Cybersecurity is the process of securing your cyber existence and protecting yourself and your data from hackers or malicious malware. There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding cybersecurity, and these misconceptions can deter people from implementing it. Failing to implement cybersecurity doesn’t just result in a slight reduction in productivity and inconvenience, but rather it has grave consequences that can be detrimental to both individuals and businesses.
Even as cybersecurity techniques grow in popularity, many business owners still put all their hard work at risk of cyberattacks instead of taking the time to implement the security their business needs. However, understanding that common cybersecurity misconceptions are incorrect can help you feel more confident about implementing cybersecurity in your business.
#1. “It Won’t Happen to Me”
To most people, the concept of “hacking” or a “cyberattack” is exclusive to news about mega-corporations falling victim. This gives small and medium-sized business owners a false belief that they’re safe from cyberattacks and data breaches until they make it big or go international.
However, research shows that this isn’t true. It’s the exact opposite. In 2019, 43 percent of all cyberattacks targeted small businesses. But that’s not to say that enterprises are safe—last year, nearly half of all enterprises experienced a cyberattack. That means cyber threats should be a concern for all businesses regardless of their size and net worth.
#2. “Only Onsite Desktops and Laptops Need Protection”
All endpoints, not just computers, can invite cyberattacks. Endpoints are all access points to a network. Those can be physical, such as laptops, phones, and printers, and online access points through the cloud. Endpoint protection is the process of protecting and monitoring all of a network’s endpoints in real-time for any suspicious behavior or gaps in security. In today’s digital world, passwords play a critical role in keeping your business information safe. That’s why it’s essential to use a password manager for teams to stay in control of your cyber security by remembering logins and passwords for you.
Endpoint security can provide enough protection to prevent endpoint-originating attacks, which represent 70 percent of all cyberattacks. For example, the VMWare CB endpoint protection platform can reduce your risk of an attack and all its repercussions.
#3 “My Industry Doesn’t Attract Cyberattacks”
While it’s true that some industries are at a higher risk of cyberattacks than others, that doesn’t mean some industries are immune to attacks. As long as your business collects any type or amount of data, it has a target on it. The most at-risk sectors are healthcare, government agencies, and higher education, with the shared factor being the type and amount of data they collect.
It’s also important to note that not all hackers are after money. Some of them have ethical motivations to release information they believe shouldn’t be private. That means even if the data in your particular industry doesn’t sell for much on the black market, it doesn’t mean someone won’t try to leak it, which is another common misconception. Even if doubling down on cybersecurity isn’t the status quo in your industry, it’s still worth your time and investment.
#4. “Cybersecurity Solutions are Too Expensive”
Like an onion, implementing cybersecurity comes in layers that you can add and subtract depending on your needs and budget. If your business is at a lower risk, you don’t have to invest in a multi-layer, complex security system. Simply securing your endpoints and educating your staff on the dangers of social engineering is sufficient.
The same applies to high-risk industries. Elaborate cybersecurity solutions might seem a bit on the pricey side. However, they are a sure return on your investment when you don’t have to pay ransom for your data, rebuild client and customer trust, fix corrupted systems, and restore lost data.
Check Your Sources
When it comes to something as crucial as protecting your business network, you shouldn’t base your actions and strategy off any assumptions. Instead, look at the data. Well-documented studies show that cyberattacks on businesses are on the rise. Now’s the time to educate yourself about the threats that loom and how you can best protect your valuable online assets.