Top 40 supplier Koozie Group (asi/40480) says it has taken steps to make it safer and easier for distributors to do business with the firm.

The Clearwater, FL-headquartered company announced that it has started using encrypted links in its email communications to customers – an added layer of security.

Additionally, the supplier said it has enhanced its Koozie Group Order Tracker, a tool launched in 2021 that features distributors’ order-related information.

The improvement centers on what Koozie Group described as a clarification enhancement that gives distributors one place to find all their order information, while narrowing down the way questions can be answered, which executives said reduces misunderstanding on both ends.

On encrypted email links: Cyberattacks on promo firms have been on the rise, with distributors, suppliers and industry service providers all being targeted and, in cases, falling victim. Against that backdrop, Koozie Group said it has started using secure short links in email notifications related to orders.

The encrypted links have “Koozie Group” in them and are shorter than past links, which could be over 100 characters long and didn’t include the company’s name. For example, a short link from Koozie Group might look like this: https://go.kooziegroup.com/3LeKkH0. If customers remain concerned with security, they’re always able to bypass the links by logging in to their online accounts, the supplier noted.

“We wanted to create the best possible experience for our customers,” said Phil Gergen, senior vice president of technology at Koozie Group. “When they receive an order update from us, they can be assured it’s trustworthy and secure. By clicking on our encrypted links, distributors can directly view their order without having to log in, which provides a smoother user experience while keeping their information secure.”

Koozie Group said it’s planning more improvements to its eponymous tracker, including the option to receive order updates via text.

Based on reported 2021 North American promotional product revenue of $300 million, Koozie Group ranked sixth on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.