TOP 7 CYBERSECURITY MYTHS DEBUNKED

Far too many small businesses put themselves at risks because they don’t understand the real threats of cybersecurity. Knowing that cybersecurity myths are purely illusions is the very first step towards developing the appropriate cybersecurity strategies needed in protecting your organizations at the required level. Some common cybersecurity myths include:

1.????A firewall keeps me safe.

A firewall is software or firmware?that prevents unauthorized access to a network. It inspects incoming and outgoing traffic using a set of rules to identify and block threats.?All businesses and organizations should maintain a firewall but a firewall doesn’t overall protect your systems. A skilled attacker will use different techniques to get into your system. A good solution is to implement a layered defense to protect against attacks.

2.????I can’t be targeted.

Many organizations (mostly small) assume that they are unlikely to experience a security breach or simply can’t be targeted. Every organization needs to be ready to respond and act quickly to cyberattacks so that the impact on the business can be mitigated.

3.????Security is the responsibility of the IT Department.

Many employees argue that it is the sole responsibility of the IT Department to keep the business cyberspace safe and secure. Most times, the existence of a cybersecurity team creates an attitude for others to neglect securing the digital environment. The human factor is the most crucial aspect in securing the business. Cybersecurity is a collective responsibility. It is for everyone and not limited to a person or team.

4.????Antivirus software is enough to keep us safe.

Antivirus is a vital part of any cybersecurity plan, but it is largely dependent on databases of known threats. A skilled attacker can develop a malware that bypasses all antivirus signatures, thus gaining access to your system. As cyberattacks are becoming more advanced, many new threats are able to evade antivirus detection early. Although, antivirus solutions are an important element in cybersecurity, they may not be able to protect against more sophisticated threats. A good solution is to implement a layered defense which ensures that if one security measure is bypassed, another will stop or at least slow the attack.

5.???Cybersecurity only comes from external actors.

External threats are the most significant concern of an organization and should be monitored thoroughly. Nevertheless, insider threats are more threatening. Employee negligence, ignorance and malicious behavior often make insider threats a higher security risk than external threats. Implementing a thorough exit plan for employees leaving the company and ensuring that all employees are trained on basic cybersecurity measures will help in mitigating insider threats.

6.????We have invested in high-end advanced security tools, so we are safe.

Organizations mistake that investing in sophisticated security tools and solutions can help them build an imperceptible defense between their networks and attackers. Security tools are essential part of securing your business but it will not protect you from everything.

7.????We moved our applications to the cloud, so we are in safe hands.

Cloud environments are also vulnerable to the same threats attacking on-premised networks. Sadly, cloud vendors only deliver a portion of the needed security to protect cloud-based networks. Whenever any service is outsourced, a business is susceptible to attack. Ensuring all compliances are in place relative to the data they will be supporting is an essential first step along with fully understanding the steps the cloud solution provider takes in enforcing security. Another solution is to invest in employee training. The biggest organizational risks are still employees. If your employees can’t use the system effectively or don’t know the warning signs of an attack , this can cause a big loss in the business.?