Cybersecurity is crucial for businesses because it protects sensitive data, including financial records, customer information, and intellectual property, from theft and misuse. It also ensures business continuity by safeguarding IT infrastructure and preventing operational disruptions.
As businesses rely more on digital platforms and remote work, cybersecurity becomes essential to building customer trust, maintaining compliance with regulations, and staying competitive in the market by minimising the risks of cyber-attacks.
Cybersecurity myths and misconceptions
There are several myths and misconceptions about cybersecurity and the threats posed by cyber-attacks. Let's take a look at some:
Myth: Cyber threats are always external.
Reality: Insider threats are always present, such as disgruntled employees and people leaving for competitors.
Myth: Cybersecurity is just for IT departments to worry about.
Reality: Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
Myth: Cyber threats focus primarily on large organisations.
Reality: All businesses can be affected by cyber threats, as well as individuals.
Myth: Cybersecurity is a one-time effort.
Reality: Cybersecurity is an evolving challenge.
Myth: Using public Wi-Fi is safe.
Reality: You never know who else is also on the network.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility
With increasing cyber threats like hacking, ransomware, and data breaches, a strong cybersecurity strategy helps prevent financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. There are several steps businesses and employees can take to become more cybersecurity aware and secure:
- Understand what data you have access to and what you should do to secure it.
People need to think differently about how they handle their most sensitive data compared to an email about a work function, for example.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Strong passwords are good, but they are not always enough nowadays. We use multi-factor authentication in our products, and we advise you to do the same - especially with banking and email applications.
- Be aware of phishing.
Do you trust the person or company contacting you? Phishing can take more than one form, including emails, SMS, voices and QR codes.
