Security Should Be Agents’ Top Tech Focus in 2015

2014 was another year of intense change in the world of technology, with businesses facing a new threat from invisible criminals around the globe.

Hackers successfully attacked dozens of multinational corporations, stealing personal and financial information, while more people than ever willingly uploaded their information to social networks.

Travel professionals need to be on top of the technology trends that shape how the world does business and how companies market themselves in an increasingly fragmented environment.

Here are four technology trends to watch in 2015.

Security, security, security
Last year saw several damaging hacks of major U.S. companies, from Target to Sony, and major banks like Chase and Bank of America.

It’s likely this is just the first wave of cyber theft, cyber terrorism and cyber warfare events that will shape how businesses function in a connected world.

Every business owner and employee should take steps to protect confidential information. This is especially important for travel agents who often handle their clients’sensitive financial information.

By being proactive about security concerns, agents can assuage the fears of their clients and increase their organization’s vigilance in the face of continued threats.

This was also our top tech trend for 2014.

Uber, Airbnb and disruption
Digital services designed to disrupt the traditional travel infrastructure had a banner year in 2014. As expected, many consumers have shifted their dollars to newer and less regulated companies.

Why would a client traveling in a new city bother with a car service when they can request a car on demand from Uber?

Why would a client spending a week away from home stay in a pricy hotel when they can rent an Airbnb hotel with more amenities for half the price?

When so much is out of travel professionals’ hands, concerns will arise over client satisfaction. Agents will soon have to negotiate the new terrain created by these services.

More gadgets to deal with than ever
The Apple Watch is set to launch in 2015, providing a new focus on mobile wearable technology for consumers. What does this mean for travel professionals?

Clients will be more informed about potential delays, itinerary changes and other events than ever before.

In addition to having timely information streamed to them, clients will likely want to make decisions on potential changes on the fly.

These travelers want to fly on airlines with robust onboard Wi-Fi networks and stay at hotels with complimentary high-speed internet access.

Those agencies that can capitalize on this trend will attract these early adopters—who will then become ambassadors for your brand.

Video reigns on social media
More mobile devices and more bandwidth than ever means consumers are watching digital video at a greater rate than in the past.

Nearly every social network now accommodates video, but Facebook has empowered content creators the most with videos that automatically play along with robust information on who is watching.

Facebook has benefitted, as it has convinced many content creators to leave YouTube. But as video becomes a major component of Facebook, many videos are likely to get lost in the shuffle.

Videos are also more time intensive and expensive to produce than other forms of media.

When considering their social media strategy for the new year, agents should make sure to use their money and resources as effectively as possible.