Is Your Agency’s Security Up To Scratch?
If CSI Cyber and Mr Robot have taught us anything, it is that there are plenty of black hat hackers who are out to get big companies for little reason beyond maliciousness or personal gain, says this guest poster, marketer & producer with Five by Five Sydney, Louis Petrides.
According to a new report by EMC released on Tuesday, 32 per cent of Australian businesses have suffered unplanned system downtime due to external security breaches. The estimated average cost to organisations for last year’s downtime was $1,422,000.
Although many hackers go after parent companies, it’s important to consider how agencies fit into the mix. As data and creative custodians for brands, agencies sometimes can get caught in the firing line of hackers, so it’s important to take steps to avoid this and protect the intellectual property of your clients.
So before you become a target, here are six security tips your agency should start following right now:
1. Don’t post agency office photos with hardware in the background on social media
A seemingly innocuous office photo could tell a hacker what type of physical firewall, hardware and security software you are running. If a hacker can analyse your existing set-up through a simple agency photo, they can adapt their approach.
The photo can tell a hacker about your operating systems: is your computer still running Windows XP? Which antivirus logo is viewable, or worse, is a security icon even visible? Anti-virus software runs updates (otherwise known as signatures) at different times – sometimes weekly, which gives an attacker up to seven days to get into your system before a breach is even identified.
Solution: Always ask the agency IT manager to double check your photos before you post them on social media or just avoid publishing office photos with pictures of your computers and servers.
2. Your agency passwords should never mimic your personal passwords
InstaBrute is a good example of a vulnerability within Instagram that allows attackers to obtain passwords from users. If your business email password is the same as your Instagram, it makes it easy pickings for hackers.
Solution: Stop using your personal password on any business account. If memory isn’t your forte, consider getting a password manager tool. Look into password manager services such as LastPass that Auto-fill in passwords and contain random password generators.
3. Avoid using your phone to log-in to or post messages on client social media
While it is convenient to manage a client’s social profile on your mobile phone on the go, they are much less secure than the average computer and some argue they are more valuable to attackers because of its access to your personal phone contacts coupled with location profiling.
The last thing your client wants is some random hacker holding the keys to their social brand identity.
Solution: Don’t use your phone to manage social media as the risk is simply not worth it when you are holding such intangible brand assets in your hand.
If you must use your phone, ensure it has the latest mobile and cloud based security. Check out solutions from security providers like Symantec or Webroot.
4. Steer clear from using your personal computer and laptop to manage sensitive client information
Your agency computer has been set up by IT professionals (hopefully) for a reason. Security is a core component of this and unless your home computer has been set up by a similar specialist, we can assume your business computer is safer than your personal one.
Solution: If you know you’ll be working from home, take your work laptop home because this means there are still more layers of security, which inevitably make it more difficult for attackers or speak with your IT professional about the best way to access files on your personal computer if you don’t have a work laptop.
5. Stay away from Skype as a way to communicate with your clients and partners
Many people don’t know that Skype exposes your IP address to those that simply know your name. Your IP is synonymous with the keys to your office and in this day and age, it is a lot more valuable than you think. Your agency probably has access to billions in marketing assets and this is why security matters.
There are multiple types of attacks made possible when someone has your IP address, including DDos attacks or attempts to gain full control of your machine. More information can be found here.
Solution: Collaboration and chat software like Slack or HipChat brings all your communication together in one place within a secure environment that does not expose your IP address. They have all the functionality that Skype does, so just stick to using Skype on your personal computer with your mum.
6. Think twice before using free public WiFi to check your work emails on the go, especially when using your agency laptop or handheld
The same aspects that make free WiFi hotspots enticing for consumers make them enticing for hackers who can gain free access to unsecured devices on the same network.
While connecting to free WiFi, the hacker can access and even see every piece of information on your machine, including, important client emails, project folders, credit card information, logins and the list goes on.
Solution: Stop using free WiFi for business purposes and use your own mobile data or a pre-paid dongle. In Australia, Optus & Telstra provide a range of devices to get you connected to their networks on the go.
It is vital that your agency maintains the highest standards when it comes to online security so by following these simple tips, you could prevent a security disaster.
It’s also worthwhile providing training for staff on basic security at least once a year so they are aware of new ways to protect themselves and the business. Otherwise, you may end up with this guy on your digital doorstep.
Please login with linkedin to comment
einsightsLatest News
Enjoy A Hahn Solo… And May The Fourth Be With You
This May the fourth Hahn will celebrate alongside Star Wars fans rewarding their passion via a giant Hahn travelling solo through the sky. It’s the one day of the year when all sci-fi fans rejoice and giggle to themselves and Hahn in partnership with Thinkerbell, UM and Affinity is celebrating with an out of this […]
DMARGE Founder Unveils Creator-Led Social Media Agency Feedstar
New creator-led social media agency Feedstar to be aimed directly at Gen Zs. Well, they'd hardly want print, would they?
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): A total of 1,753,000 Aussies Witness Port Adelaide’s Defeat
Seven's AFL numbers almost double that of the NRL last night. The NRL still easily winning for ruptured ACLs.
Hotglue Cashes In With La Trobe Financial Digital Media Account
Hotglue staffers learning their cashflows from their collaterals today after nabbing La Trobe Financial's digital media.
M&C Saatchi’s Sydney Creative Lead Exits
B&T's stopping short of calling it a revolving door at M&C at the present, but there's definitely heat on the hinges.
