More than 45 original media mentions
Making messages matter
Internet of things needs security framework
The challenge: To enhance the long-term safety and reliability of new Internet of Things (IoT) devices, an OTA working group drafted a framework of security and privacy best practices for IoT device vendors and adopters. Since the ultimate success of the framework depends on companies putting the suggestions into practice, companies must first be aware of it. To accomplish this launch, OTA asked Voxus to help spread the news to as many tech decision makers as possible.
To reach C-level decision makers especially, OTA wanted to see the launch coverage in top-tier business and industry outlets. But, to reach OTA’s wider audience – people who could implement some of the security and privacy measures or give feedback to OTA – Voxus also needed the story to run in a variety of more specialized tech pubs. And with many high-profile cyber attacks dominating headlines, the OTA launch had to cut through the clutter.
The idea: IoT time bombs. Mentioned in the framework, this phrase would be the rallying cry of a media relations and social media campaign designed to capture headlines and attract readers.
“IoT Time Bombs”
The solution: Devices or products that have reached the end of their technical lifespan or warranty, but are still being used by consumers, can become “IoT time bombs.” Why? Because as hacking methods advance, they quickly outpace technology. If a company doesn’t continue to support devices properly, they can become vulnerabilities. Voxus decided to focus on this key message to differentiate OTA from all of the other IoT noise.
The team used a three-pronged approach. First, Voxus secured placement of a contributed article in a top tier publication that allowed OTA to control the narrative around IoT time bombs and sustainability. Second, Voxus pitched business and tech trades to capitalize on the framework story in the weekly news cycle. And third, Voxus designed and executed a small, focused promoted social media campaign on LinkedIn and Twitter that targeted appropriate IT employees.
The results: Voxus negotiated an exclusive first run contributed article with TechCrunch a day before the framework was broadly distributed to the public. A subsequent media blitz resulted in interest and coverage from the Associated Press, Reuters, CNN, Boston Globe, CNET, Dark Reading, Politico, ZDNet, SC Magazine, the Wall Street Journal and many more. In addition to massive coverage on the framework, OTA also received valuable feedback from those seeing the articles and reviewing the framework.
Success was the buzz and feedback
The metrics:
- More than 45 original media mentions
- 70,000 impressions on social media
- 230 social link clicks back to the framework in 10 days
Enhancing online trust
The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) is a non-profit with the mission to enhance online trust and user empowerment while promoting innovation and the vitality of the Internet. Its goal is to help educate businesses, policy makers and stakeholders while developing and advancing best practices and tools to enhance the protection of users’ security, privacy and identity.
