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How To Protect Your Marketing From Cyber Crime

This article is more than 4 years old.

If you use the Internet for marketing, you are at risk. And today, who doesn’t use the Internet for marketing?

There are so many useful websites and apps out there for marketing, and many interesting offers. But exercise caution.

“Every day we engage in online interactions that put us at risk of losing our savings, our security and even our safety,” says author and cyber security expert John Iannarelli. “The convenience of online everything has also brought with it the ease of online victimization.”

Iannarelli retired from the FBI after more than 20 years of service, during which time he was on the FBI Cyber Division executive staff, an FBI SWAT team member, and the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Division, where he oversaw all Criminal, Cyber, and Counter Intelligence Investigations throughout Arizona. He also served as the FBI’s National Spokesperson.

I caught up with Iannarelli when we were both speaking at the national conference for The Safety Institute last June in Tulsa. I asked him for some tips on how to lower the cyber risk. He said just a few simple precautions can help prevent you from becoming a cyber victim:

  1. Beware Malware. “Malware is a type of software program used to spy on every word typed into a computer,” says Iannarelli. “Cybercriminals can then steal anything of value, such as bank info, credit cards numbers, and even private messages. Before clicking on an Internet link received via email, think about from where the link came from and what is its real purpose? The link could be legitimate, or it might be malware intent on stealing usernames and passwords. Rather than clicking on an email link, go directly to the business website from where it purports to have originated. Doing so eliminates any unnecessary risk.”
  2. Protect Passwords. “Just as important is to ensure the use of unique passwords, ensuring each is different for every website logged onto,” says Iannarelli. “In many cases a criminal that steals one password will find the password will also access the victim’s other websites. If you can’t remember multiple passwords, use a password keeper program designed to encrypt and store passwords, preventing them from being utilized even if your computer were to be breached.”
  3. Embrace Authentication. “Finally, for added security, when accessing websites with sensitive information, be sure to utilize two-factor authentication,” says Iannarelli. “For example, when signing into your on-line bank account, after entering your password, you will be prompted to enter a one-time use number that is automatically generated and sent to your cell phone. This extra layer of security renders stolen passwords useless without the required two-factor code.”

Iannarelli says these few simple steps can keep you safe online and eliminate the threat of becoming another victim of cybercrime. Having these safeguards in place will make it impractical for cybercriminals to steal your information and force them to look elsewhere.

“In the cyber world, you may be at risk, but you are not defenseless,” says Iannarelli.