PR can assist businesses, especially cybersecurity companies, in building a compelling brand image and establishing leadership within the industry.

Build a reputation through the power of media and third-party validation

To establish a presence and differentiate oneself in the cybersecurity arena, there are many ways that marketing communications and PR professionals can help a cybersecurity company. Firstly, being positioned as an industry thought leader by getting featured in news stories, trend analysis and industry insights is crucial for earning public trust, making cybersecurity companies the go-to resource for businesses and customers seeking cybersecurity advice and solutions.

One prominent cybersecurity topic that APAC media has extensively covered over the past year is the surge in ransomware attacks targeting organizations across the region, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures and effective incident response strategies. Cybersecurity companies should be prepared to discuss their expertise in ransomware prevention, detection, and mitigation, as well as their solutions for enhancing cybersecurity resilience in the face of evolving threats.

Cybersecurity companies can leverage research and data-driven insights by conducting in-house research or partnering with third-party vendors to provide unique data that identifies industry trends. Meanwhile, PR professionals can help deliver the key messages from the research to the media. Journalists are often interested in incorporating research into their reporting, and by publishing research on relevant topics, cybersecurity companies can enhance awareness, credibility, and brand recognition.

It is vitally important to invest time in establishing connections with journalists and reporters and maintain an active media presence. Partnering with PR professionals can expedite this process. Not only can they help cybersecurity companies consistently deliver valuable and insightful content with their existing relationships with reputable media outlets, but they also understand the specific interests and niches of individual journalists and publications to capture media attention. By tailoring pitches to their preferences and demonstrating how the story benefits each media contact, cybersecurity companies can increase the chances of securing coverage in publications that their target audience reads.

PR professionals can also help cybersecurity companies seek and secure third-party validation through industry awards, analyst reports, customer/partner testimonials and reviews to establish credibility and build trust. Winning industry awards not only highlights expertise but also instills confidence in potential customers, making them more likely to choose the company’s offerings.

Stay updated on industry trends while capitalizing on breaking news

In the ever-evolving cybersecurity industry, staying ahead of the latest trends, technologies, and cyber threats is imperative for cybersecurity companies looking to stand out. By keeping up with industry trends, they position themselves as knowledgeable experts capable of providing valuable insights and guidance to their target audience. This expertise not only enhances their credibility but also allows them to contribute to relevant discussions and news stories, thereby increasing their visibility and establishing thought leadership.

One effective PR strategy that cybersecurity companies can employ is newsjacking, which involves aligning brand messaging with trending news stories to leverage existing media attention and engage with the public. Given the frequent occurrence of data breaches, cyber-attacks, and privacy concerns in the media, there are plenty of opportunities for cybersecurity companies to participate in these discussions.

For example, a cybersecurity company can provide expert commentary or analysis on the incident. They can offer insights into the nature of the breach, the potential impact on individuals or organizations, and recommendations for preventative measures. By doing so, the company not only demonstrates its expertise but also establishes itself as a trusted source of information and guidance in the field. One thing to note is that our intention is not to exploit anyone’s unfortunate situation or comment on specific negative stories, but rather focusing on educating the media and businesses on how they can protect themselves by using the most current events as relevant examples.

Similarly, when privacy concerns arise due to new regulations or emerging technologies, cybersecurity companies can offer their perspectives on the implications and best practices. They can provide expert opinions on how individuals and businesses can protect their data and maintain privacy in the digital age. This proactive engagement allows cybersecurity companies to position themselves as thought leaders who are actively contributing to the conversation and offering practical solutions.

Create a tailored approach to reach the right audience

To maximize the impact of media outreach, it is essential for cybersecurity companies to adopt a tailored approach that aligns with their company’s brand voice, rather than attempting to be featured in every news story.

Expanding the company’s reach to smaller, niche publications can also yield significant benefits. These specialized outlets often cater to a highly targeted audience that is genuinely interested in the specific offerings and insights of cybersecurity companies. For instance, a cybersecurity company specializing in cloud security solutions might engage with publications focused on cloud computing, IT infrastructure, or data privacy. By diversifying their media outreach strategy and including industry trade publications, companies can expand their exposure, reaching potential clients and generating quality leads.

Furthermore, niche publications often have dedicated readerships that actively seek out industry-specific information. This means that the company’s message will have a higher chance of reaching individuals who are genuinely interested in the topic at hand. Such targeted exposure can lead to higher engagement and greater returns on investment for the company’s media outreach efforts.

Additionally, leveraging digital platforms and industry-specific forums can also be effective in expanding reach and generating meaningful engagement. Participating in relevant online communities, contributing to industry blogs, or hosting media roundtables can help cybersecurity companies connect with their target audience directly and establish themselves as trusted advisors.

Developing a concise and memorable brand message

In the realm of successful PR strategies, the development of a concise and memorable brand message holds immense importance for cybersecurity companies. By collaborating with PR professionals, these companies can effectively communicate their unique value proposition and position themselves as influential thought leaders within the industry. PR agencies offer access to a diverse range of skilled specialists, including PR experts, proficient writers, and certified designers, who possess the expertise to create compelling and high-quality content that enables the brand to stand out and captivate media attention.

For instance, for a cybersecurity company specializing in AI-powered threat detection solutions, it can craft a brand message that emphasizes its innovative technology and its ability to proactively identify and neutralize advanced cyber threats by working closely with PR professionals. Through well-crafted and strategically targeted press releases, the company can highlight its innovative approach to cybersecurity, garnering the attention of journalists and influencers who seek to cover the latest advancements in the field.

In addition to written content like press releases, boilerplate and company overviews, PR professionals can collaborate with certified designers to develop visually appealing media kits including logos, infographics, and high-resolution images. These media kits serve as comprehensive resources that provide journalists and media outlets with essential company information, leaving a lasting impression and increasing the likelihood of media coverage.