Cyber security is a system that protects:
- The infrastructure of your business network
- Mobile devices that connect to your systems
- Cloud technology for storing data
- Endpoint devices your teams use to connect to your network from home
However, many companies are under the misconception that basic cyber security measures will keep them safe. Keep reading to find out what are the cyber security myths that make you think your business is safe from harm, even when it isn’t.
Cyber Security Myths
Here are common myths that businesses believe when it comes to cyber security.
Companies can install a firewall to protect their network and they’re good to go
For companies, it’s not enough to just install some antivirus programs and firewalls. You need layered cyber security systems because a firewall can’t account for every cyber security threat out there.
Instead, businesses need systems that monitor the activity, analyze data, and have the sufficient tools and systems ready for different cyberattack scenarios.
Every business needs a different cyber security strategy. Systems should be tailored to protect them from common types of threats. This will depend on whether employees work from home, whether the system uses cloud technology, etc.
Businesses don’t need to train employees on cyber security
Cyber security is more than protecting your infrastructure.
You need to train people to be able to recognize cyber security risks. Hackers rely on human errors and use scams that target unsuspected team members.
Your employees are good at their jobs, sure, but are they tech-savvy? They may not know what can happen if they click on suspicious ads, how to discern between official emails and cybercriminals who pose as authorities or how to create strong passwords.
A quick test if your employee needs training:
- They use their name and birthday for their password
- They use the same password for multiple accounts
- They cover their laptop camera with a sticky note that has their password written on it
- They use work computers for non-business-related activities
- They believe that typing their PIN backwards in the ATM machine can call the police—not really a cyber security risk, but we are interested if people still believe this is true
- They open email attachments from unknown senders
- They think you can’t see their activity in incognito mode
If they can thick any of these boxes, they need training.
You don’t need to break the budget for cyber security training either. But not spending the money on cyber security awareness is likely to cost you much more in the long run.
Simple tips on securing their passwords, email security and keeping their data safe while browsing the web can go a long way.
Hackers aren’t interested in my business
Anyone can be a victim of a cyber attack. Take it from Robert Mueller, and FBI director, who says:
“There are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those that will be.”
Individuals believe that they don’t have information hackers could find useful and thus don’t bother to protect their devices.
Big mistake.
These individuals could work from home and connect with their unprotected devices to the network of your company. From there, they’re granting access to your company’s data to perpetrators.
Small businesses believe that only large corporations are targets of cyberattacks. In reality, 43% of data breaches target small businesses. That’s almost half.
Only major and visible cyberattacks are damaging
Businesses that don’t invest in cyber security often have the wrong idea of what cyber attacks look like.
Some of the most damaging cyberattacks are difficult to spot because you don’t even know they’re happening.
Let’s take DDoS attacks and ransomware for comparison.
DDOS attacks usually target websites where multiple users can log in. They overwhelm the traffic of the site and sometimes the only clue is that your website is slower than usual.
This is one of the most dangerous attacks because you might not detect it until customers start leaving your site.
It is also the type of attack that can be happen for months on end before you realize something is very wrong. The longer the attack lasts, the more financial damage it causes.
With ransomware, on the other hand, you’ll know that your data has been breached as soon as cybercriminals demand ransom. What you won’t know, however, is how long they have been in your system, gathering information.
Even if you pay the ransom to avoid data leaking out, there’s no guarantee that they’ll keep their part of the bargain or attack your network again.
Final Word
Business owners that think about cyber security when it happens have a high chance of losing their companies. It’s that simple.
Even minor cyber security issues such as email scams can cause a lot of damage to the company.
Train your employees to reduce the chance of common cyber attacks such as email phishing, scams and ransomware.
Also, have the right cyber security systems in place to make sure any possible threat will be eliminated before it does any major damage.
That’s the smart way to do business.