Busting 8 Common Cyber Security Myths
In recent years, threats in online security have become a big issue. In fact, the incidents of ransomware, weaponized IoT (Internet of Things), and election hacking all happened in 2016 alone. And similar problems are expected to rise since malwares, hacking process, and other forms of digital intrusion constantly evolve over time.
So the best way of preventing these cyber attacks and online hygiene is to be properly informed as to what cyber security is all about and maintain a good cyber posture as an online user, a business entity, or a government organization.
Read more as we are going to bust these common cyber security myths in this entry.
Classification Of ‘Cyber Risk’ As A Separate Type Of Risk
The thing is a risk is risk no matter what form or type it may be. And this can also be true with cyber risks because it can compromise the safety of the user (you or any personnel from your company) as well as the intellectual properties that you or your company owns.
Therefore, cyber risks cannot be treated as a separate type of distraction as it can ruin your integrity and the integrity of your business sooner or later.
Self-Protection Is Good Enough
This is not necessarily true as cyber security can be likened to a chain. If there’s a weak link, then the strength of the chain will be compromised.
Hence, everything that is part of your digital protection from vendors, contractors, subsidiaries, and even accounting firms should be secured because these areas can be a possible threat vector (or a possible entry point of threats)
The Concept Of Online Security Is Limited Only To IT Stuff
We need to understand the fact that online security is not only limited to IT-related stuff. It should cover everything from the IT data center to the office branches down to the mobile devices of every individual in the organization (including you) as the privacy, accuracy, integrity, and availability should be protected once the information is digitized.
Physical And Digital Security Should Be Separate
This is not true since hackers can virtually modify software to gain access to your physical infrastructure, In other words, they can control building devices such as the elevator or gain access to confidential records with just a click of a button. Hence, physical and digital security should be treated as one.
Being Hacked Is A Form Of Embarrassment
A lot of people or companies are ashamed to share their experiences on getting hacked as they are afraid they might lose their integrity. But the truth is, hiding a security breach will only lead to long-term damage. And the best way of dealing it is to reach out to others for help and to inform other companies of their possible areas of vulnerability.
Doing Things Manually Can Prevent Online Security Breach
Going back to paper can actually compromise your security even more as the information can now be copied or removed illegally without a trace. What’s even worse is it can also affect your company’s productivity and efficiency. Ironically, getting unplugged from digitalization is what cyber criminals are waiting so they can strike without notice.
Installing AV (Anti-Virus) Software Offers The Best Protection
This is also untrue since most hackers have found a way to introduce threats without being detected by AV’s. Unless your AV software is continuously updated with security patches to detect the latest threats (given the fact that threats evolve on a daily basis as mentioned above), then your online security is outdated. So it is recommended that you should have at least a preventive mindset to be able to lessen known and unknown threats from compromising your system.
It’s Just Intended For Defensive Purposes
Lastly, cyber security should be positioned at a point where it can have strategic advantage to save money and improve efficiency at the same time. It should be designed to protect your system by default at creating an integrated implementation to generate competitive advantage.
So from now on, stop thinking of cyber security as only a cost center and see more of the value it can give to enable your business to become successful.