FleishmanHillard and Kroll Launch Data Breach Risk-Mitigation Service

Companies Join Forces to Help Clients Reduce Likelihood of Data Breach and Mitigate Reputational Harm From an Incident

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Mar 27, 2014, 12:00 ET

NEW YORK, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic communications firm FleishmanHillard and risk management firm Kroll Inc. today announced the formation of a strategic alliance that combines their respective areas of expertise to deliver client services focused on cybersecurity and data breach risk mitigation. Kroll's role in the alliance will focus on enterprise network security and threat detection, incident investigation and response, and notification of consumers impacted by a breach. FleishmanHillard will provide strategic communications, crisis management and reputation recovery services.

The alliance was formed to meet the steadily growing demand from companies of all sizes for advanced, cyber-related preparatory services. It is focused on serving organizations that have not experienced a data breach or cyberattack and helping them prevent one from occurring. Should a breach occur, the alliance will also provide investigation, remediation and crisis management services.

"There's a shift taking place in the way many enterprise network defenders think about data breaches and cyberattacks," said Timothy P. Ryan, Kroll managing director and head of Cyber Security. "The sheer number of breaches that have recently occurred has caused companies to think more proactively about risk and mitigation. In short, it's no longer 'if it happens' but 'when it happens.' Companies are now thinking about their levels of risk in proactive ways. Previously, most organizations did their best to protect their network and dealt with breaches when they happened. Today, more executives are being forced to abandon their traditional 'crisis playbooks' as they face a proliferation of cybercrimes that require a more comprehensive yet nimble approach."

The FleishmanHillard-Kroll alliance will also work with companies on advance preparedness to ensure they are equipped with the right technologies and processes, as well as a customized communications plan, to enable them to respond rapidly and effectively, should a breach occur.

"In the wake of a data breach, you can accumulate all kinds of reactive services, including legal counsel, IT assistance, PR support and so on," said Bob Winslow, FleishmanHillard head of Global Practices and Products. "What you can't buy is time. That is why advance preparedness has become so critical. Data breach responses do not benefit from either improvisation or a one-size-fits-all approach. Even so, when suffering a data breach, many organizations find themselves scrambling. The alliance of Kroll and FleishmanHillard will deliver to organizations the depth of resources necessary to mitigate the possibility of risk in advance."

The customized services the two firms will deliver include cyber and reputational risk assessments, advanced monitoring and threat detection, incident management and control, cyber-response and communications readiness planning, security awareness training, consumer notification, consumer remedy, crisis management and response planning, strategic communications, cross channel media management, spokesperson training, and reputation management services (including reputation recovery).

About FleishmanHillard
FleishmanHillard is the world's most complete global communications firm, specializing in public relations, public affairs, marketing, paid media, and transmedia and social content. FleishmanHillard delivers on The Power of True, reflecting the firm's high values, and unique ability to guide clients through a world demanding unprecedented authenticity and transparency. FleishmanHillard was named "Standout Agency" on Advertising Age's 2013 A-List; NAFE's "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women" for 2010-2014; Advertising Age's 2012 "Best Places to Work"; and The Holmes Report's 2012 Global "Public Affairs Agency of the Year." The firm's award-winning work is widely heralded, including at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity. FleishmanHillard is part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., and has more than 85 offices in 30 countries, plus affiliates in 42 countries. Visit us at www.fleishmanhillard.com.

About Diversified Agency Services
Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

About Kroll
Kroll is the leading global provider of risk solutions. For over 40 years, Kroll has helped clients make confident risk management decisions about people, assets, operations, and security through a wide range of investigations, due diligence and compliance, cyber security, and data and information management services. Headquartered in New York with more than 50 offices across 29 countries, Kroll has a multidisciplinary team of nearly 2,300 employees and serves a global clientele of law firms, financial institutions, corporations, non-profit institutions, government agencies, and individuals.
For more information visit www.kroll.com.

SOURCE FleishmanHillard