5 Cyber Security Tips for Every Branding Agency
Branding agencies are vital for the marketing strategies of many Fortune 500 companies. They are committed to making businesses popular and attractive online. They work by the firm's brand, usually providing effective email broadcasting services and managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.). However, they are not safe in the hands of online attackers.
When hackers are breaking into Fortune 500 companies, it's time for your small business to take security seriously. This article will cover the top five cyber security tips every branding agency should do to protect their websites.
Table of Contents
Firewall Installation and Maintenance
A firewall is a hardware or software system that prevents unauthorised access to or from a private network. It prevents intruders from hacking into your network and stealing your data, including customer and intellectual property. A good firewall will prevent viruses, spam, and other unwanted content, such as malware.
You can buy hardware firewalls from computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo; however, it may be cheaper to buy software firewalls from companies such as Symantec through an annual subscription service. Alternatively, some cloud-based services offer free versions of these services for small businesses.
Using Strong Passwords and Changing Them Regularly
Strong passwords are a must for all branding agencies, but they're essential for marketing agencies as they should take advanced data security measures and steps. They generally have a more significant number of employees than other types of businesses. The more people that know your password, the greater the chance it will leak out and be used by someone else.
The best way to protect your passwords is to use strong ones, including numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and symbols. It would be best to change them regularly — ideally every three months or so (though this depends on how many people know them).
If you're unsure how strong or easy it would be for someone else to guess your password, consider using an online tool like LastPass or Dashlane. They will generate one based on length, complexity, and randomness criteria.
Backing Up Your Data
Data backup is critical to any business, and branding agencies are no different. You have probably heard horror stories of companies losing their entire data due to hardware failure or natural disasters. These companies mostly recovered their data after investing in a good backup solution.
Data backup is an essential part of every branding agency's operations. However, there are many different types of backup solutions that you can use for your branding agency's needs:
- Local backups are stored on an internal hard drive or another storage device. Local backups allow you to restore your data when needed, but they can be difficult to access.
- Remote backups are offsite at a remote location. This allows you to store your data in case of natural disasters or other unforeseen events that could affect your business operations.
- Online backups store your data in a cloud-based environment that can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection and provide additional security against cyberattacks. They also protect your data from physical threats such as fires or floods that might destroy your office building and all its contents (including all those valuable files) if left unsecured.
Installing Only Verified and Trusted Software
You probably don't think twice about downloading software such as Safe antivirus software from the internet — unless it came from an untrusted source. But even reputable sites can host malicious code infecting your computer or stealing important information like passwords and credit card numbers.
To avoid this threat, ensure all software comes from trusted sources such as Apple's App Store or Google Play Store for Android apps. If you have questions about whether a website is trustworthy, ask your IT department or an experienced third-party consultant for advice on proceeding with the download without compromising your security.
Two Factor Authentication
A two-factor authentication is a form of multi-factor authentication that requires a second identification method and a password. It increases security when accessing a resource on the internet or an internal network. It involves two stages. You have to log in with your username and password and then provide additional information which you can only provide.
For example, if you use two-factor authentication, your brand would require all employees to provide their mobile phone number, which is the second factor. Logging into the system will send the user a text message, and they will have to enter this code before accessing anything on your website.
Security Is Crucial for Every Branding Agency!
You must be proactive and prepared to prevent a successful attack. Please take measures to prevent hackers from breaching your network before it happens. A company's most significant assets are its employees. By following these cyber security tips, take time to create security practices and training that help keep those assets safe!
