Digital marketing agencies are usually fairly small organizations. They may have just a small team or several larger ones but only the major brands support an employee count in the 100s or 1,000s. Therefore, from an IT security perspective, this is a manageable problem in terms of size.
Nevertheless, it’s necessary to remember that online dangers from hackers, malware, and viruses looking to infect systems, and other risks are still lurking. Agencies must be mindful to protect themselves to avoid coming unstuck by a ransomware infection or other bad outcome.
Assess the Biggest Risks
Before implementing protection measures against viruses, malware, and other concerns, it’s a good idea to assess what are the worst risks online.
To do so, consider the potential risks to determine which are most relevant to your organization and/or the likelier to occur. This guide published by totalit.com can help provide a big-picture overview of malware and other threats.
Once you’re clearer about the major worries, it’s easier to prioritize both time and money to best protect against them.
Remote vs. On-site Personnel
The risks are different for on-site personnel and remote workers.
Remote workers
Logging into the company’s systems, accessing business cloud accounts, and other activities are required by remote workers. This opens Pandora’s box in terms of security risks.
Companies need to ensure that a laptop or Mac system is protected with adequate scanning software to search for viruses, malware, rootkits, etc. Otherwise, it creates a security threat when that laptop logs into the cloud or the company’s network.
Remote access is required to allow the company’s IT staff to access the remote workers’ PCs remotely, perform scans, and confirm results from a distance. Improved software and updates can also be installed either automatically or by hand by IT staff at the head office.
On-site personnel
On-site personnel also need security systems.
It’s easier for IT staff to manage those including upgrading the hardware, performing maintenance, and taking any necessary IT security measures to fortify defenses.
Each PC needs to be locked down to prevent plugging in a USB flash drive. Only administrators should be able to make system changes to the operating system too. Doing this avoids in-house risks from staff acting maliciously too.
Limiting Websites & Apps Used by Employees
Not all websites and apps are safe to use.
Sometimes, websites have been created that look like official ones providing a useful service but include malware intent on burrowing into PCs and any connected networks. Managers must research a new service or SaaS to confirm that it’s legit and poses no danger before allowing staff to sign-up for it. This avoids security risks and confidential business information falling into the hands of criminals.
Similarly, apps for work smartphones or PCs should be approved before installing them. Also, browser add-ons or extensions to add to its basic functionality can be bought out and infected with malware. So, care must be taken to avoid using these extra browser installations to prevent the PC from becoming infected.
A host of online risks put both employees and the company in danger from bad actors. However, by taking reasoned steps to protect computing devices and networks, it’s possible to guard successfully from negative outcomes.
