What steps can companies take to build and maintain trust with their customers when it comes to handling their personal data securely?

Companies can build and maintain trust with their customers by being transparent about their data collection and usage practices. They should prioritize data security by implementing strong encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. Companies should also obtain explicit consent from customers before collecting their personal data and provide options for customers to control and update their information. Additionally, companies should have clear privacy policies in place and be responsive to customer concerns or inquiries about their data privacy practices.