Ransomware attacks, data breaches and phishing attacks have taken over the world wide web in the recent times (thanks to COVID-19). We hear about cyber-crimes so often that it can quickly turn into white noise and that would be a big mistake.

Cybersecurity preparedness is paramount for ensuring business continuity in the evolving cyber threat landscape. However, just like almost everything that is shared on the world wide web, cybersecurity also has a whole lot of misconceptions revolving around it. With millions of employees now attempting to work from home, it’s vital to bust the myths and reveal the facts.

Here are the 10 cybersecurity myths you need to stop believing (RIGHT NOW!) as in the cybersecurity space, these myths are almost always damaging.  If you or your employees believe any of these myths, it is an invitation to cybercriminals to launch an attack.

Myth #1: We’re too small, it can’t happen to us

Fact: You’re never too small to be attacked.

Attackers scan for vulnerable system and launch an attack at random hoping for a big catch. So, you may not always be a target but just a collateral damage in the process. Thus, being proactive about your defence is crucial for any business, however small it may be.

Myth #2: Security is responsibility of IT team alone

Fact: Security is the responsibility of all stake holders

IT Team doesn’t have a magic wand to ensure cybersecurity. They can be responsible to identify and implement good processes/policies but the success of the same depends on all the stake holders including the employees.

Myth #3: Anti-virus or Anti-malware is good enough to protect my business

Fact: Anti-virus or Anti-malware won’t protect your entire IT infrastructure

For a robust defence mechanism, the organization must adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity architecture that encompasses various aspects like incident response plan, insider threat detection and employee training etc.

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Also Read: 4 Trends That Will Transform the IT Industry Post COVID
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Myth #4: We’ve a strong password policy, we’re safe

Fact: Strong password policy is only a starting point

Several steps need to be taken to ensure multi-layered defence and prevent an attack. Employing a two-factor authentication can be the next logical move.

Myth #5: Cyber threats always come from external sources

Fact: Cyber-attacks may be a result of someone on the inside (knowingly or unknowingly)

An attack can be an outcome of a disgruntled employee, an ex-employee, or just an ignorant user on your network who can grant access to your entire organization’s data resulting in a massive data breach. Thus, it is important to conduct periodic cybersecurity training for your employees to educate them on ways to identify and avoid risks (especially phishing attacks).

Myth #6: Our data isn’t valuable for a cyberattack

Fact: All data is valuable in some or the other way

Attackers decide the worth of your data. Hacking is not always about theft. Systems can be compromised for other purposes such as coordinated attack against another target.

Myth #7: Our third-party security provider will secure everything for us

Fact: Cybersecurity is more of an internal job than an external one

Third-party providers can certainly help you with best cybersecurity practices/policies and tools, however the success of such policies and tools depends a lot on the way they are adopted internally. Both the parties need to work jointly in order to minimize the cyber risks.

Myth #8: We’ve an expert cybersecurity team. We are 100% secure

Fact: The risk can be minimized but can never be eliminated

Just like any other type of risk, cyber risk can also only be minimized. Sophisticated cybersecurity team is certainly an essential part of keeping your business secure, but it won’t shield you from everything.

Myth #9: Password keeps a Wi-Fi network secure

Fact: Public Wi-Fi networks with password can be compromised

The passwords help to limit the number of users accessing the network. But the users in the network can potentially gain access to the sensitive data that’s being transmitted. Employing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is a good way to secure the data.

Myth #10: Cybersecurity always needs huge financial investment

Fact: The downside cost of cyber-attack is greater than the cost of cybersecurity

Although cybersecurity solutions come at a cost, losing critical data can cost much more than the investment in cybersecurity.

The above myths are a real threat because they lead to ignorance and bad actors exploit this ignorance to wreak havoc. Knowing that these myths are merely illusions is the first step towards cybersecurity.

So, congratulations on your first step! Contact us today if you wish to know the next steps.