Intelligence in Improving Cyber Hygiene
Myths vs Facts Cybersecurity Myths vs. Facts 2025

Cybersecurity Myths vs. Facts: What You Need to Know 

By + + + +
Posted on Oct 31 / 2024

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, we’re excited to compile all the myths and facts shared on our LinkedIn page into one convenient resource. This consolidation allows you to easily access best practices and insights in one place!

Myth 1: 
"Phishing emails are easy to spot because they always have poor grammar or spelling errors."  

Fact: 

It's time to rethink your approach to email security. The days when phishing emails were easily detectable by their poor grammar are long gone. Today’s cybercriminals are more sophisticated, crafting messages that mirror legitimate business communications. These emails often include suspicious links and unusual requests, relying on urgency to bypass your defenses. Instead of looking for typos, focus on verifying the sender’s authenticity and scrutinizing unexpected requests. Stay alert for these subtler red flags, as being complacent can cost organizations millions in damages. 
 

Myth 2: 
"Changing your password frequently is the best way to stay secure." 

Fact: 

Many still believe that frequently changing passwords enhances security, but the real game-changer is the strength of the passwords themselves. Long, complex passwords, when paired with multi-factor authentication (MFA), provide a robust defense against unauthorized access. Encourage your teams to create passphrases or use password management tools to generate secure credentials. Remember, it's quality over quantity; fortify your digital locks instead of just replacing them regularly. 
 

Myth 3:
"Cybersecurity is only an issue for large corporations, not small businesses." 

Fact: 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often underestimate their appeal to cybercriminals. However, their perceived lack of resources makes them prime targets. SMBs can become gateways to larger corporations through supply chain attacks. Every business, regardless of size, needs to implement strong cybersecurity measures. This includes employee training, regular vulnerability assessments, and investing in reliable security infrastructure. Don't wait until it's too late—protect your assets before they become low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals. 
 

Myth 4: 
"You don’t need to install software updates right away." 

Fact:

Postponing software updates can leave your systems exposed to critical vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are eager to exploit. Regular updates not only improve functionality but also patch security loopholes that could otherwise be catastrophic. Establish a routine for timely updates across all systems and educate your team on the importance of prompt installations. Treat every update with the urgency it deserves to stay one step ahead of potential threats. 

 

 

In the ongoing journey of cybersecurity, knowledge is your strongest ally! 
Remember, cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about ensuring the future of your organization. 

Help us debunk these myths by sharing this article! Let’s work together to raise awareness and empower others to secure their digital spaces effectively. Together, we can create a safer cyber environment for everyone! 

For cybersecurity news all year round, we encourage you to join our 30K+ subscribers and stay current on cybersecurity trends and insights with our newsletter: Cyber Intelligence Weekly. 

Are you ready to get started?