The Importance of Web Security in Digital Marketing
The rapid development of technology has definitely ushered in a new era for digital marketing. Over the past half-century, more new technologies have been invented than in the past two millennia. This rapid development not only changed all markets in the world but also gave way to new development. But along with progress in the digital field, other problems such as cyberattacks and fraud came up.
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What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is an activity aimed at protecting systems, programs, and networks from digital attacks. The purpose of such cyber-attacks is usually to gain access to confidential information, its destruction or modification, extorting money from users, or disrupting the normal business process.
Today, introducing more effective cybersecurity measures is especially difficult, as there are more devices than people, and hackers use more sophisticated attack methods.
At the individual level, a cyber attack can lead to various consequences: from identity theft to the loss of important data or attempts to extort. Each person depends on critical infrastructures such as financial institutions, hospitals, and power plants. The protection of these and other organizations is fundamental to the normal functioning of our society.
Below we highlighted some of the challenges of digital marketing:
- Cybersecurity is a business issue
Based on history, business leaders did not have a complete understanding of the risks associated with cybersecurity, which led to a lack of funding for much-needed data protection programs. Finally, in 2019, we saw an increase in awareness among board members and the IT community, which led to increased funding in this important area. Companies are starting to give priority to cybersecurity, which cannot be ignored.
- One technology cannot protect against the internal threat
Over the past few years, data leakage has been the most common cause of hacking. One wrong click on the site can adversely affect the security of the data the employee is working with. Personnel training allows the company to prevent cyber attacks, and smart leaders know and believe in the importance of employee training programs.
- The Internet of Things (IoT) is the latest cybersecurity threat
The research company, Gartner, in 2017 warned that the number of all connected devices in the world by 2020 will reach 20 billion. The introduction of 5G offers great opportunities, but there are concerns about its impact on data security. A study by Accenture shows that a third of business decision-makers are hesitant to accept 5G due to security concerns.
- GDPR continues to influence business
The General Data Protection Regulation has had a huge impact on how companies process data. In May 2018, enterprises were forced to adapt to new data protection laws. However, compliance with GDPR standards is an ongoing process. Two-thirds of enterprises say that compliance with GDPR continues to affect them, which we will observe in 2020.
- More and more people are using voice technology, but security fears are a barrier
Voice technology quickly penetrated people’s lives. Almost two-thirds of consumers use it, and it is expected that this number will grow over the next 12 months. However, many still do not believe that voice-controlled devices are safe. Not surprisingly, a third of consumers will not use voice activation technology to make payments. To make more users feel comfortable using voice technology to make or confirm payments, the security issue needs to be resolved.
Why is cybersecurity so important?
Digital marketing is one of the most developing industries today. But do not forget about the high risks of cyberattacks, especially if you are somehow connected with this. There is a significant risk that your systems could be hacked, which could lead to downtime, financial fraud, or data leakage. This is why cybersecurity is so important in modern digital marketing.
To prevent a breach of your online security, you must protect your employees, customers, and partners by investing money and time in protecting your digital platforms. Here are some tips you can use to protect your business:
- Protect your site
This is very important because sites with poor web security are an easy target for hackers and cybercriminals. If your site is hacked, it can lead to damage to your reputation, financial loss, and even fines.
- Take care of your email
Email systems are still a favorite tool for cyber criminals who intend to send fraudulent accounts and distribute malware. For example, did you know that approximately 67% of all malicious programs in the world are delivered by email? Or the fact that one of 131 letters contains malware? Be careful, as one malicious program can block all your data and it will take thousands of dollars to unlock it.
- Pay more attention to the safety of your social networks
People often forget that cybersecurity is important for managing social media accounts. Despite all the improvements made by providers, even business accounts are easily hacked, which can seriously undermine your reputation as a brand.
- Be careful with your IT systems
Cybercriminals, if they gain access to your local network, servers, or computers, can not only steal data but also affect business operations and cause damage.
How to protect yourself and your business from this?
We live in an era of digital technology, where you can easily find any data. Even hacking the CIA is not impossible. Assuming hacking is the safest organization in the world, the likelihood of cyber hacking by conventional companies is quite high, and the consequences could be dire. Damage to the organization as a result of such actions by hackers can be devastating.
However, if you know that the likelihood of cybercrime is high, you need to plan ahead how to respond to these violations and take this into account in your marketing strategy.
- Get a professional help
Responding to cybersecurity breaches is incredibly important and can have legal consequences. Before you answer anyone, you should seek the help of a professional or mentor. They will help you respond to legal requirements for reporting violations that may be relevant to your business, and they can also help you find a PR company that specializes in such matters.
- Tell your users immediately and honestly
The last thing you want your customers to know about data privacy violations from another source. You have to control the story, sincerely apologizing so that your customers first find out what happened, with detailed information about what happened and what measures are being taken.
- Tell them what you are sure of
It is important not only to immediately tell about what happened but also to be attentive to your statements. If you are not sure about what can be refuted, this will bring problems to your company.
- Watch your communication channels
You must have a separate engagement plan for employees, partners, customers, and the media. Post information on how they can contact you if they have further questions. Also, appoint one representative of your business who will be the main contact person for each channel. Make sure that this person is properly trained and prepared to answer questions accordingly.
- Offer data recovery services
Consider the option of providing data recovery services, depending on the type of hacking and your company’s ability to cover costs. This is because the news constantly talks about cyber hacking and many consumers understand that violating the confidentiality of their data can be inevitable.
COVID-19 has brought huge changes at a frantic speed, and marketers are feeling it. Consumer priorities have changed, and marketing strategies should reflect this.
By humanizing your brand and paying attention to the problems of consumers, and not to the interests of your company, you can maintain a constant conversation, even among those who are in a difficult financial situation or have many responsibilities.
Also, in order to keep up with all changes in consumption, brands will need to redouble their engagement efforts. Ultimately, some of them will survive the pandemic; and some are not.
Retailer PR Management
There are more similarities than differences between online and offline retailers, which is why they have several similar needs. PR is one of those common needs, regardless of whether your retail is online or not.
When it comes to PR, there is no gray area. Your target audience will see you in either a bad or a good light. And when marketing is really not good, they will not see you at all.
Online retailers and start-ups can start work or even switch their current operations to a business model that provides direct deliveries in order to save money and time on logistics and inventory management. Then these funds can be redirected to finance marketing campaigns, PR campaigns and branding. Such a process will help make retail operations more economical.
Results
At first, consumers didn’t have much choice where to buy products, clothes, furniture, or any other random item that they wanted. There were only shopping centers and small shops in the streets. Today, there are many options available for purchase, whether it’s a pop-up store, a temporary stand, an Instagram post, or an advertising video.
Retailers need to focus on creating a secure connection with customers, demonstrating why they should be chosen by consumers among many others. Also, don’t forget about the security of their personal data, business, sites, and much more.
We hope that this article was interesting and informative for you. Stay tuned with Dewzilla!
