As we shift into 2019, cybersecurity is predicted to be one of the greatest challenges for digital marketers and their teams. Failure to address this issue in a proactive manner could open both you and your clients to serious risks down the road.
Five Tips to Stay Safe
Cybersecurity is a concern that most of us know is important, yet many haven’t quite figured out how to tackle. Though you may have gotten away with neglecting it in the past few years, business is approaching the point where none of us can settle for a half-hearted approach anymore.
Cyber security is more important than ever, and you have to take it seriously or suffer the consequences. But don’t be intimidated! We’ve put together a list of five practical steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
- Create Complex Passwords
Good password hygiene is essential for strong cybersecurity. Make sure you’re creating complex passwords, as well as unique ones for each individual account.
Avoid basic passwords like “123456,” “password,” or single words like “football” or “dog.” You must devise complex passcodes that can’t be easily cracked.
A complex password will include multiple letters, numbers, symbols, and cases (both uppercase and lowercase). It’s also most effective if you don’t use any common words.
Instead, try a random string of letters followed by numbers. To remember the string, make an abbreviation of a common sentence.
For example, “Jack and Jill went up the hill,” would become “jajwuth.” Follow it up with a significant year (perhaps the year you got your first car, rather than the year you were born) and an exclamation point for even better security.
- Use a Password Manager
Because it can be cumbersome to invent a complex password for each separate account, you might find it worthwhile to use a password manager like Lastpass or 1Password.
With a password manager, you only have to remember one main system password, then all of your other accounts will be automatically accessible.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication
“If a password manager is a great way to achieve more cyber security, using two-factor authentication (2FA) seals the deal,” Cameron Jackson writes for InMyArea.com. “2FA works like this: when you log into your account using your login name and password, the account sends a unique code, typically to your cell phone, which you must enter before gaining entry to your website.”
With 2FA in place, it doesn’t matter if an outsider cracks your passcode. In order for the aspiring cybercriminal to get into your account, he would also need a physical device. This makes it nearly impossible for a remote attack to succeed.
- Pay Attention to Software Updates
“When you’re chasing prospects, qualifying leads and developing marketing strategies, it’s easy to forget about software updates. But the truth is they are important and shouldn’t be left for when you’re on vacation,” marketer Adebisi Adewusi advises.
According to a recent study by Cisco, there are an average of 14 vulnerabilities in software per month. Just because a piece of software is functional, you can’t take its security for granted. By updating, you can close the loopholes and ensure you and your clients aren’t put at risk.
- Only Use Reputable Tools
When you’re a marketer, you’re constantly using various tools to streamline mundane tasks, increase efficiency, and maintain a competitive advantage. But as you integrate new tools into your work processes, be sure to perform adequate due diligence: only connect with solutions and software that have been proven.
- Be Wary of Suspicious Emails
Despite rising public awareness of phishing schemes and the riskiness of clicking open sketchy emails, phishing is still one of the most common methods of attack.
“It is often difficult to tell whether an email is a genuine phishing attempt or not, so the best security precaution you can take is to simply avoid clicking on links and downloading attachments,” the Detectify blog explains. “Don’t be afraid to double-check with a colleague if you’re not sure an email is genuine.”
Don’t Fall Behind on Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn’t something you want to fall too far behind on. If you aren’t careful, you’ll end up on the wrong end of a security compromise. By being proactive, you can significantly mitigate risk, protect clients, and keep your digital marketing endeavors moving forward.