Cybersecurity myths are on the rise and causing big problems for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), leaving them open to cyber-attacks.
Our research, using data from the UK government and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) website, uncovered some surprising truths. Even in 2024, many small businesses are still overlooking the importance of cybersecurity.
To keep your digital space safe and strong, it’s crucial to clear up these myths and get a realistic understanding of cybercrime and security risks.
In this blog post, we’ll tackle the biggest cybersecurity myths of 2024 and lay out the real facts behind them.
Let’s dive into these myths!
15 Top Cybersecurity Myths: Facts vs Fiction
Myth #1: “More cybersecurity tools mean more protection.”
Reality: having cybersecurity tools is important, but just piling on more tools doesn’t automatically make your computer system secure.
What really matters is using the right tools, setting them up correctly, and making sure they fit into a solid cybersecurity plan. Relying too much on tools without understanding how to manage them can leave your system vulnerable.
Facts: According to research by PwC, only 38% of UK companies feel very confident about managing their cybersecurity risks, even though they’re spending more on tools.
Myth #2: “It’s easy to spot phishing scams.”
Reality: Phishing scams are getting more sophisticated, making them harder to detect. While some phishing attempts might be obvious, others use clever tricks like QR codes or SIM swapping to trick people.
To stay safe, it’s crucial to get proper cybersecurity training and stay aware of the latest phishing tactics.
Facts: A 2023 UK government study found that 79% of UK businesses and 83% of charities faced phishing attacks in the past year, leading to business costs and damage to reputations.
Myth #3: “Increasing the workforce solves cybersecurity problems.”
Reality: Having a skilled cybersecurity team is important, but it’s not enough on its own. Good cybersecurity also needs effective processes and technology.
Cybersecurity is an ongoing task that requires constant monitoring, adapting, and improving.
Facts: The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology reports that 50% of UK businesses lack basic cybersecurity skills, and 33% struggle with more advanced skills.
Myth #4: “Bringing your own device (BYOD) is safe.”
Reality: Personal devices often don’t have the same security controls as company-owned ones, which can expose sensitive data to hackers.
To protect yourself, use security measures like device encryption and regular security audits.
Facts: According to SlashNext’s 2023 Mobile BYOD Security Report, 71% of employees have sensitive work information on personal devices, and 43% of them have been targeted by phishing attacks.
Myth #5: “Cybersecurity is a one-time effort.”
Reality: Cybersecurity isn’t a one-and-done deal; it needs ongoing attention and investment. Regular risk assessments, updated security policies, employee training, and strong password practices are all essential.
Facts: The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 found that 32% of UK companies and 24% of charities experienced breaches or attacks in the past year.
Myth #6: “Strong passwords are enough to protect my accounts.”
Reality: Many people think their passwords are strong when they might actually be weak and easy to guess. Common issues include using simple passwords, reusing them, and not updating them regularly.
Adding layers of security like password managers and two-factor authentication can make a big difference.
Facts: The National Cyber Security Centre found that “123456” was the most common password in the UK, showing that weak passwords are still a big issue.
Myth #7: “We perform penetration tests regularly.”
Reality: Some organizations don’t do penetration tests as often as they should or might not test all potential attack points. Regular testing helps find vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Facts: A study by CyberSmart found that only 43% of UK businesses conduct penetration tests regularly, and 25% never do any testing.
Myth #8: “Cybersecurity is only a concern for large corporations.”
Reality: It’s a dangerous myth that only big companies are targeted by cyber-attacks. Small and medium-sized businesses are often targeted because they might not have strong cybersecurity measures.
Facts: The Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report revealed that small businesses accounted for nearly one-third of all data breaches, and 74% of breaches involved some human element.
Myth #9: “Our IT systems and software provide complete cybersecurity protection.”
Reality: While good IT systems and software are important, they’re just part of a broader cybersecurity strategy. You also need strong training, risk management, and security policies.
Facts: The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 showed that 32% of UK companies and 24% of charities experienced breaches or attacks despite having IT systems in place.
Myth #10: “Cyber threats are exclusively external attacks.”
Reality: It’s not just outside hackers who pose a threat. Insider threats and human errors can also lead to security problems.
Facts: Ponemon’s 2023 report found that the cost of insider threats rose from $15.4 million in 2022 to $16.2 million in 2023, and it takes longer to address these threats.
Myth #11: “Antivirus software alone is sufficient for cybersecurity.”
Reality: Relying only on antivirus software is risky. It can only protect against known threats, so you need additional security measures to defend against new and evolving attacks.
Facts: The UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 found that only 49% of medium businesses and 68% of large businesses have a formal cybersecurity strategy, highlighting gaps in protection.
Myth #12: “Using public Wi-Fi is safe.”
Reality: Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but can be insecure. Hackers can intercept data on these networks, putting sensitive information at risk.
Facts: A survey by BullGuard found that 79% of public Wi-Fi users in the UK were unaware of the risks, showing a lack of awareness.
Myth #13: “I’d know if my device is infected with malware.”
Reality: Malware can be sneaky and might not show obvious symptoms. Regular scans and monitoring are essential to catch and remove malware.
Facts: The UK government’s cybersecurity survey found that the percentage of businesses with up-to-date malware protection dropped from 83% to 76% from 2022 to 2023.
Myth #14: “I don’t need to back up my data; it’s safe on my device.”
Reality: Data can be lost due to hardware failure, malware, or accidental deletion. Regular backups are crucial to prevent data loss.
Facts: The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 revealed that 37% of businesses experienced data loss or breaches due to various issues, stressing the importance of backups.
Also Read: Recover Data from a Corrupted Hard Drive
Myth #15: “You should always use a VPN.”
Reality: VPNs can enhance security, especially on public Wi-Fi, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness of a VPN depends on the provider and how it’s used.
Facts: A NordVPN survey found that 48% of UK respondents use a VPN for privacy and security, but 37% use free VPNs, which can be less secure.
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