Imagine a situation where you have invested significant resources in attracting customers to your website. You have developed a landing page that allows customers to leave requests, and you expect that after that they will contact you to conclude a deal.
But instead, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, competitors start calling these customers, offering a similar product at a lower price, as a result of which you lose potential deals.
This situation causes not only bewilderment but also fair indignation. You have checked passwords, rechecked the code, and updated the customer relationship management system (CRM), but calls from competitors continue to come.
What is happening? The main reason is a data leak. But how does it happen? Let’s analyze together with an online advertising agency how your customers become easy prey for competitors.
1. Open data in URLs: your customers are at risk
When you transmit customer data via a URL (e.g. site.ru/sale/index.php?name=John&phone=(555) 555-1234), it is like waving their contact information around for everyone to see. The data ends up in the address bar, and it is easy to intercept! Server log files store such URLs, and anyone who has access to these logs (hosting employees, attackers) can see the phone numbers and names of your customers.
Solution
You need to urgently switch to POST requests. Unlike GET requests, they hide customer data. POST requests send information via the request body, and no one will be able to accidentally see this data in the browser line or server logs.
2. CRM as a source of leaks
Do you have a CRM system for managing requests? Great, but it can be leaky like a sieve if someone working with this system decides to use the data. Even if you have a flawless team, do not forget about external integrations. Many companies connect various services to automate processes or analytics, and potential threats lurk here.
Solution
Review all external connections to the CRM. Perhaps you have integrated third-party services that you have already forgotten about, and they continue to access customer data. Check and limit employee access rights.
3. Hosting – your weak link?
Your site may be hosted on a shared hosting, where you do not have complete isolation from other users. If the hosting provider is not sufficiently protected, attackers can access the site data through network vulnerabilities. Interception of traffic via an HTTP connection (if the site is not protected by HTTPS), hacking of servers, or insufficient security measures on the hosting – all this opens access to your data.
Solution
Be sure to use HTTPS, which encrypts traffic between the client and the server. Consider upgrading to a more reliable hosting provider, especially if your current one is suspect.
4. Malware
If one of your employees has a virus installed on their computer, it can steal customer data and transmit it to third parties. Malware can silently monitor and intercept any activity.
Solution
Run a full scan of all devices that access CRM and important data. Update your antivirus and security software regularly.
5. Human Factor: “Insiders”
Yes, it’s unpleasant to admit, but sometimes the source of leaks is the employees themselves. This can be either an accidental leak through careless actions (for example, sending data via email), or deliberate actions for profit.
Solution
Strengthen control over access to sensitive information. Limit the number of employees who have access to customer databases. Conduct an internal investigation if there is a suspicion of abuse.
Conclusion. Protect your customers and your business
When it comes to your customers, protecting their data is not just a matter of reputation, it is a matter of the survival of your business!
Every contact you lose due to a leak is a blow to your profits and trust. The problem lies not only in technology, but also in processes that need to be reviewed. Switching to POST requests, monitoring access to CRM, protection from malware are just the beginning.
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can protect today. Your competitors are not asleep, and customers can become their next victim. Be one step ahead and strengthen security before they steal all your potential customers! Remember: every call from your competitor is a missed opportunity for you, but it is up to you how well you can protect your business processes. The material of the article was prepared by WGG advertising agency.
