Cyber ​​security: six false myths to dispel

The times in which IT security was a simple technical or niche issue, which only a few specialists dealt with, are long gone: today it is necessary for managers and individuals to understand the potential impact that IT security risk can have on their business and on their sensitive data, and it is essential that they understand the fundamental steps to follow in the event that a data breach occurs. It is important to dispel those popular beliefs that still today endanger the privacy and sensitive data of many users.

1. Cyber ​​security is essential only for some types of companies

Many believe that only certain types of businesses need cybersecurity and that if you are not on that list, cyber security is not a priority. In reality, it is essential for all organizations, regardless of the sector in which they operate, to protect themselves from the different types and levels of cyber attacks. Hackers today target anyone with valuable data they can resell or systems they can exploit. Even companies that do not store sensitive data (Personally Identifiable Information – PII) can be compromised by an attack due to the loss of money or reputation following a cyber breach. All businesses, regardless of size, industry or revenue, should have a comprehensive cybersecurity plan to protect against potential attacks.

2. Security software is what a business needs to feel safe

There are many precision tools in the cybersecurity defense arsenal. Tools such as SIEM, SOAR, firewalls, antivirus and many others have proven in recent years that they are not enough to keep companies out of negative news stories. The modern workplace offers employees greater freedom than ever before, with the ability to install software and access company resources from the endpoint, wherever they are physically located.

The effort to stay safe from cyber risks can start with getting the right tool to control everything, but it doesn’t end there. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, defense capabilities must also keep pace. The idea of ​​total protection from cyber threats is unrealistic. However, businesses benefit when the board of directors promotes a culture of cyber awareness and integrates investments in cyber resilience with the organization’s overall strategic vision.

3. Software vulnerabilities are not a problem for the board of directors

Any software an organization uses can introduce vulnerabilities that facilitate attacks into the corporate network. Unfortunately, the origin of software vulnerabilities can be linked to the operating system itself and proper patch management. Patch solutions refer to those systems that automatically check for the latest updates and bug fixes, and also ensure that they have been installed correctly. In practice they serve to ensure that you are using the right version of the software, and, more importantly, to protect your system from viruses or other computer breaches.

Without patch management software, the responsibility for manually checking and installing all updates remains with the user, and in a busy office, it is easy to forget about an essential patch, leaving the system open to vulnerabilities, as well as causing problems with the day-to-day operation of unpatched items.

While patch management is the responsibility of the IT team, management must understand that no amount of patches can eliminate the security risk associated with the operating system itself. This means that organizations should partner with vendors capable of ensuring a holistic approach to security. You should avoid relying solely on the operating system vendor to apply patches, or to implement additional security components needed to fill gaps. It is necessary to develop a strategy that aims to reduce risks, reducing dependencies and easily integrating the security solution with the rest of the software stack, i.e. a collection of software aimed at creating websites and web applications, in which the individual components are linked to each other.

4. There is no need to worry about supply chain attacks

Even if an organization manages to keep its software safe, any other service provider can unknowingly make it easier for hackers to gain access to the network. These attacks are very profitable for hackers because compromising a weak link allows access to a complete portfolio of customers using the same software. Make sure your board’s strategy includes things like implementing the right security solution, developing an incident response (IR) plan, ensuring that application integrity policies only allow authorized applications to run, and promoting a cybersecurity-focused culture.

5. Nothing can be done about cybersecurity threats

While it’s true that some threats are out of control, there are many initiatives you can implement to protect your business from cyber attacks. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures can help reduce the risk of being targeted by hackers. It’s also important to remember that there are steps organizations can take to make themselves as secure as possible against the most likely attacks. In the vast majority of cases, hackers have economic motivations and are looking for “easy wins”. Implementing a comprehensive cyber security plan, which includes multiple layers of security, will help protect your organization from most attacks.

6. It is impossible to educate employees about cybersecurity

While employees are a key part of any company’s cybersecurity strategy, not everyone can be expected to be a security expert, so every company must provide adequate training and resources. This includes regular awareness raising of the types of threats your organization faces, simple guidance on identifying phishing emails or strange requests, or reporting suspicious activity. Social engineering, more commonly known as the art of getting people to click on spear phishing emails, remains one of the most common ways cybercriminals operate today. Employees must help cyber defenses and not become part of the problem themselves: you need to ensure that they not only have the means to report anything suspicious, but that they feel safe and confident in doing so.

It is therefore clear that adequately protecting the data contained within the memory of our IT devices is not something to be taken for granted. Professionals, institutions, companies, traders and all those who hold sensitive data of their employees and customers must ensure that the information they hold is safeguarded also through specifically designed insurance.

This is why Lokky created the Cyber ​​Risk Policyallowing the insured to protect themselves from cyber attacks and the consequent expenses and losses of data and confidential information. Furthermore, this coverage provides expert intervention for the recovery of lost data and decontamination from any malware. All these are services included in the Smart version, which has a maximum limit of up to €25 thousand. Lokky also offers its customers the possibility of taking out a Top version of the policy which provides for an increase in the limit up to €250 thousand and the inclusion of numerous additional guarantees, including a daily allowance for business interruption and coverage of expenses for restoring the company’s image.