A Look at IT Security Myths: What's True?

It can’t happen to me.
It’s a sentiment we hear, unfortunately, all too frequently. Customers believe that the security hacks they hear about are isolated incidents, unlikely to affect small businesses or individual consumers.
The reality is quite different. Devices, data and systems need to be protected consistently, continually and thoroughly to avoid a cyber attack. Here’s a look at some of the common myths associated with IT security.
Myth 1: Anti-Virus Software and a Good Firewall Are All I Need
While proper anti-virus tools and a reliable next-generation firewall are a good foundation for your cybersecurity plan, they alone cannot always keep you safe. For example, the anti-virus software needs to be configured to work continuously and be updated automatically to make sure that you’re protected from new threats. You also need good security habits, including training on how to spot potential scams or phishing emails, to be fully protected.
Myth 2: Updates and Patches Are Not Necessary
Have you ever wondered why software companies issue updates and patches? In some cases, they’re released to add new features or functionality to the product. Many other times, however, they’re used to react to new threats or to fix vulnerabilities in their code that had previously not been known. These are the same vulnerabilities that hackers try to exploit to gain access to files and compromise your data. Installing these updates is essential for data security. Ideally, managed IT service provider hired to oversee your software and hardware will make sure these updates are installed immediately and automatically.
Myth 3: There’s No Top-Secret Data on my Computer. I Don’t Need to Worry
It may be true that, as individual data points, the information on your computer or server is not especially vital. However, hackers today are sophisticated. They can extract valuable, profitable information from seemingly minor information that, when aggregated, provides a clear picture of who you are. Identity theft and financial harm are two common consequences of a cyber attack. Keep your data protected as though it were offering access to Fort Knox.
Myth 4: Hackers Only Target Those with Money
Anyone can become the victim of a cyber attack or identity theft. Are those with more wealth more susceptible? Perhaps. However, hackers are looking instead for the greatest award with the least amount of effort. They’re more likely to target databases that contain lots of information about lots of people. There’s more bang for the buck with such thefts. If your data happens to be in one of those databases, there’s a chance it could be sold, exposed or leveraged.
Myth 5: Slow Computers Need To Be Replaced
Not necessarily. A computer may be slowed due to the need for more memory or a new operating system. At other times, the slow performance may be because your computer is running other programs or processes installed on it, including malware and spyware. That’s why you need anti-virus programs and a trusted partner to scan and monitor all connected devices.
At LAN Infotech, we help companies separate myth from reality. Our business security solutions keep your devices, networks and users protected. Contact us today for an initial consultation to learn more.