Five cybersecurity myths and realities

When it comes to cybersecurity, companies can sometimes act according to misconceptions that are believed to be true based on various myths. Here are the top five cybersecurity myths: 

Myth 1: Strong passwords can protect you  

Many believe that using strong passwords is enough to protect their online accounts from hackers.  

Reality: 

This is a myth that does not reflect the reality of cyberattacks. Strong passwords are only one layer of defence, and they can still be compromised by phishing, malware, or brute force attacks. Therefore, it is important to use other security measures, such as two-factor authentication, encryption, and antivirus software, to keep your data safe. 

Myth 2: Deleting Files removes data forever 

One of the common myths about computers is that deleting files removes data forever.  

Reality: 

When you delete a file, you are only removing the pointer that tells the operating system where to find the data on the hard drive. The data itself is still there and can be recovered with special software. This means that your personal or sensitive information may still be accessible to others, even after you think you have deleted it. To prevent this, you need to use a data destruction method that overwrites the data with random or meaningless bits, making it impossible to recover. This is the only way to ensure that your deleted files are really gone. 

Myth 3: We don’t need encryption solutions 

Some people claim that encryption is a myth and that we don't need it to protect our data and privacy.  

Reality: 

This is a dangerous and false belief that ignores the reality of cyber threats and the value of encryption solutions. Encryption is not a myth, but a proven and effective way to secure our information and communications from unauthorized access and manipulation. 

Usually, organizations want to cut their expenses as much as they can. Because encryption is considered expensive and complicated, they don’t use and implement it, but usually, they change their mind as soon as when a data breach happens, which is inevitable.  Quality encryption software is not complicated and its price is undoubtedly smaller than the price of potential losses because of a data breach or ransomware. 

Myth 4: SMBs Aren’t Targeted, only „big players“ 

One of the most common myths about cyberattacks is that they only target large corporations or government agencies.  

Reality: 

This is far from reality. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are also vulnerable to cyber threats and often lack the resources or expertise to protect themselves. According to a recent report by Verizon, 28% of data breaches in 2020 involved SMBs. Therefore, SMBs should not underestimate the risk of cyberattacks and should take proactive measures to secure their data and systems. 

Myth 5: Outsiders are the only cyber threat 

One of the common myths about cybersecurity is that outsiders are the only cyber threat to an organization.  

Reality: 

According to the Ponemon Institute, malicious insiders are the most costly type of cyberattack, averaging $144,542 per year. Many reports surprisingly said that 82% of data breaches in 2021 are consequences of human error. Errors, phishing, misuse and stolen credentials, that’s all an effect of human errors inside an organization which could cause serial security vulnerabilities. Moreover, insiders have access to sensitive information and credentials that outsiders lack, making them more dangerous in some cases. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to implement security measures that address both external and internal threats. User security training and clear data protection policies should be mandatory for every business! 

Interested in learning more? Eccentrix provides the cybersecurity bootcamp training, aimed at understanding the countermeasures that will prevent cybersecurity incidents.