Cybersecurity continues to be a widely misunderstood field, and most people think you need to be tech-savvy to grasp it. Well, that right there is already one myth to debunk. Cybersecurity is for everyone, and by separating fact from fiction, you can have a better understanding of it.
By 2025, cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion. It will affect big companies, small and medium-sized businesses, and individuals—essentially, everyone. Your first step in keeping yourself safe online is to be aware of cybersecurity myths that might be blindsiding you or your business.
Why Would I Be a Target? I’m Just an Individual, and My Business is Small
Indeed, hackers usually target government institutions or high-profile companies, but there are many other instances where individuals and small businesses have been targeted. Because of this thinking, people tend to relax their security measures making it easy for hackers to access their data. Cyberattack methods like phishing, identity-based attacks, and spoofing are easier to use on individuals than on big companies.
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I Have a Strong Password, I Should Be Safe
Having a strong password is an important first step, but it doesn’t make your account foolproof. Consider adding other security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA), which provides an added layer of security. Institutions with sensitive data like banks, governments, and hospitals, use this method to protect customers’ data.
E-commerce and gaming platforms also use 2FA to keep transactions safe. As a practical example, online casinos usually handle player transactions and personal details, so much is at stake. Real money casinos will need you to verify your identity by sending a code to your email or phone before granting you full access. You’ll then be able to deposit or withdraw funds, change personal details, or claim bonuses after they confirm you are the right user.
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An Antivirus and Anti-malware Software will Protect Me Completely
While antivirus and anti-malware software do a great job of keeping your systems safe, more can be done, especially if your company has a big IT infrastructure. A comprehensive cybersecurity solution involves incorporating multiple security measures and constantly evaluating them. As cyberattacks evolve, you’ll need to stay updated with the latest security features.
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A Phishing Scam is Too Easy to Spot
That would have been the case some years ago, but today, phishing scams are the most common type of cybercrime and 57% of organizations get phishing attacks daily or weekly. Scammers have become stealthier and try to mimic a reputable brand perfectly. If you aren’t keen enough, you’ll fall for it.
With the right logos, graphics, names, and email addresses, a scam email might look familiar to you. The best thing to do is to always double-check the details, separately sign in to your account, and report such an attempt.
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Apple Devices Can’t Get Hacked
Apple devices like iPhones and Macs have a high-grade security system and are less targeted by hackers than Windows and Android devices. However, they aren’t immune to malware attacks. Apple products can still get hacked and users need to consider upgrading their security software and having tight cybersecurity measures.
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If a Website has ‘HTTPS’ it is Automatically Secure
HTTPS is a security protocol that encrypts your connection but that doesn’t mean a website is 100% safe. Hackers nowadays use HTTPS to make their scam websites appear trustworthy and legitimate. Always verify the website’s URL before clicking it and entering any personal details.
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Cyberattacks Only Come from External Threats
Popular films have always portrayed cyber criminals or hackers as shrouded figures who are anonymous and have this mystery around them. But that doesn’t paint the full picture. About 22% of cybersecurity threats are caused internally.
It can be intentional from a disgruntled employee, contractor, or partner looking to sabotage operations, or from negligence. At times, it can be an employee who hasn’t received proper training on cybersecurity who ends up making a costly mistake.
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Only Specific Industries are Prone to Cyberattacks
There might seem to be a pattern to the cyberattacks that have happened over the years, but the truth is that any industry with sensitive data can be hacked. Most attacks have targeted banks, government institutions, and health or energy companies, but even other unlikely industries, like gaming and retail, have been victims of cyberattacks. As long as your industry has personal or financial details, it can be hacked.
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Cybersecurity is a Concern for the IT Department Only
It’s easy to pass off cybersecurity as a role only meant for the IT department or tech side of the company, but the reality is everyone needs to be cybersecurity aware.
To avoid internal threats caused by negligence, companies should aim to train every employee on cybersecurity.
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To Learn About Cybersecurity, You Need a Tech Degree Background
Lastly, having a tech-related degree can indeed help you grasp cybersecurity concepts more easily, but regardless of your educational background, you can get started on cybersecurity. Professionals in the field are in high demand and employers are always looking for skilled personnel. Today, many short cybersecurity courses are available from online institutions like Coursera and Udemy.
