Your data and brand reputation are some of your business’s most valuable assets. You depend on both to drive your business results. But, a cybercriminal can quickly put your entire organization and future at risk. Fortunately, you can put together a strong website and digital marketing program that gives cyber security the attention it deserves.

Why Does Cyber Security Matter?

Cyber attacks are a growing threat to small businesses. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report reveals that the cost of cybercrime in 2020 alone reached $2.7 billion.

Small businesses are especially attractive targets for cybercriminals because many don’t have the security infrastructure in place that their larger counterparts do. According to a recent SBA survey, 88% of small business owners believed their business could be a target for a cyber attack. But many small businesses have limited time and resources to devote to cyber security measures. Considering the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. is $8.64 million, it’s an easy argument that your business can’t afford NOT to take these matters seriously.

Common Cyber Security Threats

Here are some of the top cyber security threats your business should be concerned about:

Malware

Malware is an umbrella term referring to malicious software that intentionally causes damage to a server, computer, network, or client. The software generally looks for vulnerabilities in a system to exploit and will activate when someone clicks on a link or downloads an email attachment. The three common types of malware are:

• Viruses — This is software that copies itself when its code is inserted into other programs.
• Ransomware — Hackers use this type of program to block a victims’ access to their system or threaten to publish sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.
• Spyware — This type of software is inserted into a system to collect sensitive data without the owner’s knowledge.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that uses a malicious website or an email message to infect a victims’ computer and collect sensitive information. The request will appear to come from a legitimate source, requesting something like re-entering credit card information or a confirmation of login credentials. The two most common types of phishing attacks are:

• Business Email Attack — This is a type of phishing attack where, after a hacker gains access to your inbox, they will spy on your activities and learn your communication methods. Then, the cybercriminal will pretend to be you as they send messages to team members or vendors to divert assets to accounts they control.
• Spear Phishing — These types of attacks target specific groups or individuals that are influential or have access to certain sensitive data in an organization, such as your accounting department or C-Suite team.

Denial-of-Service (Dos) Attacks

This type of threat happens when hackers flood a company’s networks or servers with traffic to exhaust its resources by draining its bandwidth. This also leaves the company unable to take care of legitimate business.

Structured Query Language (SQL) injection

This type of cybersecurity threat works when a criminal inserts malicious code into a company’s app or website, allowing the hacker to gain access to sensitive data.

Zero-Day Exploits

These types of attacks happen on the day a company announces a data vulnerability but before the solution is implemented, leaving the business open to massive exploitation.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

These types of threats occur when a hacker inserts themselves between two parties in the middle of a transaction, allowing them to divert or filter data. For example, a hacker might be able to send back funds to their own account through one of these attacks. A common entry point for these types of attacks is unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

Many of these cyber security threats can be prevented through a variety of common sense IT and digital marketing solutions.

Elements of Cyber Security

As cyber security threats become more complex, it’s vital that your business takes a proactive approach to protecting business data and customer privacy. Some of the elements of an effective cyber security approach include:

Data Encryption

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an internet communication protocol that protects the confidentiality and integrity of data between the website and the user. Today’s users expect a private and secure online experience, and businesses should provide it. At the same time, Google has started penalizing websites that don’t provide this website feature.

To offer HTTPS, you get a security certificate for your website, which verifies ownership and protection against things like hacking attacks. An HTTPS certificate offers three valuable layers of protection:

• Data Authentication — Verification that users are communicating with a valid and trusted website.
• Data Integrity — Data can’t be corrupted or modified during transfer without being detected.
• Data Encryption — Exchanged data is encrypted to keep it safe from anyone trying to “listen” in to the transfer.

Secure Hardware Systems

Every device on your network — from computers to mobile phones to printers to IoT devices — is another opportunity for exploitation by hackers. That’s why it’s vital you secure anything providing access to sensitive information with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Data Backup

Another proactive measure your business can take is to create remote backups of all of its data. This way, if your systems are breached or taken offline, you will still have access to the data you need to continue operations.

Workforce Education

Team member negligence and errors are some of the leading causes of data breaches, particularly when it comes to phishing attacks. When you take the time to educate your team members on best practices, you can prevent or reduce the severity of these attacks. Cyber security training should be mandatory for all employees. Some of the topics to cover include:

• Different Types of Cyber Security Threats — Your staff can’t prevent threats if they don’t understand the different ways security breaches can present themselves. Employees need to be trained on how to identify things like phishing techniques, malware, ransomware, and malicious software.
• Password Security — Train employees on how to choose strong passwords that will not be vulnerable to hacking. Passwords must also be changed periodically to remain secure.
• Internet, Email, and Social Media Policies — The browsing, email, and social media habits of employees can create serious vulnerabilities. Include policies about clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources.
• Data and Document Management Procedures — Employees should receive training on the safe handling of company data and documents as well as the procedure for reporting data breach incidents.
• Unauthorized Software — Let employees know that they shouldn’t install unlicensed software on company computers without prior authorization.
• Mobile Device Usage — Communicate your company’s mobile device usage policy for personally-owned vs. company-owned devices used for business purposes.

Digital Marketing Best Practices

Digital marketing deals with both your company’s and customer’s data, so it’s an incredibly vulnerable area. Some of the primary areas of consideration include:

• Email Marketing — Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to market your business. Unfortunately, over 90% of cybersecurity attacks take place through email messages. To protect your business, its clients, and your brand’s good name, your team must be trained on email marketing best practices.
• Social Media Marketing — Billions of people use social media platforms daily to connect with each other and businesses they trust. Cybercriminals love to target social media users to seal personal data and financial resources. When a business markets on social media, it must have strict guidelines in place.
• CMS Software — A content management system (CMS) like WordPress is a versatile and powerful tool for promoting your business. When using a CMS, it’s vital that you keep it and all plugins updated to protect against online threats.
• CRM Software — A customer relationship management (CRM) system is a common target by hackers because it holds all of your valuable customer data. Protecting this data is vital to safeguarding your customer’s privacy and your brand’s reputation.

How Our Digital Marketing Agency Can Help

As a small business or digital marketer, you might think that cyber security is the kind of tech stuff that should be left for the IT people in your company to deal with. But, if there’s a data breach, declaring ignorance isn’t going to fix the problem or your company’s reputation.

The good news is that Too Darn Loud Digital Marketing specializes in creating effective and secure digital marketing solutions for its clients. We are ready to sit down with you to discuss your business’s vision and web design needs. Our cyber security solutions include:

• HTTPS Secure Websites
• Domain Monitoring
• Data Backup Scheduling
• Email Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Employee Education

Contact Us for Secure Digital Marketing Services Today

Cybersecurity is something businesses and digital marketers can’t afford to ignore. A security risk not only puts your business at risk but also compromises all customers and business partners who work with you. Everyone must take responsibility for the stewardship of customer information and privacy.

Creating a solid cybersecurity plan should be included in every digital marketing strategy. At Too Darn Loud Digital Marketing, we take your data security seriously. By addressing these concerns in concert with an overall plan, we help you promote your brand without the worries associated with security risks.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how our comprehensive digital marketing solutions can help your business.