10 Cybersecurity Myths That Must Be Busted

As we share massive amounts of information over the Internet, protecting our private data seems like a real challenge. Let’s not forget the fact that every step that you make online is watched by all kinds of snoopers: governments, ISPs (Internet Service Providers), advertisers, and cybercriminals.

The fear of becoming a hacker’s target and the necessity to maintain privacy has sparked a number of myths about cybersecurity. Here are the most popular ones that we should bust right away.

#1: I Am Not Interesting Enough to Be Spied On

Oh, you bet you are. Facebook has an amazing opportunity to witness your precious life moments and to share them with third-party apps, while Google could talk for hours about what topics you like and what you search on the Internet. Let’s not forget the advertisers monitoring your behavior to serve you ads of the products you’re about to buy.

In fact, tracking goes way beyond your online life - thanks to IoT devices and smartphones, snoopers have a unique chance to listen to our conversations or know where we are right now.

#2: Hackers Only Attack Large Corporations

Many people also still believe that cybercriminals only attack large corporations, while reports show that around 50% of small businesses experience cyberattacks. The thing is, hackers are opportunists. If they see a vulnerability, they won’t miss the chance to exploit it.

The situation might be different if we stopped ignoring the fact that anyone can fall a victim of cybercrime and started taking the necessary precautions to protect ourselves.

#3: Incognito Mode Allows Your Browse Anonymously

The incognito, or private, mode helps you keep your browsing activities to yourself as none of your data is saved after you close your private window. This feature comes in especially handy if you share a device with another person but don’t feel like showing them your browsing history.

But don’t be mistaken here - the private mode can’t guarantee you complete privacy, as your browsing can be tracked with the IP address of your device. What it means is that your ISP, your snoopy boss or another third party that knows your IP can still see what you are doing online.

Therefore, the best solution here would be to get a reliable (Virtual Private Network) service, such as NordVPN, which conceals your IP address and allows you to stay private and safe on the Internet.

#4: Good Password Is Enough to Secure Your Account

While having a strong, unique password for each of your accounts is a must, it is only one line of defense. With the right tools, determined hackers can crack even the strongest passwords. Therefore, you should use 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) whenever possible. It will add an extra layer of protection to your accounts making them more difficult to hack.

#5: Staying Away From Suspicious Sites Will Keep You Safe

It’s true that cybersecurity starts with smart online behavior, but it doesn’t end there. There’s no doubt you should stay away from suspicious websites, but such precaution can’t guarantee hackers won’t get you another time. One could easily fall a victim of cybercrime by simply clicking on an attractive ad or accidentally downloading a malicious email attachment.

#6: It’s Safe to Use Free Public WiFi

Public Wi-Fi sure is convenient and helps you save mobile data, but are you sure that the hotspot you’re connected to is safe? The truth is that open Wi-Fi networks often lack basic protection, leaving them extremely vulnerable to hacking. Therefore, think twice before connecting to free Wi-Fi provided at a local coffee shop or an airport, as this may come at a great cost - losing your passwords, banking details or other sensitive information.

#7: Antivirus Software Will Protect Me

Yes, you should get yourself a reliable antivirus software to prevent malicious threats from infecting your device. Is it enough to stay safe? Definitely not. While most antiviruses can now detect and block many known threats, they won’t keep you safe from all the risks out there.

Therefore, you will need to combine your antivirus with other security tools, such as a firewall, VPN, and common sense, to stay as private and safe as possible.

#8: Cybersecurity Is an IT Problem

Identity theft is at its record high, and yet many people still believe that cybersecurity is something that only IT people should care about. On the contrary, with the threats constantly emerging, good cyber hygiene is a must for anyone who uses the Internet. The sooner you realize it, the more time you will have to shield yourself from the next cyber attack.

#9: If I Was Hacked, I Would Know About That

Not necessarily - many victims don’t even know their data has been compromised or find out about the attack when it’s too late to do anything about it.

Very often it’s not your personal details in particular hackers are after. Once a hacker lures you into downloading a malicious software onto your computer, they can force your system to participate in spam campaigns or DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks without you even knowing this is happening.

#10: Hackers Are the Only Threat

Whilst keeping the bad guys out is essential, they are not the only ones threatening our privacy. The moment you go online, every step you take is being watched and recorded by corporations, ISPs, governments, and other third parties willing to use your private information to further their own interest. Once again - without you having a clue this is happening.

Staff Writer