Digital assets are pieces of digitally encoded information or data that can be used to represent an organisation in the digital world. They range from logos and photos to website content, videos, press releases, newsletters, and more.
A digital asset can be used by an organisation to promote its brand, create awareness of its products or services, and communicate with its target audience. Digital assets are highly valuable as they can help organisations increase their visibility in search engine rankings, build trust with their customers, and grow their business.
One of the first steps to managing digital assets is to ensure they are secure and accessible. This is done by properly storing and backing up all digital files in a secure environment. It's important to create backups of digital assets frequently in case hardware or software crashes, or if the digital asset needs to be restored. In addition, digital assets should be properly organised and named in a clear, understandable naming convention so that anyone can quickly find and access them.
Organisations must also be aware that digital assets are copyrightable and should be protected. Intellectual property laws grant copyright owners exclusive rights over the exploitation and use of their digital assets. Unauthorised use of a digital asset can lead to legal action and hefty damages. Therefore, it's important to clearly define the rights to each digital asset and to ensure those rights are respected.
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The best way to ensure the protection of digital assets is to create policies that outline who has access to the assets and what their rights are with regard to a given asset. Access controls should be set up to limit usage and ensure that digital assets are only used for their intended purpose. It's also recommended that organisations keep track of digital asset usage and regularly review access rights to ensure compliance with the policies implemented.
Organisations must also take into account the security risks associated with digital assets. Since digital assets are often distributed over the internet and stored in the cloud, they are exposed to the potential risk of hacking and data breaches. It is important to implement security measures such as encrypting digital assets, using multi-factor authentication for users, and undergoing periodic security tests to detect any security vulnerabilities.
In addition to security and data protection, organisations must also consider the impact of digital assets on the environment. Producing, transporting, and storing digital assets all require energy, which can have a negative impact on the environment. As part of a commitment to sustainability, organisations must find ways to reduce their carbon footprint through responsible digital asset management.
Properly managing digital assets requires an organised approach and careful consideration of security, data protection, and environmental impact. Moving towards a system of systematic digital asset management can concisely and efficiently streamline operations and reduce costs, while also complying with legal and ethical guidelines.