Introduction: Â
As fantastical as encountering a unicorn or catching a glimpse of Bigfoot, exist a myriad of cybersecurity myths that hover like specters in the digital realm. It won’t come as a surprise to hear that, in 2023, cyberattacks are continuing to grow more sophisticated and frequent. Even though there is increased concern regarding data security, some misconceptions and myths prevail. You can acquire the right knowledge by first learning what isn’t true, starting with these 10 debunked cybersecurity myths and their corresponding facts.Â
Cybersecurity Myths:Â
Myth 1: “Small businesses are not attractive targets for cyberattacks.” – Small businesses are equally at risk, if not more, due to their often-limited cybersecurity measures. Cybercriminals often target smaller entities with valuable data and weaker defences.Â
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Myth 2: “We have a firewall; we’re completely secure.” – Firewalls are essential but not foolproof. They control incoming and outgoing network traffic, yet sophisticated attacks can bypass or exploit vulnerabilities beyond the firewall.Â
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Myth 3: “Our employees are well-trained; we won’t fall victim to cyber threats.” –Â While employee training is crucial, human error remains a leading cause of security breaches. Continuous education and awareness programs are essential to combat evolving threats.Â
Myth 4: “Data breaches happen due to advanced hacking techniques only.” – Many breaches occur due to basic security lapses, such as weak passwords, unpatched systems, or lack of encryption. Addressing fundamental security practices is crucial.
Myth 5: “We don’t have anything valuable for hackers.” – Every business possesses valuable information, whether it’s customer data, financial records, or intellectual property. Any data can be exploited for profit or damage.Â
Myth 6: “Outsourcing IT means we’ve outsourced our security too.” –Â While outsourcing IT services can be beneficial, security responsibility often remains with the business. A clear understanding of shared responsibilities is essential in such arrangements.Â
Myth 7: “Investing in cybersecurity is unnecessary; it’s an expense, not an investment.” – Cybersecurity is an investment in protecting assets, reputation, and ensuring business continuity. The cost of a breach far outweighs the investment in robust security measures.Â
Myth 8: “We comply with regulations, so we’re secure.” –Â Compliance doesn’t equate to comprehensive security. It sets minimum standards, but additional measures might be necessary to address specific threats and vulnerabilities.Â
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Myth 9: “Cyber insurance means we’re completely covered.” – Cyber insurance is beneficial, but it’s not a substitute for robust cybersecurity measures. It helps mitigate financial losses but doesn’t prevent breaches.Â
Myth 10: “Once we install security tools, we’re safe forever.” – Cyber threats continually evolve. Regular updates, monitoring, and adapting security strategies are essential for maintaining resilience against new threats.Â
Our SolutionsÂ
We’re dedicated to providing a suite of solutions tailored to empower your business in effectively managing a variety of cybersecurity risks. Among our offerings, we highlight key solutions designed to enhance your organization’s security posture:Â
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1. Cybersecurity Risk AssessmentÂ
Complete an annual risk assessment to properly identify all areas of your digital fortress. Apply the appropriate detection, protection, response and recovery tools to ensure the best possible security strategy for your business. The main benefit from this simple approach is to understand and have the information to guide conversations and decisions with your IT lead, guru or provider. Â
2. Device Level Ransomware protectionÂ
Next-gen Antivirus is crucial to stop ransomware from spreading IF it hits your network. The software installed on each computer will monitor and protect it from spreading, also allowing roll-back of attacks if authenticated by the user. We like Sentinel One as a great fit for small business, who is also a leader on Gartner Magic Quadrant. Bit-Defender Gravity Zone is also a popular favourite. Reach out and we can help you protect those devices. Â
3. Email Security Defaults Â
Microsoft has released a preset email security default blanket for all users even at the lowest license level when starting the trial for Defender for Office 365 Plan 1. Enable the defaults to add a layer of protection to fight against emails with bad attachments and links before they ever hit your inbox! You will also be alerted to emails from senders you have never received an email from to help trigger the reaction to analyze it before engaging. We can also add a layer of encrypted email and journaling based on your industry requirements. Tuning communication allowances will help ensure that emails between groups and external parties is aligned with your identified needs. Â
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4. Catch PhishÂ
Our Catch Phish tool streamlines email analysis, simplifying the identification of potential threats. With a single click, users can submit suspicious emails for rapid analysis, leveraging our proprietary SLAM methodology (Sender, Links, Attachments, & Message details). The tool provides insights into flagged content, facilitating training for employees. It enables seamless forwarding of quarantined emails to Managed Service Providers for threat handling, ensuring swift response & mitigation measures.Â
5. Employee TrainingÂ
In our comprehensive employee training program, we prioritize strengthening your organization’s cybersecurity defences against phishing attacks. Through interactive modules and practical exercises, we equip your workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and appropriately respond to phishing attempts. By enhancing your team’s awareness and vigilance, we bolster your data security and overall resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.Â
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6. Dark Web MonitoringÂ
With our Dark Web Monitoring service, we equip your organization with essential tools for safeguarding sensitive data. Through continuous monitoring of dark web forums, we offer insights into potential data breaches & compromised credentials. Our tool delivers real-time threat intelligence, for identification of any risks. Also, instant notifications keep you informed about any instances of compromised data, including passwords, allowing prompt action to mitigate potential damages.Â
Conclusion: Â
If anyone at your company has fallen victim to one of the myths above, it may be time to rethink your cybersecurity training and audit your company to assess your risk. Now that you’ve seen the light when it comes to these 5 common cybersecurity myths, there’s no longer any excuse to neglect the safeguarding of your organization or personal system. To learn more, why not meet our Cybersecurity expert, kindly click here to schedule a quick 15 minute call.Â