Taylor Swift’s Music Re-Enters TikTok As Universal Pens Landmark Deal
Yes, B&T may have spent 152 hours failing to get Taylor Swift tickets, but, as you'll read here, it's all behind us now.
HAVAS Red launches inaugural Influencer White Paper
Havas Red has debuted its first influencer white paper. Unless you print it out in colour, of course.
Two Sides Global Campaign Reports Increasing Greenwashing As Organisations Focus On Sustainability
New report confirms greenwashing's on the rise. Apparently Mars' 'work, rest & play' claims also under investigation.
Aruga Launches New HQ & Changed Ownership Structure
PR agency Aruga proves Brisbane is 'so hot right now'. So hot in fact, Adelaide's had to go on anti-anxiety meds.
Delicious & American Express Partner To Launch Month Out 2024 In Sydney
Cost of living got you eating noodles prepared in the two-minute style? Why not live vicariously through this.
Aussie Ad Market Continues Decline In March
The belt-tightening in adland shows signs of a turnaround soon. Bar the belt-loosening at the all-you-can-eat buffet.
VMA Focuses On Skills And Training For Members
If there was a post-COVID hangover (bar the anti-vax ranters) it was the rise in skills shortages. Here's another one.
Nearly 90% Of Consumers Want Transparency About AI Images, Finds Getty Images Report
Study finds consumers want transparency around AI images. Couldn't care less about photoshopped magazine covers.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation Partners With VML To Boost Funds
Anyone else feel we've exhausted the office morning tea for cancer? B&T proposes the office moonshine still instead.
Perry ‘Pez’ Lazaris Named New National Hit Network Announcer
Why is it mandatory for the media to only publish the nicknames of people in radio & underworld crime figures?
Before Adland: Garry Dawson’s Journey From Teacher To Marketer
Here, the Hopeful Monsters marketer talks his shift from the classroom to the room wherever marketers congregate.
Scott Cam Urges Tradies To Prioritise Sun Protection
The Block host promoting sun protection to tradies. Also, don't try getting into the RSL after 6pm wearing high viz.
PubMatic Study: Advertising On Retail Media Is 50% More Effective Than Social Media
New study finds retail media 50% more effective than social. B&T says two-for-one Tim Tams trumps the lot.
From MOWING to life GROWING: Jim Penman launches ‘Life Coaching’ services
Can't decide on getting the hedges trimmed or finding a deeper meaning to life? You're in luck with this new venture.
Budweiser Brazil Turns Songs That Name Drop The Iconic Brand Into Spotify Ads
It's strange that Budweiser never found a market among beer-swilling Aussies. Then again, neither did the fluffy duck.
Effie Worldwide Strengthens Board With 6 New Members
B&T hopes everyone's wearing their Maseur sandals at the Effies, as it's standing room only at the next board meeting.
Special Enlist A Penguin Named Nigel In Latest Energy Campaign For Contact
Special unveils Nigel the penguin in work for energy provider Contact. Apparently Percy the peacock was booked.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & George Miller Ignite Sydney For Epic Mad Max Launch
The Mad Max film franchise is Australia's cinematic gift to the world. That & Chris Hemsworth's near perfect cheekbones.
IAS Launches First-To-Market Integration With Roblox To Provide 3D Immersive Measurement
Always thought you could do with better 3D immersive measurement? Happy days are ahead here.
Fast And Furious: Top Gear Australia Launch Thrilled Motorheads, Car Entusiasts And Guests
B&T is still no closer to knowing who the new Stig is, except that she is a woman and a ridiculously fast.
TV Ratings (02/05/2024): Seven’s The 1% Club Wins The Night
The 1% club did not live up to its name when it comes to TV ratings last night.
TRA Welcomes Raft Of New Hires; Bolstering Expertise Across Markets
Insights and research agency TRA announces slew of new hires. Still no news on the return of marble wash denim, however.
CX Lavender Hires Boston Consulting Group’s Kim Verbrugghe as Chief Strategy Officer
CX Lavender announces new strategy hire and channels 'acoustic folk act at local RSL' for the publicity pic.
Opinion: Community standards, will they be the death of us?
This columnist is talking community standards. Sadly not those people who put dogs in trolleys in supermarkets.
Tegel gets heads bobbing with new free-range chicken platform
Sure, there's a lot of moral considerations when buying a chook. Yet, not as baffling as buying eggs or canned tuna.
Study: 66% of Aussie men believe masculinity is under attack
Two-thirds of Aussie blokes say masculinity's under attack. That said, sales of Solo lemon drink appear robust.
‘Equal Writes’: Canyon reveals new campaign and refreshed brand for women and non-binary writers
As this brand redesign again proves, nothing beats black on white. Well, white on black in this instance.
Icon Agency bolsters consumer and integrated offer with major hires
Icon Agency unveils new recruits. As press photo confirms office moustache competition now a lay-down misère.
Clemenger launches agricultural graduate program
Has Farmer Wants A Wife triggered an interest in dagging & hay balers? This grads program may resonate.
Levi’s Appoint UM As Global Media Agency For $217m Account
Levi's are the jeans for rockstars, models & the cool kids. Although that's not stopped dads from ruining their image.
QMS Nabs Sean Rigby From oOh!media
Things set to get spicy at the next Outdoor Media Association dinner and dance as a rival gets poached.