Entrepreneurs nowadays are fond of using digital marketing because of its convenience. This type of strategy requires time, effort, and attention. Digital marketing is done through digital channels such as websites, email, mobile applications, social networking sites, and even search engines. It is also the extension and flow of e-commerce. Digital marketing helps companies reach their target consumers without physical advertising. But just like with physical advertising, this method is not made perfectly.
It also has its risks and cybersecurity challenges that marketers can experience through the process. Cybersecurity challenges are the problems faced by companies while using digital marketing. As a digital marketing company, most of your clients are also business people seeking help in boosting their products or services. Cybersecurity in business to business is an important factor in digital marketing. Cybersecurity builds trust and because of this, you can gain more clients in the future.
Some cybersecurity challenges are man-made while others are technical malfunctions. Businesses, especially online brands, must ensure their cybersecurity to prevent serious threats from happening. Neglecting cybersecurity can damage both the business and the clients. While we’re at it, here are some of the most common cybersecurity challenges that a digital marketer faces in the business.
1. Threat to financial transactions
This is the most important factor to secure and check when doing business online. Digital marketing clients often use e-commerce websites. When these websites process your clients’ payments through third-party services, they can be profitable targets. Malware is the usual vector for this.
As a digital marketer, you should be aware about anti-malware measures to prevent this kind of cybersecurity challenge. You will lose the trust of your customers when their financial information is exposed. Protecting your – and your customers – finances should be one of your highest concerns.
2. Phishing sites
A phishing website, or sometimes referred to as a ‘spoofed site’, tries to steal accounts and passwords and any other sensitive information by tricking you that they are a legitimate site. More often than not, a website name with typographical errors may direct you to phishing sites. Phishing attacks can cause major injury to a business. Your employees might not be able to continue their work.
Files, data, and assets may be damaged or worse, stolen. This can also lead to financial loss and reputation damage. This type of problem can be prevented by being careful about the links that you open, especially using an office computer. Web security is important because it prevents users from visiting malicious webpages and downloading malicious software.
3. Malware attacks
Malware, or malicious software, is a big threat to any business. It is designed to disrupt, damage, and gain unauthorized access to your network of computers. This is developed by cybercriminals or hackers. Malware usually comes from spam emails, malicious website downloads, and from connecting to other virus-infected devices. Malware attacks can damage businesses by crippling its devices.
If a device is crippled, it requires expensive repairs or replacement to fix. This type of attack can also give attackers a chance to access data which can result in putting the clients and employees at risk. Employees who use their own devices are much more likely to experience this challenge. Security should never be traded for convenience when running a business. A strong technological defense can prevent malware attacks.
4. Weak passwords
It may be a simple problem, but it can cause a big effect on a business. For instance, a company uses cloud-based data storage. This software can hold a company’s most confidential data and even their financial information. It typically requires an employee’s authorized username and password before gaining access. Using easily guessed or weak passwords can cause the data to be compromised.
This problem can be lessened by using multi-factor authentication. This is a security technology that requires multiple methods of authentication to verify a user’s information before logging them in. Multi-factor authentication combines two or more credentials such as passwords, security tokens, and biometric verification. Through using this, you can ensure the safety of your confidential data.
5. Identity theft
This type of risk comes when a digital marketing company uses social media as a medium of promotion. Small businesses tend to use social media for promotion because it is free. Although social networking sites created no-cost marketing opportunities, it also created cybersecurity risks such as identity theft and data breach.
When logging in on social media, it asks for users to provide as much personal and business information as possible. Through this, online perpetrators are gaining a chance to use social media to steal identities and commit fraud. This problem can create a bigger problem such as reputation damage and financial loss.
