Keep Your Software Updated

Hackers see any popular software or service as a potential gateway towards unsuspecting victims’ data. Art industry behemoths like Adobe aren’t they an exceptionLuckily, cybersecurity professionals who work for such companies are vigilant in identifying and addressing such issues as soon as possible.

You will only benefit from the latest features and security patches if you enable automatic updates. Your operating system and antivirus/antimalware software should update on their own, but check to be on the safe side. Ensure you have the latest versions of all the software and services you use to make art, too.

Permissions, Copyright, and DRM

We make digital art for others to appreciate, which puts its security at a disadvantage compared to other files. No matter what else you do, someone can always take a screenshot of your work and try to pass it off as their own. Even so, you have options.

Publishing some of your art under a Creative Commons license gives others permission to use it or parts of it for their projects. Ethical artists may ask for permission themselves, which you may grant if they disclose that your artwork served as their inspiration.

Of course, thieves won’t bother to ask nicely, which is where other measures come in. Asserting your copyright does little in practice, but it can help protect your art against it being used in AI training models once the legislature concerning artificial intelligence and intellectual property becomes clear.

Using DRM tools is the most proactive step in combatting conventional art theft. Their purpose is to prevent unauthorised usage of your content. Some work by limiting the number of downloads and devices that store digital media. Others may prevent screengrabs and recording through third-party software.

Either way, only users who purchased (access to) the art can enjoy it without restrictions. While disliked by the public, DRM is a strong security measure that brings results.

Watch Where You Post

It’s natural to want to grow your reputation as an artist or photographer by leveraging social networks that reach billions of people. On the other hand, you’re running the risk of giving them the right to use your artwork or photography as they see fit merely by posting.

Familiarize yourself with each platform’s terms of service before publishing your art there. Avoid any platforms whose policies allow for liberal use of any content users create and share on them. We realise that avoiding social media altogether is impossible. Still, you can tailor your content in a way that entices followers to continue exploring your art on your website.