Given the current geopolitical climate, the rise of AI usage, and growing insight into how various search engines and social media platforms can gather user information, it’s more important than ever for businesses to keep their data safe.
For the last 13 years, KWSM has worked with many businesses who trust us with their data and login credentials. We take extreme measures to ensure that all of our systems, processes, and communications are secure in order to protect that information from hackers.
In order to stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity best practices, the KWSM team recently attended a cybersecurity webinar, led by Krista Hollingsworth, Chief Revenue Officer at Consilien: a managed cybersecurity, compliance. IT, and and consulting group in California.
“We’ve come to a point where data is a currency, and it should be protected in the same way. For an agency, a single breach can erode years of trust we’ve built with clients, making cybersecurity not just an IT issue, but a cornerstone of our business.”
– Greg Colacino, Director of Content, KWSM
Best Practices For Keeping Data Safe
The webinar covered a wide scope of cybersecurity guidelines that are fundamental to safeguarding our clients’ data. Not only did we delve into the specific protocols, practices, and technologies that form the bedrock of our security infrastructure, but we also pulled back the curtain on the logic behind their effectiveness. The session provided the team with a comprehensive understanding of why our methods serve as a robust shield against cyber threats.
Here are four tips we reviewed in the training that could help keep your business data safe.
Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks
Do you have your phone or laptop set to automatically connect to public WiFi? It’s important to turn off that automation to keep your information safe. Public WiFi networks are far more susceptible to hackers, as anyone can intercept the data in that shared network without having to enter a password.
If you enjoy going to your local coffee shop or library to get work done, or you check your email in the airport during your layover, do not connect to their WiFi network and make sure not to access any sensitive information on your device while you’re there. Instead, connect to your own personal hotspot, or wait until you’re back at home or in the office where the network is private and password-protected.
Use Encrypted Files
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your emails or even texts are safe from being hacked. In fact, those are two of the most vulnerable forms of communication for businesses since they don’t rely on security or encryption.
Any time you’re sharing passwords or other important, confidential information with people inside and outside of your organization, it’s best to either relay that information verbally (in person or on the phone), or by using an encrypted or password-protected file.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Your social media channels, Google account, and other applications your business uses should be protected with multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security just in case your passwords become compromised and get into the wrong hands.
While MFA can become a pain in a business setting, as you have to track down whose email and/or phone number is associated with the account, we recommend keeping a secure digital notebook that lists the name and contact information associated with each account to save you time and energy.
Use Different Passwords Across Channels
Not only did we discuss the benefits of using a randomized password (rather than words and numbers associated with your business or contact information), but we also discussed why every account should have a unique password.
By differentiating each password, you protect your other accounts from hackers if one gets compromised. Hackers who unlock one of your passwords will know to try the same password or pattern on other accounts.
Your Data is Safe With KWSM
We understand that it can be scary to trust confidential information to anyone outside of your organization. At KWSM, we work as an extension of your team to bring the digital marketing results you need, without compromising your important data.
If you have any questions about what a partnership looks like with our agency, fill out the contact form below.
