The volume of cybersecurity incidents is on the rise across the globe. Attackers are always looking for new ways to exploit users, which means that threats are ever changing. The best way to reduce your vulnerability is to brush up on best practices, and understand common misconceptions to inform your security strategy.

Here are 3 dangerous cybersecurity myths, and 3 cybersecurity truths to help you understand common threats and what you can do to keep your business safe:

MYTH - Cybercriminals are outsiders. Not all cybersecurity breaches are caused by outsiders. Oftentimes, they are a result of insiders with malicious intent, and the knowledge to take advantage of your data. 

TRUTH - The most significant security breaches are human led events. Small steps are taken before the organized attack, from outsiders or insiders, which can usually go unnoticed. This can include gathering information, testing security systems, and planting malware. Managed Threat Response is a process that scans your system for anomalies on your network from a dedicated, offsite operations center keeping an eye on your system 24/7. Anything out of the ordinary is noticed and evaluated by IT security specialists, and an organized response is taken to remove pieces of a digital attack and to secure new vulnerabilities.

MYTH - Risks are well-known. Cybersecurity risks are ever-changing, and as we grow comfortable with our security strategy, vulnerabilities continue to grow. The development of new technology and applications creates more opportunities for cybercriminals to learn new strategies. 

TRUTH - Having some sort of backup occur daily is extremely important.  Every business should have a plan for protecting themselves in the event of a disaster. Encrypted Offsite Backup is like an insurance policy for your data. Not only is there a backup of your company’s data, but it is also password protected and located elsewhere, unconnected to your usual network. In the event of a digital disaster like loss of data, you’ll always have a copy your hackers were unable to touch. 

MYTH - Vulnerabilities are contained. Cybercriminals are finding new vulnerabilities all the time. They are constantly looking for any path, method, or scenario that can be exploited to break into your IT system, thus compromising its security. Anything that connects to your network becomes an attack vector, including operating systems, internet devices, and cloud environments.

TRUTH - Keeping your software and your people up to date is an integral part of any security strategy. Updating your systems with Security Patches should become a routine, to keep software up to date and vulnerabilities secure. Employees should undergo regular Phish Testing & Training to provide your users with what to look for and good computer use habits. And adding a second method of validation, such as Multifactor Authentication, adds more security, and makes it more difficult for any outsiders to try and log in, and prevents 99% of password-based cybercrime. 

Now is the time to evaluate your current security strategy. Matthijssen is committed to helping you avoid any data compromise by keeping your business safe and secure. Contact our team of experts to develop a personalized security plan tailored to your organization today. 

Call now: (973) 887-1101 or email us at neil@mattnj.com