Separating fact from fake: Busting common cybersecurity myths

Separating fact from fake:

Busting common cybersecurity myths In the mainstream news, you often hear about widespread data breaches where millions of customer accounts are hacked. Most small business owners have the misconception that a problem of that scale will never happen to them. Large business owners tend to downplay the risks until a disaster happens. It's important to focus on busting the misconceptions about the importance of providing top-notch security for your business.

1. My Small Business Doesn't Need It
Every business that uses a secure computer, even if it's only one, needs cybersecurity protection. It could be a tool as simple as antivirus software or a password-protected screensaver. This simple feature prevents thousands of malware pieces from accessing your business's digital system.

2. The Threats Are Not That Serious
The business owners who take advantage of using antivirus software believe the common myths that it's all they need to remain secure. You may not see any bigger threat apart from malware but think of your entire digital data system from the hard drive to the Internet, networks and Web servers. You cannot protect these complex systems by having antivirus software alone. There must be a multifaceted approach to protect your business that includes passwords, locking screensavers, firewalls, encryption and other factors.

3. All We Need Is a Password
One of the most common cybersecurity myths involves passwords. Most people believe that a password is the only and best form of protection against a cyber attack. Any outsider who uses your computer cannot access the files or account without a password. However, although very effective, it doesn't guarantee an internal intrusion from a hacker or malware. Also, someone with advanced IT expertise could bypass the password far easier than you realize.

4. A Cybersecurity Threat Is Only an Outside Job
This is one of many cybersecurity myths that is only half true. Although many threats to your security are external and done by cybercriminals, internal threats may come from an employee, client or coworker who is seen every day. Screen your employees before hiring them, and provide proper training about fraud detection and prevention.

5. Cybersecurity Is Too Expensive
You are saving money when you invest in any security system. It being too expensive is one of the most common myths that increases your risks of cyberattacks. If your business is attacked, your clients' private information will be exposed to criminals. Then, you'll lose the trust of clients who will go to another company and take away thousands of dollars of profits. So, the costs of securing a business are much more affordable than the costs of repairing a security attack. As well, services such as RiskAware’s vCISO provide security services fractionally to any organization.

Busting myths about your computer and online security are necessary to protect clients, employees and the business as a whole. Contact RiskAware to provide onsite or virtual services that keep your business secure at all hours of the day and night.