Protecting the Virtual Keys to Your Domain
If you’ve had success with your online marketing strategy you have most likely spent countless hours creating and executing your plan. A multi-faceted strategy encompasses numerous technologies including blogging/micro blogging (Word Press, Twitter), social networking (Facebook), and multimedia (YouTube). Not only do you have to manage these resources you also have to facilitate your website, attend to email and manage your paid advertisement. Each is a critical piece to both your overall success and your corporate image. The time requirements and technical know-how are enough to keep anyone preoccupied. However, are you keeping track of one your most crucial pieces of information?
Your passwords are your virtual key to your online assets. Yet too often, these aren’t given a second thought. Anyone who obtains your password can essentially become you. In a matter of moments someone with ill intent can destroy the reputation of your business. What if someone puts an offensive post on your blog, sends phishing direct messages via your twitter account or deletes your YouTube content? Even though most online resources can assist should someone acquire your password the initial damage can take months or years to recover from. Shoppers don’t want to buy from sellers who cannot protect their payment information.
If you are looking to protect your passwords here are few tips to consider:
User Strong Passwords
Your passwords should always include upper case and lower case letters, numbers and special characters when available. Many services now require more complex passwords but don’t simplify on sites that don’t.
Don’t Use the Same Password
Yes, it’s hard to remember numerous passwords. However, this is a great way to protect your various accounts. If someone does gain one of your passwords they will be limited in the number of sites and services that can access. Your passwords do not need to be vastly different. Try changing only a few characters with each password.
One Password per User
If you have multiple individuals who assist with your sites and services, ensure that everyone has their own account and password. This will help isolate issues should your associates not handle their password with care or if your business relationship becomes less than professional.
Avoid Phishing Scams
Scammers are constantly trying to obtain passwords through phishing schemes. This often occurs through website that mimic their familiar counterparts. When logging in, always glance at the web address and ensure it is correct. Website addresses that begin with an IP address are suspect. If you think you may have entered your username and password on a phishing site, change your password without hesitation. Malicious websites can deposit unwanted software on your computer to log your account information. Install a reputable security suite which can protect your PC from these applications. Use caution when logging in on publicly available terminals and avoid it when possible.
