In the ever evolving threat landscape we live in, cybersecurity preparedness is paramount for businesses everywhere. How do you stay ahead of things? First – by knowing what’s real and what’s not. Below are common cybersecurity myths held by both individuals and businesses.
MYTH #1: ANTIVIRUS IS GOOD ENOUGH.
Although a core antivirus software is a required component to you organization’s cybersecurity stack, it isn’t nearly enough protection and has some glaring limitations. In the simplest of terms, antivirus checks in with a database for defined threats. But what happens if a threat isn’t in the database? Cyberthreats in the modern world are far too complex and elusive to be caught by antivirus alone. To deal with the growing, more sophisticated modern threats organizations need a strong Endpoint and Detection Response (EDR) product in their cyber armor.
MYTH #2: COMPLEX PASSWORDS AREN’T AT RISK.
While complex passwords are certainly a great idea, it isn’t true that they can’t be cracked. There are special programs capable of cracking extraordinarily complex passwords by trying billions of different combinations in a matter of seconds. With cracked passwords comes unauthorized access. To safeguard your digital properties, use two-factor authentication or implement a passwordless environment with Identity as a Service (IDaaS).
MYTH #3: OUR DATA (OR THE DATA I HAVE ACCESS TO) ISN’T REALLY WORTH ANYTHING.
This simply isn’t true. Organizations of all sizes maintain or have access to valuable data worth protecting. This can include things like employee records, tax information, confidential information, point of sales systems, contracts, medical information, intellectual property, or creative content. All the data at your organization is worth protecting.
MYTH #4: CYBERSECURITY THREATS ALWAYS COME FROM EXTERNAL ACTORS.
Cyberattacks do not always come from external actors. Some can be caused accidentally by internal resources. Examples would include accidentally clicking a link or inadvertently sending sensitive information to the wrong person. Some cyberattacks can be caused by disgruntled or former employees who may launch attacks. When considering your threat landscape, it is important not to overlook the threats that can come from within the organization. One tool your organization can leverage to identify potential internal threats is user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA). UEBA uses machine learning and AI to learn normal patterns of use, and detect instances of deviation that may indicate a threat.
MYTH #5: CYBERCRIMINALS ONLY ATTACK ENTERPRISES OR LARGE BUSINESSES.
Sometimes small and medium-sized businesses are under the false impression that their data isn’t valuable to cybercriminals. When in fact, this segment of businesses is often a key target to cybercriminals. This is because small and medium-sized businesses are less likely to be prepared to defend themselves and stand as a more vulnerable target. The bottom line is hackers don’t discriminate—don’t let the size of your business provide you a false sense of security.
MYTH #6: CYBERSECURITY WILL DIMINISH OUR PRODUCTIVITY.
There is a common idea that more restrictions or increased security will make it difficult for employees to access or do what they need to do. However, ignoring cybersecurity can have grave consequences for your business—a successful attack can you bring your productivity to a standstill. Recovery can take days and weeks, and some losses may never be regained. Modern cybersecurity uses tools that integrate seamlessly into workflow, work harmoniously with hybrid or remote workforces, and often simplify end user experience with technology.