Cybersecurity evolves rapidly, and so does cybercrime as the methods get more and more complex. Trends in cybersecurity change the digital landscape, impacting a whole host of sectors – and online marketing is no different.
Online marketers who want to thrive have to keep current and adapt to the changes and impacts along the way. Let’s explore the latest cybersecurity developments that marketers must navigate and stay one step ahead of.
The Rise of AI and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity efforts are being drastically boosted with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. As these technologies advance, they’re becoming essential tools for marketers to not only optimize content strategies but protect their data and systems as well.
AI-Driven Threat Detection
With AI-driven tools, detecting threats is far more efficient because they can read and examine large amounts of data at superhuman speeds. Once detected, they can be neutralized in real-time, safeguarding assets in an unprecedented way. This allows online marketers to work in larger teams with varied audiences and multiple projects and rest assured that everything is protected.
Enhancing Security Protocols With ML
As machine learning algorithms are fed data, they improve – which means they quickly evolve. They are capable of adapting autonomously, without the need for manual updates. This frees up marketers to work on implementing strategies that keep retention and make a profit without worrying about the technical side of protecting their data.
The Role of the Internet of Things (IoT)
The number of IoT devices is growing exponentially, and while helpful to marketers, they provide extra entry points for cybercriminals.
How Does IoT Impact Online Marketing?
The data provided about potential customers by IoT devices is invaluable to an online marketer.
It enables them to be personalized and have real-time interactions. This enhances the customer's experience. However, it can be fragmented, as it is provided by multiple types of devices.
Marketers can use the data for more effective content creation and to improve their marketing strategies.
Mitigating the Disadvantages of IoT in Online Marketing
The use of encryption should be at the forefront of your cybersecurity plans to strengthen the security of your data. Regular audits should also be performed to ensure compliance with regulations.
Teams should be well-trained to help them manage complex data sets, and marketing might need to be scaled up.
Remote Worker Impact on Cybersecurity in Marketing
Since 2022, we’ve seen a 16% increase in remote roles in marketing, but the shift also brings cybersecurity challenges. Securing remote work environments is a cybersecurity trend that many online marketing companies are having to pursue.
Remote Work Environment Vulnerabilities
With a remote work environment, you have a variety of devices accessing your marketing company data from miscellaneous networks. This is a big cybersecurity vulnerability because many home and public Wi-Fi connections are unsecured, making them great malware targets.
A lot of the risk is dependent on the employee's internet safety skills, as many are susceptible to phishing attacks which can cause huge company data breaches.
Collaborative tools and data cloud services are invaluable for remote work but are all extra entry points that form security gaps.
How To Secure Remote Access
You want to make sure your remote marketing employees access company systems safely.
This involves a technological approach where Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and End-Point solutions become a priority to help keep communication secure.
Multifactor authorization methods should be used in addition to strong access passwords.
A VPN app can help with data transmission encryption between remote workers and company servers. Most importantly, workers need to be constantly trained in safe practices with regular cybersecurity training.
The Quantum Conundrum
The next big technological leap on the cards is quantum computing, which will undoubtedly revolutionize the way we see data.
For digital marketing, the potentials are incredible and will be capable of providing far better cybersecurity.
However, it also potentially poses quantum security risks which we may not even be able to predict yet.
The Potentials of Quantum Computing for Marketing Cybersecurity
Quantum computing will likely bring us quantum encryption, which will strengthen defenses.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) will be virtually impossible to beat and fraud detection functioning at a quantum level will enhance threat prevention.
Marketing information databases will be safely transmitted and companies will be able to comply with long-term data protection.
Potential for Future Quantum Threats
Quantum encryption capabilities will also mean quantum hacking methods that will break traditional encryption are likely to arise.
It is also likely to come with extraordinarily high costs – tech infrastructure would need to be updated on a worldwide level.
The Evolution and Escalation of Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are rife and they have moved on in sophistication these days, making them easier to fall prey to.
Modern Spear Phishing Attacks on Marketers
Spear phishing is all too common in online marketing. Attackers will reach out posing as colleagues or trusted vendors with a personalized email or message.
The contents might include specific details such as the mention of a current project, adding to the authenticity.
The aim is to obtain the marketer's credentials to access accounts and disrupt the campaign or steal data and commit fraud.
Protecting Against Phishing
The best way to protect against phishing is to educate employees and always get them to scrutinize messages received.
Make sure they:
- Work cautiously, checking with colleagues and vendors via different channels of communication.
- Be wary and understand not to give out access information or sensitive.
- Install anti-phishing software and set up SPF (Sender Policy Framework) to verify the IP address of sender's IP address is authorized to send emails from its supposed domain.
Prioritizing Mobile Marketing Security
Mobile marketing is an integral part of online marketing; just about everyone has access to a mobile device. This again presents as many risks as opportunities, and mobile security is a top cybersecurity trend in marketing.
Mobile Marketing Risks
As they are so widely used and present a variety of operating systems each with apps that may or may not be up to date with the latest security patch, cybercriminals will often target mobile devices.
Mobile Security Measures
Comprehensive mobile security strategies must be adopted to address the security gaps in mobile marketing methods.
Here are some top tips:
- Use app encryption.
- Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Consider using Secure SDKs (Software Development Kits).
The Rise of Zero Trust Security Models
The Zero Trust security model assumes that everything is suspicious, in a guilty until proven-innocent manner. It is quickly becoming the new norm in cybersecurity. Marketers deal with a lot of sensitive data so it really isn’t a bad idea, especially for remote or hybrid setups.
Below are 4 core Zero Trust security concepts:
- Continuous authentication.
- Restricted access controls.
- Segmenting networks.
- Verify at every level.
Zero Trust Applied in Marketing
Online marketing companies should segment their access controls with different levels of access based on user roles.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) should be made standard and all marketing data transmissions should be well encrypted over secure channels.
Constant monitoring and auditing should be practiced to ensure consistent verification.
Securing With Blockchain
Blockchain technology is being adopted throughout the digital world and online marketers are in favor of it, with 55% of marketers regarding it as crucial for the future of marketing.
Blockchain Security Enhancement
Blockchain’s unique properties make it ideal for securing data and managing identities. Let’s discuss how blockchain can be used to strengthen cybersecurity in marketing operations.
Blockchain in Marketing
Blockchain protects digital transactions and consumer data and prevents fraud. At the same time, it fosters complete trust.
Blockchain records can’t be altered with any unauthorized change, making it great for company integrity.
Cybersecurity Insurance Rises
Cybersecurity insurance has seen a rise at the hands of cyber threat risks climbing exponentially. As it is becoming so commonplace and the costs can be high, online marketers must understand how to optimize their cybersecurity measures to reduce costs.
Reducing Insurance Costs with Strong Security
Marketers can reduce cybersecurity insurance premiums with the following:
- Frequent assessments.
- Strong incident response plans.
- Full endpoint protection.
- Implementing threat detection systems.
- Complying with industry standards and following frameworks like NIST or ISO.
Conclusion
Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to cybersecurity trends is really important if you want to thrive safely in the world of online marketing.
Learning about the potential advantages presented and possible risks incurred allows marketers to plan, prepare, and adapt to the latest developments.
By keeping up with the ever-changing cybersecurity environment, marketers can use the latest tools to their advantage while maintaining integrity with customers and staying safe.
