Wrapping Up Cybersecurity Month
Why Vendor Security Should Be Top of Mind, Especially in Marketing
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how secure your company’s digital assets truly are, especially in marketing. Many organizations carefully safeguard their internal systems but overlook the importance of extending this security mindset to third-party vendors — including marketing partners. After all, these vendors often have access to some of your most valuable assets, such as login credentials, website backends, and social media accounts. It’s critical to ensure that any partner you work with is just as diligent about security as you are.
Having a husband who leads Information Security for his company, cybersecurity is second nature in my day-to-day work. Security awareness permeates Clever Hawk Branding’s approach, from handling client access credentials to safeguarding sensitive brand assets. However not all marketers bring this level of vigilance. Many companies, especially small businesses, tend to hand out login credentials and other sensitive data with little forethought, exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. So how can companies make sure they’re protecting their marketing assets?
Why Vendor Security Matters
Your marketing vendors may have access to your brand’s online presence in ways you might not even realize, and a breach on their end can be just as devastating as one within your organization. Yet, this is an area many companies overlook. Whether it’s granting access to your website, ad accounts, or customer lists, every touchpoint of shared access can potentially lead to a data leak if it’s not properly managed.
Best Practices for Working with Marketing Vendors
To help you establish a secure relationship with your marketing vendors, here are some essential best practices to consider:
Implement Strong Access Control
Use strong, unique passwords for all marketing accounts, and avoid reusing passwords across different platforms. If possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.Limit & Track Access
Only grant the minimum level of access required for your vendors to do their job. Not everyone on your marketing team needs full access to every tool. And be sure to track and document who has access to what so you can remove it if/when it becomes necessary.Set Up Dedicated Accounts for Vendors
Instead of sharing your personal or team accounts, create separate, vendor-specific logins. This keeps your internal team’s information private and allows you to deactivate a vendor account immediately if you decide to part ways.Establish Security Protocols Upfront
Before granting any access, have a conversation with your vendor about their security practices. Ensure they’re committed to safeguarding your information and ask about any tools or protocols they use to maintain security.Regularly Audit Access
Periodically review who has access to your accounts, especially after a major project wraps up or if you’ve recently changed vendors. This is also a good time to rotate passwords.Use Secure Collaboration Tools
For sharing credentials or sensitive information, avoid email. Instead, use secure password management tools like LastPass, Dashlane, or 1Password, which allow you to grant access without revealing passwords.
Cybersecurity isn’t just the responsibility of IT departments; it’s something every business function — marketing especially — should prioritize. As cybersecurity continues to evolve, make sure that you’re partnering with vendors who understand and respect the need for security. By taking these steps, you’re not only protecting your marketing assets but also safeguarding your brand’s reputation and trust.
I am committed to helping businesses achieve their marketing goals securely. I understand that digital marketing is a bridge between brand and audience, and we build those bridges with security at every level. Happy Cybersecurity Month — and let’s keep these best practices going year-round.
