What is one potential downside of relying heavily on automation in advertising?

Relying heavily on automation in advertising can indeed lead to data breaches due to system vulnerabilities. Automated systems often require the transfer and storage of vast amounts of data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. When businesses depend on automated tools for advertising, they may not have the same level of oversight and security measures as they would with more manual processes. This reliance can create gaps in security, leading to access points that cyber attackers can exploit.

In contrast, the other options describe issues that are less directly related to the primary downside of automation. Increased operational costs may be a concern for businesses adopting new technologies, but automation is typically implemented to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The loss of control over advertising strategy can occur, but it is often a result of poor management rather than automation itself. Additionally, reduced engagement with audiences is more of a potential result of poorly implemented automated strategies rather than a direct downside of automation; effective automation can actually enhance engagement if done correctly. All of these factors can emerge from automating too much without adequate oversight, but they do not encapsulate the fundamental risk associated with the vulnerability of automated systems to breaches.