In this article, CXpose.tech’s Expert Contributor Alvin Rodrigues, breaks down cybersecurity best practices that marketers should be aware of.

Imagine you’re a custodian in the realm of digital marketing, where your main questions involve:

• Crafting compelling stories.
• Deciding the digital and physical channels to connect with customers and prospects.
• Protect your customer data.
• Protect your company’s digital assets.

Yet, lurking in the shadows are cyber bandits eager to hijack your activities, plunder your treasures, and lay siege to your Fortress.

Guarding the Company’s Treasure

I think of marketers as keepers of the company’s treasure chest. This chest isn’t filled with only gold or jewels but something more important: information about our customers and how they behave when they visit our website, like what they look at or click on. Marketers also “look after” the entry points to their company. These doors are like emails they send out, online events they run, their pages on websites like Facebook or Twitter, loyalty programs, information captured in exchange for digital downloads, and even QR codes redirecting to websites or landing pages.

But their job is about more than just monitoring these treasures and doors. Their activities are often the first touch points representing the company, so marketers must make an excellent first impression and keep visitors engaged. That way, visitors will want to keep coming back, and buyers will have a meaningful and productive time whenever they talk to us or use the company’s products. That’s a big part of their job, too.

Cyberbandits leverage mainstream marketing activities and prevailing trends to carry out malicious activities.

Fortifying the fortress’ Defenses

Our digital Fortress, encompassing emails, websites, and social realms—is constantly threatened by cyber bandits using cunning spells (phishing attacks) to infiltrate our walls. To combat these threats, we must build high walls (firewalls), dig moats (use secure networks), and train archers (install antivirus software). Each digital campaign launched from our Fortress must be protected and cloaked (cybersecurity measures) to ensure it reaches its destination without attracting dark forces.

The Dual Edge of Marketing and Cybersecurity

However, wielding the power of marketing alongside cybersecurity is like mastering a dual-edged sword. On the one hand, speed, agility and creativity drive us forward, cutting through the noise to captivate our audience. On the other hand, this creative effort must be done securely, which means thorough checks and approval, slowing down the process. Marketers often walk a fine line between data utilisation and privacy.​.

The more data is available to the marketer to analyse, the more personalised and custom the message can be for the target audience; however, cyber security measures aim to protect and restrict access and utilisation of the data, potentially limiting the depth of personalisation and analytics. These are just some examples the marketer manages.

Imagine launching an email campaign. While its enchanting message might attract allies or potential buyers, it could also attract hackers straight to your fortress’ gate. Thus, every campaign must include elements of cybersecurity practice as part of the meticulous marketing planning and execution process.

The Bridge Between Two Realms

Bridging marketing and cybersecurity requires an understanding that one cannot thrive without the other. For digital marketing efforts to survive and succeed, they must be creative and secure.

Marketers must become adept in both areas, creating creative narratives, connecting with prospects and customers on numerous social media platforms, and weaving in cybersecurity strands to protect engagement and treasures (assets).

Cyberbandits leverage mainstream marketing activities and prevailing trends to carry out malicious activities.

As we navigate this interconnected landscape, remember that the most powerful tools are knowledge (cyber awareness) and vigilance sprinkled into your marketing strategies to shield or defend. By harmonising these forces, we safeguard our Crown Jewels and the trust of those we serve.

In essence, a marketer’s journey in the digital age requires a steadfast commitment to both the art of storytelling and the science of protection. This sharing serves as a guide to illuminate a path where marketing and cybersecurity intertwine. Craft a future where both can flourish side by side.

In the next few articles, we will discuss some of these challenges in greater detail and what a marketer can do to overcome them, maximise their security posture, and maintain their marketing efficiency.