Five ways content marketers can defend against cyber attacks

Threats from cyberspace are a fact of life – how can content marketers combat the perils of the online world?

Global chaos ensued earlier in May when institutions ranging from the NHS to the Russian interior ministry were hit by a ransomware cyber attack. 200,000 computers and 150 countries were affected.

The malicious software in question is known as WannaCry. It works by locking users out of their computers and demanding a ransom to regain access. For companies already contending with phishing (attempts to fraudulently obtain personal data) and DDoS attacks (overloading servers with traffic to crash websites), ransomware is an unwelcome new phenomenon to add to their list of worries.

Thankfully, there are some steps content marketers can take to neutralise this barrage of malevolence so characteristic of the digital age.

Back up content

As cyber attacks go, WannaCry was notable for its scale rather than its craftiness. An insider at the NHS called the virus “indiscriminate and not particularly sophisticated”. Most users were able to wipe the malware from their systems and get on with work as usual.

But, for content creators with no back up, such a solution would obliterate scores of unfinished projects.

If the recent cyber attack has demonstrated anything, it’s the value of investing in cloud storage or a humble USB stick to guarantee a safe haven for content in the event of an attack.

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WannaCry’s spread was driven in part by the amount of outdated software being used by ostensibly innovative organisations. Although not all content marketers are on the cutting edge of automation, overreliance on ancient operating systems like Windows 7 – or worse, XP – is surely inexcusable in a digital-forward industry.

The importance of updating content management systems provides a more specific example. WordPress users can be vulnerable to DDoSers who have attacked and co-opted unsuspecting blogs in the past. If content managers forget to update complementary apps, it may leave security holes which hackers can exploit.

Take extra precautions

Backing up files and updating software is good general advice, but many content marketers are inadvertently wandering into more high-risk situations.

Having an active social media presence, for example, is common sense for most businesses. However, it’s important to be circumspect about the information you and your followers share with the world. Social media is littered with fake accounts harvesting personal data and enthusiastic engagers should be alerted to the risk of phishing.

For content marketers looking to nudge consumers towards a purchase, even greater vigilance is required. If prospective purchasers’ bank details are compromised it won’t just be their savings on the line, your reputation as a trustworthy content curator will lie in tatters.

Cyber insurance

Even after relentless backups, software updates and layering security measures, hackers can still slither through the net.

Big insurers are increasingly getting in on the action, with giants such as Lloyds and Hiscox offering comprehensive damage limitation packages. Such insurance is a growing phenomenon in the corporate world, and well worth investing in.

Create content around your strategy

With all the above steps in place, content marketers can consider themselves braced for cyber war – preventing crises from emerging and mitigating their effects when they do spring up.

Once you’ve got your cybersecurity strategy nailed down, using content to convey its importance could boost internal engagement and captivate less tech-savvy onlookers.

Consumers want guarantees of online security more so now than ever before – why not provide a weekly mail out of tips to technophobes on how to get cybersecurity right? Or a series of blogs inviting others to share their experiences in tackling attempted cyber breaches? Doing so could give your brand a boost and reinforce your digital defences at the same time.

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