Cybersecurity Myths Debunked

In today's digital age, cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for large corporations. Small and Medium-sized organizations in Canada are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals, making it essential for these organizations to prioritize their security measures. However, many still operate under several misconceptions about cybersecurity, which can leave them vulnerable to attacks. We're here to debunk some of these myths and provide you with the knowledge you need to protect your organization effectively.

Myth 1: "We're too small to be targeted by cybercriminals."

Reality:

Many smaller organizations believe that their size makes them insignificant targets for cybercriminals. However, the opposite is true. According to a report by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, almost half of all cyber attacks target smaller organization. Cybercriminals often view them as easy targets because they may not have the robust security measures that larger organizations do.

Actionable Advice:

Invest in cybersecurity measures catered to your needs. Ensure your employees are trained to recognize phishing attempts and other common cyber threats. For the best solution to your needs, partner with a reputable cybersecurity expert team that can provide solutions to your current needs and growth with you.

Myth 2: “Cybersecurity is too expensive for our organization.”

Reality:

While it's true that some cybersecurity solutions can be costly, there are affordable options tailored to fit your needs. Data breaches can lead to legal fees, lost revenue, and damage to your reputation. Investing in cybersecurity is an investment in your business’s future. The cost of a data breach can far exceed the investment in preventative measures, making cybersecurity a smart financial decision.

Actionable Advice:

Consider partnering with a cybersecurity partner (Like ALCiT) that offers scalable security solutions designed for your needs. Start by reviewing your needs, your goal and an assessment of your current cybersecurity posture.

Myth 3: “Our IT department can handle all cybersecurity needs.”

Reality:

We know that your IT team is skilled in various areas and when it comes to cybersecurity, it requires specialized knowledge and constant vigilance. Cyber threats are continually evolving, and it can be challenging for a smaller multi-tasking IT team to keep up with the latest threats and defenses.

Actionable Advice:

Outsource your cybersecurity needs to a partner that specializes in protecting organizations like yours. This allows your IT team to focus on core business tasks while ensuring your cybersecurity is handled by a team of experts that can help you prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

Myth 4: "We don’t have any valuable data worth stealing."

Reality:

Every organization holds data that is valuable to cybercriminals, whether it's customer information, employee personal file, financial records, or intellectual property. In fact, the loss of any data can disrupt operations, damage reputation, and incur financial penalties, especially with regulations like Canada's PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) in place.

Actionable Advice:

Conduct a data audit to understand what information you hold and its value. Implement data encryption and access controls to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Myth 5: "It's all about data security."

Reality:

Data must be secured, but disruptions to your business such as outages and delays can create reputational risks or affect your contractual obligations.

Actionable Advice:

Review your key systems and the impact of them going down, create a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to continue operating while the system is down and a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) to bring them back online (whether the outage what cause by a cybersecurity incident or not).

Myth 6: "I only need to worry about my own cybersecurity."

Reality:

Businesses today have many dependencies on suppliers and partners, any issue affecting them could also affect you. For example, a partner with access to your network getting hacked, could lead those attackers to your network, or a key supplier not being able to operate for several weeks creating a shortage of a key supply your need to perform your work. 

Actionable Advice:

Perform third party assessments and mandate that any organization connecting to your devices or network is certified by a recognized certification body (like SOC2 or ISO27001).

Myth 7: “Cybersecurity is a one-time effort."

Reality:

Cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention and updates. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and staying protected requires regular updates to your security measures and protocols.

Actionable Advice:

Establish a cybersecurity maintenance schedule that includes regular software updates, security patches, and system audits. Educate your team on the importance of staying vigilant and adapting to new threats. Invest in an Incident Response Plan and an Incident Response Retainer to keep your organizations cybersecure.

Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of running a successful organization in today's digital world, regardless of sizes. By debunking these myths and understanding the realities of cybersecurity, you can take proactive steps to protect your assets and ensure your long-term success.

At ALCiT, we are committed to helping organizations like yours to become and stay cybersecure. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity with enterprise-grade tailored solutions and expert guidance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business's security needs. You can schedule time with one of our experts via pour online calendar here or you can call +1.647.417.0909 at your convenience.