Technology is changing constantly, which means that the world of cybersecurity is also changing constantly. With both threats and defenses evolving at such a rapid rate, it’s easy to stumble across misinformation about digital security. In fact, many hackers and other malicious entities rely on victims believing certain misconceptions about the nature, prevalence, or goal of certain cyberattacks. Learning the truth behind the misinformation can help you keep both your personal and professional data safe. Read on as we debunk these common cybersecurity myths and misconceptions.
Hackers Only Target Large Companies
As is the case with many types of crimes, there are plenty of people who view cyberattacks as something that only happens to other people. More specifically, there is a false but popular belief that hackers and other cybercriminals strictly target large corporations. After all, huge, profitable companies are a rich source of money and data, meaning they’re better targets for cybercriminals.
But the truth is that anyone—even random individuals with small digital footprints—can become a victim of a cyberattack. Many common cyberattacks seek to steal identities, personal information, or financial details from strangers on the internet. No matter who you are or what you do online, it’s important to stay alert and protect yourself from malware, phishing, and other dangers.
Constantly Changing Passwords Is a Best Practice
One of the most common cybersecurity myths is that you should change your passwords regularly to protect your accounts and information. Some websites and accounts even force you to update your password annually. However, changing passwords isn’t as important as creating strong, unique passwords.
If you constantly update your password, you can end up using simpler ones or variations of the same password just to make it easy to remember. This, of course, makes your passwords weaker and easier to guess. Prioritize creating strong, one-of-a-kind passwords; you can use a password manager to randomly generate passwords and keep them securely organized across accounts.
Phishing Scams Are Obvious
Phishing scams are some of the most common forms of cyber threats. If you’ve ever opened an email from a suspicious-looking site or contact asking you to click on a link or verify your information, you’ve likely come across a phishing scam. Unfortunately, not all phishing attempts are this easy to spot. For every obvious scam out there, there are a dozen well-made ones that are much easier to fall for. Always double-check the contact information of emails. Never click on links from sources you don’t trust and never send sensitive information over email, message, or social media.
Antivirus Software Is All You Need
Dependable antivirus software is a great thing to have, but there are plenty of cyber threats that will still be able to get past it. The truth is that there is no catch-all solution to cybersecurity. You need a combination of private networks, two-factor authentication, and cybersecurity training to stay on top of digital security risks.
You can also switch to a secure phone service to protect your device from digital threats. Connecta Mobile offers encrypted mobile phones to protect your data, communications, and online footprint. Find your secure mobile solution when you learn more about our service plans today.