As part of a sales team, you’re always on the front lines of digital communication and financial transactions. However, these processes also involve sharing and storing sensitive information, which increases the risk of cyber attacks such as phishing scams and hacking attempts. 

Cybersecurity is a huge concern for many sectors, including sales and marketing. A survey of 300 European IT decision-makers showed that sales personnel are the most exposed people to cyber attacks.  Although the study applies to companies in the UK, they give a rough outlook into the threats that plague sales teams across the world.

As part of a sales team, it’s pretty standard to handle sensitive client and company data frequently. As a result, it’s important to prioritize cybersecurity to avoid costly data breaches. 

Here are some cybersecurity tips that every sales team should follow. 

Revisit Your Passwords And Make Sure They are Strong

Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting your online accounts and other sensitive data. Cybercriminals use password generators to crack passwords belonging to online accounts. But if you use a strong password, you’ll significantly increase your security. 

However, even salespeople are victims of poor passwords. According to some studies, 51% of people use the same passwords for all their accounts, including personal and work accounts. Not only that, but the password ‘123456’ is one of the most common passwords, as over 23 million account holders have used it. 

A strong password should be unique and complex, making it difficult for anyone to guess or crack. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthdate, pet’s name, or your favorite sports team. And, most importantly, never reuse passwords.

Creating a strong password can feel like a daunting task, but it’s a crucial step in keeping your information secure. This is why we recommend using a reputable password manager to help you generate strong and unique passwords while storing all your passwords in one safe place. 

Enhance Login Security Using 2-Factor Authentication

You’ve probably heard of 2-factor authentication or 2FA, but do you know why it’s such a powerful tool for enhancing login security? 2FA adds an extra layer of protection to your login process by requesting users for a second form of verification on top of your existing password. This could be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint, or even a physical key.

So, as a salesperson, it would be in your best interest to turn on 2-factor authentication for any online accounts that offer this feature, especially for your email and social media accounts. It’s an easy and effective way to give yourself an extra layer of security and, with it, peace of mind. 

Consider Antivirus Software

As a sales rep, you probably spend most of your time on your computer, pitching out emails, downloading attachments, and browsing the web. And because of this, it would be wise to get some form of protection that will serve as a guardian angel, constantly keeping an eye out for malicious software or viruses that might try to infiltrate your devices.  

Not only will the best antivirus software protect your computer in case you download infected files, but it will also protect you from any phishing scams or malicious websites you may come across while browsing the web. And, with the added bonus of real-time protection, you’ll always be at peace knowing your computer is secure.

Use CRM Software to Store Client Data Securely

It is part of the sales job to collect and store sensitive information such as client contact information and other confidential details about your deals. Because of the value of this information, cybercriminals would do anything to get their hands on it. 

This is why it’s vitally important to store this data securely, and proper customer relationship management (CRM) software will help you do just that. 

CRM software is designed to help you manage, monitor, store, and control your data which can be useful when it comes to data protection. Besides, many of these systems come with built-in security features to keep your information safe. From encrypted data storage to user authentication, these security measures will help protect your data from cyber threats.

Using a top CRM software such as Firmao’s CRM software also has the added benefit of keeping your information organized and accessible from anywhere, allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively. And, if you need to share information with team members or colleagues, you can do so securely and easily.

Consider Encrypting Data on all Your Devices

If you’re a salesperson handling customer financial data, including credit card information, you should seriously consider encrypting data on all your devices, including smartphones and tablets. 

And while these devices make it easy to access your information on the go, they also pose a security risk if they fall into the wrong hands.

That’s why encrypting your data is a smart move for salespeople who want to keep their information secure. Encryption works like adding a lock and key to your data, making it unreadable to unauthorized persons who don’t have the key. This means that your sensitive information would remain safe and secure even if your device were to be lost or stolen.

Attend Cyber Security Workshops

In the ever-evolving world of tech, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest in cybersecurity. Attending cybersecurity workshops or webinars is a great way to learn more while polishing your existing knowledge. 

For instance, it’s a great way for sales professionals to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting themselves and their clients from phishing attacks. Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information, making it a major concern for sales professionals who handle client details and financial information. 

By attending these educational events, sales teams will learn about the latest threats and how to protect themselves and their clients. They will also gain valuable knowledge about how to detect potential security breaches and what steps to take in the event of a breach.

Conclusion

Sales teams handle lots of sensitive data, from client information to financial company data. This makes them a target in today’s digital landscape. But by following these cybersecurity tips, you can minimize the risk of data breaches and ensure the security of sensitive information.

Invest in the right tools, attend workshops to keep learning, and be vigilant about your online activities – these simple steps will go a long way in protecting your sales team. Remember, cybersecurity is not just the IT department’s responsibility but of every employee within a company, including the sales team. 

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