Should PR teams be involved in digital security discussions

If you work in PR, you are probably used to handling press releases, media outreach, and brand image. However, there’s one area you might not be thinking about enough, and that’s digital security. 

You might assume that’s for IT to deal with. But here’s the thing. If a breach happens, you are suddenly on the front line. And that’s not the moment you want to start scrambling for details.

So, should PR teams be part of digital security conversations? Honestly, it’s not even a question anymore. You absolutely should be in the room, not just when things go wrong. You need to be there long before anything happens.

This article looks at why your voice matters in those conversations, how your role fits into the bigger picture, and what you need to know to be ready before a crisis ever begins.

Why PR can’t ignore security

When something goes sideways, such as a leak, a breach, or a phishing incident, it doesn’t stay quiet. Customers hear about it. The media hears about it. And guess who’s expected to explain it all, calmly and clearly? That’s right. You.

If you’ve never been looped into your company’s security plans, you are left making statements based on secondhand info. That puts you at risk of saying the wrong thing. Or worse, sounding vague. Either way, people lose trust. And PR is all about trust.

Know enough to ask the right questions

No one’s saying you need to code or build complex systems. Still, you should know how your company protects its data, what tools are in place, and what would happen during a breach.

Basic terms like encryption, phishing, two-factor authentication, and endpoint security should feel familiar. You don’t need deep technical knowledge. However, you do need clarity. When you understand the basics, you ask better questions. You also craft better messaging.

For example, many companies are turning to 2FA services to add an extra layer of protection. This helps confirm a user’s identity with more than just a password. It might include a one-time code sent to a trusted device or a biometric check. These small steps make it harder for attackers to gain access.

There are tools out there that offer this kind of protection without slowing things down for developers or users. Some even integrate easily with your existing tech stack. This means your team can stay secure without creating extra friction.

Preparing for the worst before it happens

One of the hardest things about responding to a security incident is getting the tone right. Say too little, and people will feel like you’re hiding something. Say too much, too early, and you might share details that haven’t been confirmed yet.

The balance is delicate. And the only way to get it right is to prepare well in advance. This means being part of the security planning process, understanding the response timeline, and working closely with your technical and legal teams.

When PR helps shape those plans early, the response feels calm and thoughtful. You’re not reacting on the fly. You’re executing something intentional.

Security is part of your brand story

PR isn’t just about putting out fires. A big part of your job is telling your company’s story. That includes how you’re building trust with customers.

Security isn’t just a backend issue anymore. People care deeply about how their data is handled. They want to know that your brand values their privacy. If you’re involved in the security conversation, you’re in a better place to share that message clearly and honestly.

You don’t need to overpromise or get too technical. You just need to explain what’s being done and why it matters. Things like regular audits, encrypted systems, and multi-step logins show a strong commitment to user safety. These aren’t just technical measures. They’re part of the story your audience deserves to hear.

Make the complex clear

One reason PR teams are often left out of these conversations is that there’s a myth that “they wouldn’t understand.” That’s not fair. You’ve probably explained far more complex things to a sceptical press corps.

That said, tech teams often speak a different language. And that can create a gap. You can help bridge that gap. Ask for things in plain language. Push for explanations that make sense outside of a server room. Then help translate those plans into something customers and stakeholders can follow. When you do that, it builds trust across your internal teams as well.

Final thoughts

If you’ve ever had to respond to a leak without knowing where it started or how it happened, you already know how frustrating that is. It’s like trying to answer a reporter with half the facts. So next time there’s a meeting about security protocols, ask to be part of it. Not because you want to know the crisis response, but for everything that leads up to it. Ask how authentication works. Learn about the tools your company uses. Know who’s on the security team. Build those relationships. 

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