3 Security Risks In Digital Marketing

Security Risks In Digital Marketing

Digital marketing refers to reaching consumers via the use of mobile devices, the internet, search engines, social media, and various other channels. A digital marketing campaign needs a good deal of effort and time to make it a success. You need to identify your audience, do market research, and develop content and more. The development of a proper strategy is an important step for digital marketing success. Another aspect you have to rope in is web security, which can result in risks for you and your clients if neglected.

Some of the security risks in digital marketing include:

1. Malware

Malware can latch onto your system by a simple click on a seemingly secure website. Malvertising is another way you can get hacked. A hacker installs malware in ads on sites you trust, tricking you into clicking on them and unknowingly downloading and installing the malware on your device. Malware exists in various types and all spell danger to your system.

A virus can spread like bushfire, corrupting system files and data. Hackers can install spyware on your PC to record passwords, keystrokes, emails and other data and send them back to cybercriminals. Ransomware takes your system hostage, with the hackers asking for money to release your data. Email links and attachments can also contain malware, and all you have to do sometimes is open the email and your computer gets infected.

Get the best anti-malware and anti-spyware software to protect your system and spare you the expense of resolving cyber-attacks. Avoid clicking on emails from unverified sources and consider using a VPN, which will encrypt your data and create a safe tunnel between your device and the internet. Any hacker trying to intercept your data cannot read the encrypted data.

Related: How Web Design Impacts Content Marketing

2. WordPress security

In content management systems, WordPress tops them all, and it is a favorite for hackers because more than half of its sites are not security optimized. But WordPress has had quite a bit of security issues over the years so when using it, it would be best if you familiarize yourself with its security features, and install updates as soon as they are available.

Most hackers do not want your data or to delete files, but they want to control your email accounts and use your server to send clients spam. Spam is common and most software filters and Internet Service Providers (ISP) block all IP addresses that are known spammers. When the hackers use your email address, they know they can bypass the filters. The problem is when your email campaigns get limited once you are blacklisted as a spammer.

Newer WordPress versions and security plugins address novel security threats and system fixes ensure your site’s host is a company that is big on client security, which includes daily file backups and system isolation. Backup regularly to replace any lost data. If you are hacked, reset passwords and run a malware scan. For any issues, contact your web host as well.

3. Social media

Everyone who’s on social media is at risk. You might not be a high profile KOL, but you might still fall victim to hacking. Hackers may change your profile, make false statements, and add offensive photos, as a result, causing chaos and offending your social media followers. They might go to the extent of sending inappropriate emails, spam to your clients from your social media accounts or create malicious links.

To prevent this from happening, your accounts need to have strong passwords that you change often. An ideal password has at least 12 characters, with upper and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. Using dictionary phrases or substituting letters with numbers such as “0” for letter “O” is too obvious. Avoid using personal information and do not click on suspicious links.

Be careful of brandjacking, which hacks into your social media account and posts content that is harmful to your brand’s image.

Conclusion: Security Risks In Digital Marketing

Social media is one of the best ways to get your brand recognized. Hackers can interfere with your digital marketing campaign and loss of reputation. Being vigilant while on social media, including the use of strong passwords and watching out for suspicious links will ensure you stay safe from hacking.