| Warning! This is much too easy for "gurus" and "experts"!Your information will never be shared. PERIOD. |
© 2012 Tyjuana Wilson
When the accounts of some 8 million LinkedIn and eHarmony users were hacked, there was great concern, rightfully so, for those 8 million. Many of these account holder are business owners and singles (hopefully!) who rely on these sites to connect with others, others who could change lives — from a new job, to a new marriage proposal.
So here we are, with a laptop, tablet or smartphone in tow, sharing personal information, on public WIFI networks found in coffee shops, fast food eateries or schools. We haven’t personally experienced anything which causes our panic buttons to sound — beyond an outrageous email filled with misspellings and Nigerian addresses — so we become relaxed, at best. Until word about the 8 million victims reaches the nightly news.
But what if a portion of those 8 million accounts are owned by affiliate marketers? This would mean that the issue of a security breach has reached millions more. In fact, an affiliate program with security issues should scare everyone involved, from the marketers, to the program leaders. Fortunately, there are safeguards in place to protect everyone, if one is willing to take action:
Change passwords regularly. Sure, this is common sense but many will admit to only changing their passwords when there is news of a security breach. Many employers implement systems which require you to change your passwords every 60-90 days. Why not take the initiative and put something in place for your own business’ sake?
Don’t share passwords. (If you must share, share with caution.) Sadly, everyone on your team, is not on your side. Only share your passwords with those who have earned YOUR trust.
Update your antivirus software. Updating your antivirus software is crucial! You’d be surprised how many new viruses are found daily. Old versions of your software is no match for these newly-birthed attacks.
Affiliate marketers who exercise caution online will not only protect their own business. They will save countless others from the potentially damaging effects of phishing, identity theft and personal information sharing.
Tyjuana Wilson is a freelance writer, copywriter and consultant who provides to small business owners: articles, press releases, website/blog content, newsletter copy, and more. More importantly, she is also watching her 14-year-old diva, Tyra, grow before her eyes. Click here and check out Ty’s e-book, “What to blog about…” for free.
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