Sensitive client files are handled on a daily basis by freelance designers. These items, like logos, website mockups, social media templates, packaging designs, and marketing kits, can frequently be seen switching among laptops, cloud storage, emails, and collaboration platforms.
This is where it gets tricky; most designers are very creative and don’t realize that now they have to be creative in protecting their digital assets.
A leaked logo file can cause serious trouble for clients, or stolen brand documents can cause issues. Creating fake websites, brands, and designs that are not authorized is more common than most freelancers think. Clients entrust designers with critical data that may simply be uploaded onto the Web, and the client’s trust is as easily lost as it is gained.
Fortunately, protection of brand assets is not reliant upon high-tech systems or merely a high level of tech know-how. What counts in the security realm are little things that can make a big difference. Let’s think rationally about things.
Why Brand Asset Security Matters
It’s easy to underestimate the value of a brand’s assets! A logo could be a sign of trust that is created over the years and also a good standing. However, when it comes to getting them lost or copied, it can be difficult and expensive to fix all of them.
Many of the designers operate as freelancers and collaborate on the sharing of files on several platforms or work remotely. That provides more opportunity for errors. Client work can be exposed unwittingly through a weak password, unsafe Wi-Fi connection, or unsecured cloud folder.
According to the official cybersecurity framework provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a combination of weak passwords and weak access management is still one of the biggest culprits for digital breaches for small businesses and freelance users.
It’s not as hard and hyperbolically easy as it sounds; creative activity also needs a digital fix.
Use Secure Cloud Storage
There are still many freelancers who continue to use a random transfer link or an unsecured storage folder to send client files. This only increases the risk.
The security controls provided by professional cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Adobe Creative Cloud are more effective. Access can be restricted, password-locked, permission controlled, and file access can be revoked after projects are completed to allow the designer to have more control.
Separate client folders do help, too. Keeping personal files and client files together might seem like no big deal, but it can cause confusion and inadvertent sharing issues in the future.
Strong Passwords Protect More Than You Think
One of the most common errors freelancers make is using a weak password. A lot of designers use the same password for emails, design software, and cloud storage. If your one account is compromised, other connected accounts could be compromised, too.
Strong passwords include a combination of:
- Uppercase letters
- Lowercase letters
- Numbers
- Symbols
Such is the ease of life that password managers make it easier. Cybernews analysis is used by designers of the most secure VPN and internet privacy solutions, and many cybersecurity experts also suggest that using encrypted internet connections alongside password managers is the most secure way to work remotely. Freelancers wishing to find some extra security gear can go to a website for security recommendations that they might trust.
Arguably, putting the password on a note or sticky note attached to your laptop isn’t the method anymore.
Public Wi-Fi Can Be Dangerous
Cafés, airports, hotels, and co-working spaces provide ideal work environments for freelancers. It’s all productive until the public Wi-Fi connection fails.
Uploaded files, sensitive client information, and client logins can be disclosed through open WiFi networks. A hacker doesn’t have to be a Hollywood-wielding wizard to keep track of an unsecured network.
When accessing the Internet remotely, a VPN can help to encrypt Internet traffic and protect data. Additionally, CISA advises not using any public network that isn’t secure when transmitting information about business activities.
This is important to freelance designers more than ever, as client projects may have private company assets prior to being public.
Keep Software Updated
There are surprisingly many security issues caused by software obsolescence. Designers are sometimes reluctant to update as they do not want to experience compatibility problems or other workflow challenges. Fair enough. No one wants their design software to crash before the deadline. However, there are security flaws in outdated systems that hackers are already aware of.
This includes:
- Design applications
- Browser extensions
- Portfolio websites
- Cloud apps
- Operating systems
Many unnecessary issues can be avoided with the simple weekly updates.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Security has become more complex and is not limited to just passwords. Two-factor Authentication (2FA), also named the second form of authentication, is an additional security measure that asks for a second verification after logging in. If a person uses the password, they can’t use the account easily, even if they steal the password.
2FA should be enabled for freelancers on:
- Email accounts
- Cloud storage
- Adobe accounts
- Figma
- Canva
- Payment platforms
The Microsoft Security Blog reports that most automated account attacks can be prevented using multi-factor authentication. It’s one of the easiest upgrades that a freelancer can make.
Watermark Draft Designs Before Sharing
A lot of designers send out ideas without protection for nothing. Occasionally, these drafts are utilized even before the payment is made.
When you add watermarks to preview files, it will help to prevent misuse. This is particularly suitable for:
- Logo concepts
- Packaging drafts
- Presentation slides
- Social media kits
The watermark shouldn’t spoil the design preview. Any kind of brand can deter brand infringement, even if it is a minor brand mark.
Backups Save Freelancers From Disaster
At some point in time, every freelancer has heard a horror story about lost files. Sometimes it’s due to hardware issues. Sometimes, due to unintentional deletion. Either way, it is stressful, no one wants to deal with losing client work.
One of the best habits that designers can develop is to keep multiple backups:
- External hard drives
- Secure cloud backups
- Automatic version history
This is to ensure that the project does not face significant delays and no harm can be done to the freelancer or client.
Watch Out for Fake Client Emails
There are a lot of emails that are sent to freelancers that are suspicious of them. Some impersonate as collaborations or revisions by clients.
These scams may include:
- Fake file-sharing links
- Malware attachments
- Phishing login pages
Red flagging involves suspicious websites, requests to pay up and log-ins that do not come.
As you know however, the creative individual works at an accelerated pace, and has a great amount of work to do. The problem is that creatives are typically all over the place and are working on a lot of things at once. This swells the odds of rushed clicks. You will not suffer unduly if you review your e-mail within a few seconds of its receipt.
Conclusion
Today, freelance designers are not just bound to creating designs but are also expected to have an eagle eye for business potential in the field. They also protect at-risk, valuable digital assets and real-business, real-reputations.
The great news is that robust security practices are normally basic. With more secure passwords, cloud storage safety, software updates, two-factor authentication, and VPN protection already reducing risk, there is a lot less left to reduce. With more secure passwords, cloud storage protection, software updates, 2-factor authentication, and VPN protection already reducing risk, there is a lot less left to reduce.
These are behaviors clients see as well. This will boost the credibility and authority of freelancers. Consequently, freelancers who use secure websites look more professional, reliable, and trustworthy, and actually are ready to do important work. That’s as much a part of the design as is the design itself in a remote creative task.
FAQs
Why is cybersecurity important for freelance designers to think about?
Freelance designers have the opportunity to pursue their own projects, like logos, brand directions, promotional items, Web Page Design, and anything else. If these files end up leaked or stolen, it can result in loss of business and reputation for the client and designer.
2. What is the safest way to share client design files?
Experiment with various distribution methods. Do experiments with different distribution methods: Links provided by people you don’t know are not as secure as secure cloud-based files (Google Drive, Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, etc.). The limited access and password will be provided for more security.
3. How to protect logo draftworks before remuneration?
The installation of light watermark on previews files is one way to discourage misusing. Better resolution previews may even be sent to designers up until the final payment.
4. Do you have to provide Secondary verification?
Absolutely. The problem is that with 2FA, hackers will have even more trouble obtaining access to an account if they do manage to get their hands on the account password.
5. What do you consider to be the worst IT security errors made by freelancers?
Here are some common errors:
- Reusing passwords
- Using unsecured internet access networks (open/ public/internet).
- Ignoring software updates
- Connect with limitless cloud connections
- Failure to properly store client files
If not done properly, this can present serious security concerns in the future.
