Cybersecurity: 3 Myths Related to Computer Security

Sameeratakhtani
4 min readDec 28, 2020

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The issue of cybersecurity continues to make noise, and it is that the protection of computer systems within organizations has become an essential factor for the success of businesses today. However, among all the information available on cybersecurity, it is also possible to find some misconceptions that, far from helping to maintain corporate security, contribute to putting it at risk.

These “myths” based on some popular beliefs, make it difficult to create strategies that really contribute to protecting the computing environments of organizations. That is why to propel you on your way to a 100% secure company, we have decided to dismantle some misconceptions related to cybersecurity. Keep reading and learn more details.

What exactly is cybersecurity?

The Internet, the creation of mobile devices, and technological advancement, in general, have contributed enormously to revolutionizing the way we solve problems, which has accelerated the development of our societies and has undoubtedly provided us with a more comfortable lifestyle.

However, the age of technology has also brought its own threats; which has given rise to the emergence of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is nothing more than a discipline that combines processes, technology, and best practices to guarantee the security of data and computing resources belonging to a system.

The main objective of cybersecurity is to minimize the risk that the use of information technologies implies for companies and individuals; by ensuring that your computing environments remain protected at all times from unauthorized damage, attacks or intrusions.

Why is it so important to organizations?

The digital world offers us infinite advantages and resources, But it is also riddled with constantly evolving malicious elements. Every day a new threat is born, aimed at finding and attacking the vulnerabilities of a system for the benefit of cybercriminals.

That is why considering that today Information Technologies occupies a central axis for the development of companies. It is vital that organizations make cybersecurity a priority within their internal strategies. Well, a highly protected system is a guarantee of service continuity and business success.

3 myths related to cybersecurity

It is not clear where exactly some of the myths related to cybersecurity come from, however, what is evident; is that leaving them behind is the first step toward a truly effective security strategy. Among the most popular myths we have the following:

1. Using a free antivirus is enough to protect my systems

If one thing is true, it is that an antivirus tool plays a key role in maintaining the protection of any organization. However many users (and companies); often make the mistake of thinking that this type of solution alone will completely protect systems. Some even go further and are convinced that free antivirus is enough to keep threats at bay.

Nothing is further from the truth, an antivirus software is just the beginning of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. To truly protect your organization, you need total security software that takes everything into account; from proper employee training to internal threat detection and protection against unexpected risks.

To clarify this point a little better, we show you some data related to free antivirus:

How do you know, if the antivirus is not updated correctly, its protection capacity is weakened. This means that updates are vital. The problem is that free antivirus usually needs manual updates; And in a multi-computer corporate environment, this can lead to wasted time and increased risk.
Free antivirus programs are much less effective in detecting new threats than paid ones. That is if a new virus spreads very quickly; the free antivirus may not yet know your signature; and therefore does not detect it at the time of infection.
Free antivirus usually does not offer a support service, and if they do, their availability is quite limited. This means that when you need updates or patches, you will be alone.

2. Cybercriminals typically attack only large companies

This statement is, of course, false. Lately, we have seen a lot of news that speaks of massive attacks carried out on large companies; this has probably led some members of SMEs to believe that they will not be targeted. The reality is very different. Many companies have suffered random attacks; in which hackers do not target a specific target but instead focus on detecting vulnerabilities in the network, to take advantage of it. Any company can suffer this type of attack, regardless of its size.

Small businesses tend to be easy prey because they invest less in advanced data protection tools and many times; They don’t have a security team with the necessary experience.

3. Personal devices do not need to have protection within the company

Another popular false belief. Both employees and company security teams often make the mistake of believing that personal device; they do not have to be affected by the security protocols to which the company’s computers are exposed.

This is one of the main reasons why; Companies can be exposed to risks of which they are not aware, thanks precisely to the trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).

In this context, it is imperative that organizations establish security strategies that take into account not only the devices belonging to the company; but also that they cover all those who access the Internet, including portable devices and Internet of Things devices.

You already saw it. The above are just some of the most important myths, that is, there are surely many more. If you want it, it is to work based on the appropriate information; it is vital that you have the help of professionals in the area. Thus, you will have the security of knowing that the strategies you apply are truly effective.

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Sameeratakhtani
Sameeratakhtani

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