Myth vs. Fact: Cybersecurity in a Digital World

Your Startup, Your Security

Establishing your business online is a great way to attract new customers, support your existing ones better, and have a storefront that is accessible to your customers or clients 24/7. It’s clear the internet has many advantages when it comes to business, but there is also cybersecurity to consider in a digital world.

Cybersecurity is sometimes an afterthought but is a key element not to leave off. It is essential to safeguard yours and customer data — to ensure your business can operate without any unnecessary problems by adding extra layers of protection.

Unfortunately, several myths plague the topic. Specifically, on what types of cybersecurity methods are most effective. CIAP addresses a list of myths by debunking and providing reputable resources, and facts, to protect your servers and website.

Cybersecurity: Myth vs. Facts

Myth #1: A strong password is enough to keep you safe.

Of course, having a very complicated password is always important when creating new accounts online– but it shouldn’t stop there.

 Facts

• Changing your password every 120 days reduces your chance of being hacked and exposure to danger online.
• Using strong and unique passwords for every single account, you have online makes it more difficult for a hacker to use the same username and password on your other accounts.
• Use a password manager to keep track of all your password if they are too unique to remember, or you are changing them regularly.

Best Password Managers

1. Dashlane
2. Keeper
3. LastPass
4. Bitwareden Premium

Myth #2: Most cyber threats only come externally.

You’ll likely hear more about outside hackers gaining access to your data. In reality, internal data breaches are common as well if you and employees don’t take the proper precautions.

Facts

• Protect the physical location of your servers to reduce the risk of it being stolen or tampered with.
• Educate your employees on the essential security measures to take when handling sensitive documents or information online.
• Control access to internal data amongst all staff members by only giving specific authentication to designated team members based on their role within the company. Using third-party action monitoring software can help with this.

Best Action Monitoring Software

1. ActivTrak
2. Ekran System
3. InterGuard
4. Teramind

Myth #3: If there is a password on a Wi-Fi network, it’s secure.

Although it is more difficult to hack a public Wi-Fi connection with a password, there are still vulnerabilities to be aware of and ways to protect yourself while travelling for work.

Facts

• Anyone using the same public Wi-Fi connection can perform a man-in-the-middle attack between your laptop and the router, slip in malware onto your computer or create fake hotspots that look like real networks to connect to.
• Only visit and develop websites with HTTPS at the beginning of the URL as this encrypts the data and makes your site more secure.
• Install a VPN (virtual private network) that will route your internet traffic to a server that the VPN company owns, which stops intruders from seeing your information.

Best VPNs

1. ExpressVPN
2. Surfshark
3. NordVPN
4. CyberGhost

Myth #4: Cybersecurity requires a significant financial investment.

Of course, hiring an entire IT team to manage your cybersecurity is expensive and not always feasible. However, there are cost-effective tools and tactics you can use to keep your business safe online.

Facts

• Use encryption for your most sensitive files to make sure they are protected with a password, and regularly back up your computers on a hard drive. 
• Keep your anti-virus software and operating system up-to-date as it will patch up any vulnerabilities with each new update.
• Activate your firewall on your computer and or buy an anti-virus program.

Best Anti-Virus Programs

1. McAfee
2. Webroot
3. Kaspersky
4. Norton Antivirus Plus

Myth #5: You can accomplish complete cybersecurity.

Staying on top of your cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. You may have all the right tools and strategies set in place, but the landscape is always evolving which puts your data at risk.

Facts

• It may be in your best interest to hire a security consultant or a dedicated employee to monitor your systems continuously.
• Make it a company-wide effort to handle all data with care properly and provide adequate training to maintain continuity.
• Keep an eye on the press because when there are security breaches that pertain to any product or service you use; you can adjust accordingly.

Key Takeaway

Cybersecurity is going to be a priority, as more businesses conduct online transactions and share information digitally. Staying up-to-date with the best approaches to your business’ safety online, will help you shift your focus to building your company and better serving your customers.

Is there another cybersecurity myth you’d like us to debunk? Let us know in the comments!