Cybersecurity is one of the most important, least understood industries. As technology has continued to develop at supersonic speeds, particularly in usability and overall UX design, the tech-ed of the average consumer of technology has lagged further and further behind. People who are only just getting to grips with wireless internet are operating sensitive, super advanced pieces of technology filled with data and personal belongings every single day. This knowledge gap is a real problem and the more that technology grows (which it is guaranteed to continue doing) the more leg work that cybersecurity has to do to ensure the safety of tech users. Because technology (and hence cybersecurity) are so misunderstood by the general public, misconceptions or ‘myths’ can creep in really easily over time that lead to damaging behavior cycles. So let’s look at 7 such myths and start to unpack how they can be corrected, and how to catch future myths.
- Real Hackers Only Target Big Organizations
An easy one to start out with. This is completely untrue and, in spite of what a lot of television of the last 30 years has implied, not all hackers are too busy focusing on the Pentagon to bother with you. There are thousands of different types of hackers out there, all with the potential to hurt people at literally any level of society. “That includes you, even if you don’t perceive yourself as having a big online presence. Whether you’re a giant governmental unit, a conglomeration, a small business or an individual, if you use technology: you’re at risk” comments Diana Lee, a project manager at Writing populist and Dissertation help.
- Cybersecurity Can Protect Me Against All Threats
Unfortunately, within the desire to make sales and reassure customers, cybersecurity companies tend to run into the issue of overselling confidence along with their products. Technology is constantly evolving, meaning that every day there are new exploits out there that can be taken advantage of. There is no such thing as 100% secure!
- The Power Of Passwords
Most people’s password use is appallingly bad. This is something that has become really problematic and that people are trying to figure out a way to fix. Firstly, you shouldn’t have repeat passwords. Secondly, the things that people choose for their password are also so often poor: dates of birth, names of parents etc. Lastly, passwords themselves are increasingly simply not a good enough defense. It’s worth looking into dual authentication and biometrics to really ensure safety.
- Antivirus Software Solves All
Again, it’s a question of taking things for granted. Antivirus software can only protect against certain attacks, and even then it needs to be constantly up-to-date and altered to be of actual use.
- Leave It To IT To Solve
Cybersecurity isn’t some abstract issue for ‘computer people’ to handle while you focus on ‘real life’. Until we are able to drill it in the collective subconscious that cybersecurity is the individual’s responsibility in the same way that home security is, for example, we will never be truly protected from threats as a society. This is your responsibility! If things go wrong, don’t look to point the finger. Just start to look for ways to protect yourself.
- Testing Is Overly-Fastidious
Assessments of the state of your cybersecurity systems are absolutely vital. “Things change way too fast for you to get even a few months of safety without a check-up. Your system needs to be monitored closely and update regularly to make sure that you don’t fall behind and risk some sort of a breach” says Kate Kelly, a technical writer at Academ advisor and Write my essay.
- A Cyber-Attack Will Always Be External
Hacks and other cyber-threats seem like they are the work of mysterious figures in dimly lit rooms overflowing with cables and glowing monitors. In truth, a cyberattack, a really damaging one even, can come from within your office or your friendship group. It could be human error, or nosiness, but a breach can be very costly, regardless of where it is coming from.
Conclusion
Overall, it is of the upmost importance that you stay on top of your cybersecurity practice and take full responsibility for the state of your own protection. Failing to do so can lead to disastrous scenarios that could cost you or those you know a great deal of time, heartbreak or money.
Kristin Herman is a writer and editor at Resumention and Academized. She writes articles for online publications such as Student writing services. As a tech enthusiast, she blogs about the latest trends in technology, computers, and social media. And, as a project manager, she has overseen many writing projects nationwide.