Why artists and their teams need to start thinking seriously about the data they've left strewn across the internet.
Nov 13, 2023
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Discover the importance of data privacy and how CyberSweep helps protect personal information. Explore the cybersecurity challenges faced by successful artists and the need for credit building services. Learn about the creation of the Social Forum to amplify diverse voices in the music business.
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Quick takeaways
CyberSweep is a data removal service that helps high-profile individuals in the music industry protect themselves from online harassment and stalking by deleting personal information from the internet.
The demand for comprehensive data removal services like CyberSweep has surged due to the increase in cyber threats targeting musicians and public figures, necessitating proactive steps to protect identity and finances.
Regal Credit, alongside CyberSweep, offers credit-building solutions to individuals in the music industry, enabling them to access financial opportunities such as credit cards and mortgages.
Anthony Davenport's Social Forum aims to create a diverse and inclusive community within the music industry, providing networking opportunities for underrepresented groups such as women and people of color.
Being financially prepared through solid personal and business credit is crucial for individuals working in the music industry to navigate unforeseen economic challenges.
Deep dives
Overview of CyberSweep
CyberSweep is a data removal service provided by Regal Credit that helps high-profile individuals in the music industry protect themselves from fraudulent online activity and stalking by suppressing or deleting personal information from the internet. It includes removing phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, and even blurring out homes on mapping platforms. This tool has been used by many superstar artists in the music business. Anthony Davenport, the CEO of Regal Credit, discusses the growing societal problem of online harassment and the need for such services.
Origin of CyberSweep
CyberSweep came about as a solution to the problem faced by a multi-family office working with billionaires and high-profile individuals in the music industry. They experienced incidents of stalking and harassment from individuals who gained access to personal information bought from websites like Whitepages.com. The available data included detailed information such as car registration, driving license infractions, and more. Traditional data removal services only removed information from a limited number of websites, while CyberSweep expanded its coverage to over 400 websites, providing comprehensive protection to clients.
Increasing Importance of Cyber Protection
The demand for CyberSweep and similar services has grown significantly, with a 900% increase in usage over the past three years. The rise of cyber threats, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increased stalking, harassment, and ransomware attacks targeting musicians and other public figures. This issue extends beyond major celebrities, affecting wealthy business owners, spouses of celebrities, and individuals in the public eye. As criminals can easily access personal information for a small fee, it has become crucial for anyone with a public presence to take proactive steps to protect their identity and finances. The lack of international jurisdiction in cybercrime further complicates the challenge of combating these threats.
Regal Credit's Role in Credit Building
Regal Credit, in addition to its CyberSweep service, provides credit-building solutions to individuals in the music industry and other fields. Anthony Davenport, having experienced his own financial challenges during the 2008 economic crash, recognized the need for credit assistance. By helping clients establish and improve their credit, Regal Credit enables them to access financial opportunities, such as obtaining credit cards, mortgages, and other lines of credit. The company's success has been evident, including its inclusion in the Inc. 5,000 list of companies in the US. Davenport's personal experiences continue to motivate him to serve others and emphasize the importance of being prepared for financial challenges.
The Role of Social Forum
Anthony Davenport has also founded Social Forum, an organization that aims to provide a platform for industry professionals, including business managers, talent managers, promoters, and sports and entertainment lawyers. Social Forum focuses on giving a voice to underrepresented groups in the industry, particularly women and people of color. It offers networking opportunities and events in major music hubs such as LA, New York, Miami, and London, with plans to expand to Nashville. The organization aims to create a diverse and inclusive community within the music industry.
Financial Advice for Music Industry Professionals
Anticipating unforeseen economic challenges is key for individuals working in the music industry. Whether it is preparing for recessions or other unexpected events, having a solid financial foundation is crucial. Building and maintaining both personal and business credit is essential to secure financial opportunities and access lines of credit when needed. By being proactive and ready, individuals can navigate financial challenges more effectively.
Anthony Davenport's Journey and Motivation
Anthony Davenport's personal journey from a successful banker to experiencing financial hardships during the 2008 crash led to the launch of Regal Credit. The experience of bankruptcy and starting from scratch has been a driving force behind his motivation to help others overcome similar challenges. The memory of those difficult times keeps him focused and humbled, constantly reminding him of the importance of financial preparedness and empathy for others facing financial difficulties.
The Growing Need for Cybersecurity
With cyber threats becoming more prevalent and jurisdictional issues hindering effective enforcement, the importance of cybersecurity continues to grow. The ongoing harassment, stalking, and ransomware attacks that target high-profile individuals in the music industry highlight the need for comprehensive data removal services like CyberSweep. As criminal methods evolve, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to stay ahead by investing in robust cybersecurity measures.
Financial Opportunities for Artists
Regal Credit not only provides credit-building support for high-profile individuals but also assists musicians and artists in accessing financial opportunities in different countries. By helping artists establish credit in new markets, Regal Credit enables them to pursue international opportunities more effectively. This service proves particularly useful for artists looking to expand their reach and secure financial support during tours and collaborations.
The Mission and Success of Social Forum
Social Forum, founded by Anthony Davenport, has rapidly grown into a community of over 600 members, serving as a platform for industry professionals to connect and share ideas. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, Social Forum gives a voice to women and people of color in the music industry. Through events and networking opportunities, the organization expands professional horizons, fosters collaboration, and amplifies underrepresented perspectives within the industry.
Hello and Welcome to the Music Business Worldwide podcast supported by Voly Music.
On this podcast, MBW founder Tim Ingham is joined by Anthony Davenport, the CEO and founder of New York-headquartered Regal Credit Management.
Regal Credit, as the name suggests, helps high-profile and high-net-worth individuals with their credit – both in terms of building it and protecting it.
Regal Credit, which was recently named on the Inc. 5000 list of companies in the US, counts many clients from across the music business
The particular reason we invited Davenport on this podcast was to discuss a tool of Regal’s called CyberSweep.
CyberSweep is a data removal service that either suppresses or outright deletes personal information from across the internet – whether on the dark web or more legitimate sites.
According to Davenport, Cyber Sweep has been used by very high-profile figures in the music business including superstar artists - who are looking to protect themselves both from fraudulent online activity, and from stalking from fans.
On this podcast Davenport discusses why he believes such activity is becoming a growing societal problem, and we also get time to dig into Davenport’s own interesting origin story that led to the birth of Regal Credit.
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