The term ‘cybersecurity’ has been tossed around lately. But although cybersecurity has been viewed as a saving grace for mobile devices, computers, etc., the topic is still cloaked in misconception. Things that might pop up when it comes to cybersecurity are:
- The idea of security
- Password strength
- Who cybersecurity threats target and affect
- If insurance will cover damages
- How effective an IT team actually is
- Cybersecurity “costs”
- What devices are most vulnerable to malware?
However, as one side says one thing while the other side contests it, it’s easy to believe the wrong things. A lot of people get it all wrong. So, to understand the truth about cybersecurity, then check out this quick guide, which will cover seven of the most debunked myths about the subject matter:
1. Physical Security and Cybersecurity are Two Different Things
“The truth is, physical security is not separate from cybersecurity,” says Angela Macquarie, a business writer at Academized and Oxessays. “Both can help safeguard machines and paper documents. And, while both can function online and offline, the things they protect will hold sensitive data, which can be at risk of being exposed if the owner or holder is not careful.”
2. Having a Good Password Protects You
When it comes to passwords, you can leave anything to chance. And even as weak passwords are still commonplace, it’s hard to imagine many people using passwords like “123456” or “qwerty,” especially after being warned not to do so. Therefore, it’s imperative to complicate your passwords – make it difficult for other people to figure out. And continually update your passwords to be one step ahead of cybercriminals every time. Read our Online Safety Guidelines for Strong Passwords.
3. Cybercriminals only Attack Large Businesses
Wrong. Cybercriminals will go after any type of business – big or small. Since cyber thieves don’t discriminate, it’s essential to keep your devices and data safe with an effective cybersecurity framework, regardless of the size of a business.
4. Insurance will cover Cybersecurity Breaches
Wrong again. In actuality, most insurance policies won’t cover businesses in the event of a data breach. While some policies might cover financial losses that have transpired from it, most policies won’t.
So, when shopping around for business-related insurance, make sure that policies will be able to compensate you whenever the dreaded breach springs up at any time. Or, you can buy insurance and cybersecurity separately. Purchasing cyber and data insurance will be worth the investment if you’re looking to protect customers and or sensitive data from infiltration.
5. The IT Team has you Covered
While IT staff will most likely know about potential vulnerabilities and hacker techniques, they still can’t control all the elements involved. Your IT staff, instead, will only act as a human firewall to prevent breaches that stem from human error. Therefore, make it your job to add more layers of protection besides your IT team.
6. Cybersecurity is Costly
“When people think about cybersecurity, they assume that investing in it will cost hundreds, or thousands, of dollars,” says George Bower, CEO of CYBER-ON-CALL. “However, having a strong human firewall to defend you against cybercrime is entirely free – apart from creating an IT security policy and training staff. Investment can go a long way, as cybersecurity will greatly benefit your business.”
Consider consulting a cybersecurity expert or looking into comprehensive training and advice from cybersecurity experts to help you put together an effective system that will protect all of your devices and data.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with CYBER-ON-CALL®
7. Viruses only affect Desktops
As technology continues to evolve – especially with more advanced smartphones and tablets working in almost the same capacity as computers – viruses aren’t just a computer thing. In fact, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices can fall victim to malware if the user doesn’t have enough protection. And although it only took Internet access for malware to get to computers, other devices that connect to the Internet are still just as vulnerable to viruses.
Conclusion
As you read through these seven debunked myths, we hope you better understand cybersecurity. The ultimate goal of this guide is to keep you – the device user – informed. By learning how cybercriminals work and learning the truth about today’s debunked myths, you’ll learn from the mistakes you might be making now with your devices and fix them right away.
About the Author: Kristin Herman is a writer and editor at Ukwritings.com and Stateofwriting.com. She is also a contributing writer for online publications, such as Essayroo.com. As a marketing writer, she blogs about the latest online advertising trends and influencing social media. Edits by CYBER-ON-CALL.
