October of 2024 marks the 21st National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it’s a time for everyone to brush up on their tech safety! If you think that this topic isn’t of serious importance to you or your business, think again. Not only was it important enough to prompt the President and Congress of the United States to establish Cybersecurity Awareness Month back in 2004, but taking this subject seriously might just be the thing that saves you and your organization from being hacked!
Cybersecurity is more important than ever, and to help spread awareness and stop misinformation, you can read below about a few common myths and misconceptions plus the real facts about keeping yourself and your team safe in the digital world!
Myth: Small Companies Aren’t at Risk of Cyberattacks
Most people, business owners or otherwise, assume that cyberattacks, hacks, or security breaches are things that only big corporations and organizations like banks, the government, or industry giants need to be concerned about. After all, that’s where the money and sensitive information is, so why would a cybercriminal ever go after a small or medium sized business with nothing to offer?
Fact: Any Organization Can Be at Risk of a Cyberattack
Sadly, anyone or any organization can be a potential target for a hacker, for multiple reasons. Smaller businesses still have enough value to make them a mark– a cybercriminal might go after your employees’ or clients’ personal information, or the basic operations of your network that they can ransom back to you. On top of that, hackers often target smaller organizations especially because their cybersecurity measures are often lacking, whereas a bigger corporation will have stronger security in place and be a more difficult target.
Myth: Some Devices Can’t Be Hacked
It’s a very widespread idea that some devices are “immune” to being hacked or breached by a cybercriminal. This can cover brands of device, such as Apple devices, or even types of device. It’s not uncommon for people to believe that their phones or tablets can’t be hacked the same way a desktop computer or workstation can be.
Fact: All Devices Can Be Breached
The truth is, any device can be hacked or accessed by an unauthorized user with ill intentions. There are many different methods that cybercriminals can use today to gain access to your devices, and believing that it’s an impossible scenario only makes you more vulnerable to becoming the victim of a cyberattack yourself!
Myth: Cybersecurity is Technical and Confusing
Firewalls, network monitoring, viruses, malware– if you don’t have a tech background, listening to the experts talk about cybersecurity can be enough to make your head spin. There’s no end to the jargon and complicated protocols and defenses, none of which a layman can fully understand, let alone use and maintain. In light of this, it might not seem like it’s worth it to even try to increase your business’s cybersecurity!
Fact: Cybersecurity Can Be Concrete and Simple
In reality, the techy, confusing parts of cybersecurity are only one piece of the puzzle. There are many ways that anyone can work to increase their cybersecurity even if they’re not a computer whiz– ways that are simple, easy, and quick to implement! For example, did you know that it’s a very important cybersecurity measure to simply never leave your computer unsecured and unattended? Just locking your office door or not leaving your laptop bag in your car is a major defense against potential breaches! Incorporating simple, everyday practices like this into your routine and company culture can make a huge difference in how secure your business is from a tech standpoint.
Myth: Only IT People Need to Know About Cybersecurity Measures
You’re a business owner, not an IT professional, so naturally, if you want a little more protection than just a basic password, you turn to the experts. With an IT provider on your side, surely that must mean that you can put thoughts of cybersecurity out of your head and focus your attention, and that of your team members, on other things– right?
Fact: Everyone Should Know Cybersecurity Best Practices
On the contrary, cybersecurity is not something that only your IT providers should be worrying about. Everyone in an organization has a responsibility to do their part and protect the company’s network and information, and managers and leaders in particular have a responsibility to ensure that everyone is properly educated about what the current cybersecurity best practices are. A quick and simple training course can make a huge difference in how safe your business is, teaching employees to spot suspicious messages and activity, protect their passwords and other information, and safeguard their physical devices to avoid creating openings that a hacker can take advantage of. When everyone on a team, not just the IT guys, works together to increase cybersecurity, the risks of a breach or attack are drastically reduced!
One of the biggest misconceptions about cybersecurity is that it’s hard to come by. This couldn’t be further from the truth! If you operate in the Raleigh, NC area, our team here at Progressive Computer Systems can provide you with reliable, professional cybersecurity services that will increase your safety and protection. To learn more, contact us today!