Best-Practices Management Would Prevent Epsilon’s Security Issue – Seattle Biz Coach

April 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Noteworthy management lessons have evolved from the data-management program at Epsilon, according to Seattle management consultant Terry Corbell, who provides best practices in management services.

“Obviously, Epsilon’s alleged data management is an oxymoron,” writes Mr. Corbell on his Seattle Internet site (http://www.bizcoachinfo.com).  “It is not managed properly -- not good business.”

“As you know by now, Epsilon has allowed hackers to access the names and email addresses of countless millions of businesses and consumers,” writes Mr. Corbell. “All of us must brace for the inevitable threats of spam and scam.”

But he points out the Epsilon scandal isn’t just a crisis-management issue in public relations while negating marketing initiatives.

“If the email breach isn’t problematic-enough, what’s also troubling is the apparent culture at Epsilon and its parent company, Alliance Data,” asserts the Seattle management consultant. “Their Web sites do not have any value propositions about privacy.”  

He maintains an Epsilon apology came late -- about a week later on April 6 in a press release. The press release also stated Epsilon has launched a forensics investigation in cooperation with federal authorities.

“Granted, the press release is a positive step,” writes Mr. Corbell. “But it’s troubling that Epsilon took so long to issue a statement, and it’s symptomatic of what’s contributing to the worsening image of big business.”

The lack of due diligence by Epsilon’s corporate customers provides another management lesson.

“One would think that Epsilon’s 2,500 corporate customers would now hesitate to turn over the email addresses of their millions of customers,” Mr. Corbell points out. “What about their business reputations?”

Further, some of Epsilon’s bank customers were dysfunctional in the aftermath.

“Citigroup reportedly issued an apology on its Twitter account on April 6,” he says. Mr. Corbell quotes a Capitol One customer who says she didn’t even get a notification.

He also quotes an IT expert who suggests such email marketing programs should stay in-house.

Along with recommending precautionary steps and a quality human resources training program, Mr. Corbell cites the numerous management lessons in his analysis: http://www.bizcoachinfo.com/archives/6001

Mr. Corbell's confidential management services: http://www.bizcoachinfo.com/managemen-services

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Seattle Biz Coach Terry Corbell is a confidential business-performance consultant and profit professional. As a longtime media columnist, he publishes performance-enhancing strategies at The Biz Coach: http://www.bizcoachinfo.com, Proven Solutions for Maximum Profits.