SHOULD YOUR COMPANY BE ON PATREON?
3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS POPULAR FUNDING PLATFORM
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) annual report, 1,862 data compromise events were recorded in 2021, up 68% from 2020 and 23% over the previous high of 1,506. Though the number of events involving loss of sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers slightly increased, the number of individuals affected dropped 5%. When looking at the type of events that caused the rise in data compromise events, ransomware-related data breaches doubled year over year in both 2020 and 2021. The ITRC predicts that ransomware will overtake phishing as the top cause of data compromise in 2022. Attacks on suppliers and vendors also rose in 2021, with 24 more events taking place than the previous year. The Blackbaud ransomware attack was the worst instance of this type, as it affected 480 entities in 2020 and impacted another 122 entities in 2021. ITRC president and CEO Eva Velasques says, “The number of breaches in 2021 was alarming. Many of the cyberattacks committed were highly sophisticated and complex, requiring aggressive defenses to prevent them. If those defenses failed, too often we saw an inadequate level of transparency for consumers to protect themselves from identity fraud. There is no reason to believe the level of data compromises will suddenly decline in 2022.” Malicious cyberattacks were found to be the root cause of many data compromises and were responsible for 1,613 breaches or exposures. These attacks can involve malware, ransomware, phishing, smishing, credential stuffing, and many other attack methods. Interestingly enough, the ITRC found that fewer than 5%of affected individuals fully secured their personal data after receiving a data breach notice; this may be because they are often unaware of how to reduce the impact of compromised personal data. As we progress through 2022, take some extra precautions to ensure your personal information and data are safe and secure. Never share personal information with anyone online, and avoid clicking on untrustworthy emails or websites. It could save you from years of problems down the road.
If you have a favorite artist, are dedicated to a YouTube channel, or listen to a lot of podcasts, you’ve probably heard of Patreon. But what exactly is the platform — and how can you leverage it for your business? What Is Patreon? Patreon is an online funding tool that allows businesses and individuals to offer their supporters tiered monthly memberships in exchange for exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes clips, extra content, and one-on-one time with creators. 3 Things to Know 1. Patreon isn’t just for artists anymore. Patreon started as a platform where artists and other creatives could get financial support from their fans, but in the last few years, it has expanded dramatically. Now, all kinds of small businesses including newspapers, event venues, and nonprofits are funded in part by Patreon members. 2. You can monetize your side projects and passions. Does your company have a podcast or YouTube channel? If so, you could put that passion project on Patreon rather than asking people to support your whole business. Your Patreon supporters will chip in on a monthly basis, making your creative process easier financially. This is a great way to explore your favorite parts of your business, strengthen relationships with clients, and grow your marketing toolkit. 3. Patreon makes giving back easier. If you run a nonprofit on the side or want to launch a giveback program within your company, Patreon might be the platform you need. It’s more interactive than Kickstarter or other crowdfunding options, and the bonus content you provide will get supporters really invested in your vision. If you go this route, launch your Patreon early so you have the support you need to fund the nonprofit approval process and startup phase. To Patreon, or Not to Patreon Ultimately, only you can decide if Patreon is a good fit for your company and your goals. To learn more about the platform, how it works, and the business it supports, visit Patreon.com. In particular, we recommend clicking on the article “Is Patreon Right for Your Business?” on the home page. It will show you the ropes!
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