Shift your perception to shield business from cyber crime
Cyber security is a critical part of today's digital world. Data has become a highly valued organizational asset — and target — and cyber criminals’ attack arsenals are evolving rapidly. Yet, individuals and organizations still have an incomplete picture of the importance of cyber security, which can lead to sloppy IT management and costly breaches and mistakes. What are some common perceptions of cyber security? And how can businesses shift their point of view?
Misconception No. 1: Cyber security is only essential for corporations and governments
One of the most common misconceptions about cyber security is that it only applies to enterprise organizations or governments. Cyber attackers do not discriminate based on company size or industry.
Hackers are just as likely to target small businesses and individuals. In fact, a lack of robust security measures makes them easier targets. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center there were 847,376 cyber attack and malicious cyber activity complaints that totaled nearly $7 billion in losses, the majority of which targeted small businesses.
With the growing amount of online transactions, consumers are increasingly seeking out businesses that value and demonstrate transparency around their data collection and storage processes. In today’s marketplace, organizations must lock down their IT environments and communicate to their stakeholders about how they safeguard consumer data.
Misconception No. 2: Cyber security is too complicated and not worth the effort
Another common perception is that cyber security is costly, complex and time-consuming to implement. However, breaches often result in significant financial losses, reputational damage and legal fallout. Additionally, the time and effort required to recover from an attack can be far more significant than the time and resources needed to implement strong security measures.
Misconception No. 3: Cyber security is the sole responsibility of the IT department
While IT departments play a crucial role in maintaining cyber security, every individual in an organization has a role to play in protecting sensitive data.
Employees must be trained on how to recognize threats. Organizations should be promoting proper security protocols, including encouraging team members to use strong passwords and keeping software and operating systems up to date. Individual carelessness significantly contributes to data breaches. A 2022 data breach study found that 82% of breaches involved human error and that phishing was the primary social engineering tactic used.
The bottom line is that cyber security is a critical concern for every individual and organization in today's digital world. Businesses across industries and verticals need to recognize the realities of cyber threats and take the necessary steps to protect sensitive data. From implementing strong security measures and monitoring network — and edge — activity to training employees on best practices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect their businesses.
Ready to learn more about security misconceptions and dive deeper into protecting IT environments? Check out Arrow's eBook, Under Attack: The Evolution of Cyber Security.