How Marketing Companies Can Prevent Data Loss

by Frankie Wallace , Guest Contributor

Given current trends in technology, it’s clear that every serious part of business will be data-based in the future. Data is now the bridge between an agency and consumers. If a marketing company hasn’t taken solid cybersecurity measures, a breach could put their clients at risk as well as their own employees.

Experts agree that marketer hacks are inevitable. This isn’t too surprising, considering the high-profile hacking cases we’ve seen with Sony, British Airlines, and the DNC. When marketing companies are affected by a data breach, thousands of people could have their sensitive information stolen.

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This calls for safety precautions in regards to vulnerable data. This responsibility falls on those who work within a marketing firm as well as on the strength of their digital infrastructures. There is a certain amount of education that is necessary for all who are employed, especially within the smartphone age.

How to Educate Employees on Data Loss
You might be surprised to find out how many data breaches occur due to naivete on behalf of employees. Opening email attachments, clicking on unsafe links, and operating on public networks are common causes of data theft. All who work within a marketing firm should be informed of two important things: 

• How to back up their work
• How to recognize security threats

Backing up one’s work is often prioritized poorly by all kinds of businesses. When companies don’t back up their work, it’s often due to a lack of time. But failing to do so is extremely dangerous, sometimes leading organizations to continue operating on an infected server. If anyone says they don’t have time for backups, they need to make time. 

As important as backups are, however, they don’t completely protect organizations against cyberthreats. Employees must know how to recognize these issues in order to prevent them. This may involve:

• Verifying third-party email addresses
• Not opening unknown links sent via email
• Steering clear of websites without HTTPS protection
• Not connecting to work servers from insecure networks

Remember, opening a door to such threats puts all of the companies trusting marketers at risk. Marketers need to be responsible for the sake of everyone involved.

Wrestling With Smartphones
Smartphones are some of the most vulnerable sources for data. Though they have made things such as travel and digital communication more efficient, a smartphone in the wrong hands could give way to identity theft. The primary precautions one should take regarding data security on a smartphone are:

• Using secure passcodes
• Updating apps regularly
• Encrypting smartphone data
• Backing up smartphone data

The importance of updating app software cannot be understated, especially in an age where business professionals can work remotely. Most software updates are in response to “bugs” that threaten mobile security. It is good to install all available app updates weekly if not daily, and a smartphone’s respective app store should let users know when new updates are available. If the app in mind is used by everyone within the marketing firm, corporate heads should alert employees when updates are available.

Additionally, the aforementioned problem of securing mobile data is increased when employees use public networks. Data security companies claim that app usage is monitored by hackers on public networks, as well as their email accounts and the like. To be careless about this puts all affiliated parties at risk.

Tying Up Loose Ends
There are still loose ends to take care of in order to ensure minimal data loss within a marketing company. Trouble can still come from the outside, even when data is externally saved and individuals are avoiding dangerous scenarios. It’s similar to how a homeowner might lock their door at night. If they don’t, people can still come in and steal their belongings.

Not encrypting all of a company’s data, including what’s been backed up, is one of the most important loose ends someone could forget about. Encryption ensures that if information is somehow stolen, it can’t be translated or used by hackers for purposes of identity theft. Marketers should encourage their clients to encrypt their backups as well.

Further, consider using authentication measures. Two- or three-factor verification are among the safest ways to access servers, networks, and private information. As soon as the login credentials are entered, an email or text is sent to the user with a verification code that only they have access to. That way, if hackers are able to uncover a user’s password, they still won’t be able to log in without the verification code. This is especially useful when marketers and their clients communicate or share information with each other online.

Closing Thoughts
The future may hold more security factors to consider. As an example, smartphone security wasn’t an issue 20 years ago because smartphones weren’t widely owned. Who knows what concerns new technology will bring into the fold as time goes on?

One thing is for certain though: With great data comes great responsibility. If data exists, it will need to be stored, saved, and protected. Within the realm of marketing, this is crucial because of all of the clients involved. Marketing companies must take smart precautions now to save themselves trouble in the future.

Author bio:

Frankie Wallace is a recent graduate from the University of Montana. Wallace currently resides in Boise, Idaho.

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