Debunking Misconceptions of Cybersecurity
Despite technology becoming a ubiquitous presence in modern society, many users still remain unaware of cybersecurity threats, even dismissing their individual responsibility in enforcing cybersecurity. Here are some misconceptions commonly held regarding cybersecurity practices.
Myth #1: Cybersecurity Is Solely The Responsibility Of IT Staff
In most companies, the IT department is in charge of installing technical controls to safeguard company data. But with critical information digitised and accessible to other staff members, cybersecurity extends over all departments, designations, and even devices.
Even with technical controls set in place, human error can also result in cybersecurity breaches – a study by CompTIA showed that human error accounted for over half of security breaches in 2015. With this in mind, all employees should be vigilant in identifying and avoiding potential security threats, such as suspicious email attachments.
Myth #2: Threats Only Come From The Web & Email
An increasing number of devices and their corresponding processes are now controlled digitally, unintentionally providing entry points for cyberattacks. The Internet of Things brings about immense convenience in allowing electronic devices to be controlled remotely across network infrastructure, but that also means that threats can now come from anywhere, from Smart TVs to surveillance cameras to printers.
To address the growing threat of process end-points being compromised in a cyberattack, all Canon Multi-Function Devices come equipped with security features. Rather than dispensing printouts automatically, print jobs on Canon Multi-Function Devices are only released after document owners authenticate themselves at the printer. Our imageRUNNER ADVANCE series also comes installed with hard disk drive security, automatically erasing printer data as soon as the job is complete – the risk of data interception is hence completely eradicated.
Myth #3: Small & Medium Businesses Are Safe From Cyberattacks
From credit card information to personal details, data of all types is becoming increasingly valuable. Unsurprisingly, cyber-crime has become a lucrative business to hackers. In 2015, PwC’s Information Security Breaches survey revealed that 74% of SMEs reported having faced at least a security breach within the year, indicating that businesses of all scales can now become a target of hacking. In fact, smaller businesses might even be more appealing to hackers, often lacking the due diligence in exercising stringent data security measures.
Misconceptions about cybersecurity have contributed to an attitude of complacency, putting us at greater risk of becoming victims of cyberattacks. Companies and individuals can and should be more informed about, in order to develop an appropriate strategy to counter potential threats.
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