There is a lot of information flying around out there about cyber security, but not all of it is necessarily true. It is essential for you and your employees to understand real threats to cyber security versus what is essentially a myth.
Here are some myths to look out for. These things are not true, and you should prepare accordingly.
- Hackers don’t target small businesses
Many hackers target small businesses for information for ransomware. “While the financial gain from targeting enterprises is more lucrative, the stakes are higher for small businesses. Cybercriminals know this. A cyber attack could destroy a small business and force it to close, and that's why one small business is successfully hacked every 19 seconds in the U.K. Small businesses that have a limited cybersecurity budget should tap into the knowledge of an IT support service, who can advise on the most suitable defenses.” (Tech Target).
- My business has never been attacked, so we are doing a good job
In addition to preventing cyber attacks, you also need to be prepared to take a course of action after one has occurred. “Cyberthreats are continually growing in sophistication and complexity and organizations need to strive continuously to stay ahead of this ever changing landscape. Your aim isn't to achieve "perfect" security (which in and of itself is unattainable) but rather to have a strategic security posture that addresses the primary failure points and then helps you react quickly to a security incident and mitigate it before it causes significant damage.” (FPA).
- My strong passwords will keep me safe
No matter how strong your password is, hackers can still obtain your password if they hack the server. “That's where two-factor authentication and multifactor authentication come in. These methods require you to set up an extra verification step. When you log in, you'll be prompted to enter a security code, which will then be sent to your phone or accessed via a dedicated verification app. That means if a hacker ever gets their hands on your password, they'll still be thwarted.” (Tech Target).
- Threats are purely external
Many threats actually come from within the system. “Undeniably, outsider threats are the most significant concern of an organization and should be monitored thoroughly. However, insider threats are equally dangerous. Employee negligence, ignorance, and malicious behavior often make insider threats a higher-security risk than outsider threats.” (FPA).
- We have complete cyber security
Cyber security is never complete, it is always ongoing. “New, innovative, and sophisticated cyberattacks evolve with time, putting your organization at continuous risk. So, you need to continuously monitor critical assets, conduct internal audits, and review security policies. The organization should embed cybersecurity practices into key business processes and invest in ongoing updates.” (FPA).
Have any questions about cyber-security? Responsive Technology Partners is the leading cyber-security expert in the Athens, Metter, Milledgeville, Vidalia, and Atlanta, Georgia areas. We also have locations in Tampa, Florida, Roanoke, Virginia, and Raleigh South Carolina. Service offerings include I.T. support, cyber-security and compliance, telephony, cloud services, cabling, access control, and camera systems. Our company’s mission is to provide world-class customer service through industry leading I.T. solutions that make every customer feel as if they are our only customer. Please visit our website to learn more: https://www.responsivetechnologypartners.com/.
Sources:
Tech Target. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/post/5-cybersecurity-myths-and-how-to-address-them
FPA. https://www.fpainc.com/blog/14-cybersecurity-myths-and-misconceptions
