Four Cybersecurity Myths Setting You up for Attack

Most people don’t know much about cybersecurity—but they don’t realize they have a knowledge gap. You use computers and mobile tech all day long, and you use them proficiently. But just because you can navigate the web and your devices with ease doesn’t mean you are doing it safely or securely. In fact, it's more than likely you're relying on outdated knowledge about cybersecurity, which is leaving gaping vulnerabilities.

You don’t need to be as knowledgeable as an information security expert, but you do need to keep your fundamental understanding of cybersecurity updated. Here are a few common beliefs that were once true but are no longer effective at keeping you or your data secure.

Myth 1: You aren’t a prime target for a cyberattack

You are just one person. You don’t have millions of dollars in your bank account, nudes on your smartphone, or any kind of valuable insider information. Why would a cybercriminal waste time trying to attack you?

The truth is, just because you're not a particularly juicy target for a cyberattack doesn't mean you're not an easy one.

The truth is, just because you're not a particularly juicy target for a cyberattack doesn't mean you're not an easy one. In recent years, businesses have been aggressively arming themselves against attack, making it more and more difficult for hackers to get access to the data they crave.

Many unsophisticated cybercriminals simply can’t compete at the current level of corporate cybersecurity, so instead they scrounge for easy smash-and-grabs—and that’s you. Because your network and devices are essentially unguarded, attackers can waltz in, take whatever data and cash you have and leave without much fear of retaliation. 

Myth 2: You're safe with antivirus alone

Antivirus software is imperative for identifying and eliminating malware—but malware isn’t the only threat to your data or devices. These days, attacks are multifarious, coming at you from a dozen directions and with surprising speed and intensity. You might succumb to an attack that originates through a backdoor in your smart vacuum, or you might fall victim to an attack launched while you were connected to the Wi-Fi at your neighborhood Starbucks. Antivirus software is good, but it doesn’t protect you against this kind of threat.

Instead, you need a much more robust security suite that includes antivirus as well as home network security, internet security, and more. It might be wise to get in contact with...

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