Cybersecurity is one of those topics that’s constantly evolving, and so are the myths surrounding it. From the rise of AI to outdated password practices, misinformation can lead to vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are all too eager to exploit. In this blog, we’re setting the record straight on six of the most common cybersecurity myths we hear and see every day. Whether you’re an IT pro or a small business owner, it’s time to rethink what you think you know about staying secure online.
Cybersecurity Myth 1: AI will take over all human elements of IT, even cybersecurity
Ah, yes. The continuously evolving topic of Artificial Intelligence. We get it; AI is making its way into more facets of our lives than we could have ever imagined. That does not mean, though, that it is or can replace all human elements, especially when it comes to IT and cybersecurity.
AI is an incredibly powerful tool that helps us streamline our processes and increase efficiency. It can analyze and detect, and for that we are grateful. Human judgement, though, is irreplaceable. At this point in time, AI cannot handle unprecedented and complex threats that require human ability and depth to discern, think strategically, consider big picture ethics, and solve creatively. Not to mention, humans are the first line of defense! Our knowledge and diligence are what helps recognize and prevent threats before they happen.
AI will continue to expand and evolve, but its true power comes to play when our complementary strengths work together as a unit.
Cybersecurity Myth 2: Change your password regularly; it’ll help protect you
Now this is a tricky one. It’s engrained in us to change our passwords regularly and often in the name of security, and in some cases, we have no choice but to do so. Yet modern research, supported by trusted industry leaders, like the Federal Trade Commission and the National Cyber Security Centre, question the effectiveness of this longstanding rule.
The practice of updating your password every 30-90 days has been deemed outdated and can actually lead to more vulnerabilities due to its forced nature into predictability. Humans tend to follow patterns when required to update frequently, like going from SpongebobSqaurepants1! to SpongebobSquarepants2! — and patterns like these create more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit.
Instead, we recommend creating strong, unique passwords (not what you already use for all your accounts)—or even better, passphrases—that are random, or unpredictable, and at least 15 characters long. Utilize a password manager to assist you. Then, simply change your passwords once per year (not every month), as well as if:
- You’ve been notified of a breach
- You see any suspicious activity on your account,
- You lose a device
- You notice a password might be weak (In which case, congratulations! You’ve likely since grown in your knowledge of password hygiene!).
Bottom line: Instead of focusing on requiring your employees to change passwords every 30-90 days, making them more likely to just swap a character or two just to satisfy the system, focus instead on enabling them to use password managers and multi-factor authentication, promote the switch to passphrases, and encouraging account audits periodically—every few months to a year, or whenever specific risks pop up.
Cybersecurity Myth 3: I have an antivirus software installed; I’m all set.
Too often, consumers purchase their laptops or computers, get offered a deal or recommendation for antivirus software at the point of purchase, install it, and consider themselves secure.
The problem is that this antivirus software is reactive, not proactive, and it does not cover all your security bases. An antivirus is designed to check files against a database of known threats, but it can’t protect your device from new malware or more sophisticated social engineering attacks, ransomware, and fileless malware.
An antivirus is important to have but always remember it’s just one layer of what should be a more comprehensive security strategy.
Cybersecurity Myth 4: Public wi-fi isn’t safe.
Look, anything with public access is going to carry inherent risks. That said, public wi-fi isn’t the wild west it once was. Today, the risk of using it has decreased thanks to most websites using HTTPS. It stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and is a secure, encrypted version of the standard HTTP that helps protect sensitive information.
We don’t believe you should fear using public wi-fi; just be sure to use it with your security in mind.
- Use a VPN, when possible
- Connect to legitimate networks offered by physical business—not unknown networks
- Avoid filling in sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords, but look for the HTTPS padlock next to the URL of those websites if you do
- Use a password manager
Cybersecurity Myth 5: My phone does not need security measures; that’s overkill.
As much as we wish this myth were true, it couldn’t be farther from reality. Your phone is not only a device just like any other, but also likely your most used device—and cybercriminals’ most targeted. Think about it. According to a 2024 study released by the health data management firm of Harmony Healthcare IT, Americans are spending an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes on their phones, which also happens to be a 14% jump from the year prior. Each new generation’s average time is more than the one before them.
While those same studies show a majority of users don’t necessarily love this reality, it is in fact, reality—and if we had to guess, the numbers will only increase for 2025 studies.
What does this have to do with cybersecurity? Our mobile devices have become such an extension of our daily lives; we often don’t consider just how vulnerable they can make us. To add another layer to that, 60% of the surveyed individuals in the earlier study reported using their personal phones for work, including those who have asked for separate devices and been denied. It opens an entirely new can of worms when considering what’s at stake.
Our phones not only share the same vulnerabilities as our computers in terms of malware and phishing attacks, but they also have the unique and higher risks of:
- Being lost or stolen
- Excessive permission-granting to apps we download by mistake or neglect
- Constant connection to the network
The takeaway? Treat your phone just as you would to your work computer when considering cyber safety and best practices. Additionally, consider reducing Bluetooth usage and deleting the apps you no longer use.
Cybersecurity Myth 6: Cybercriminals are most attracted to large corporations.
Maybe you’ve made it this far, and you’re thinking, “thankfully, I’m part of a smaller organization. Cyber criminals are more focused on the big guys.”
Well, it’s often the contrary. Because small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) are more likely to lack the means to fully protect their systems, they become more vulnerable. This reason alone leads small to medium-sized businesses to be more attractive to cyber criminals than larger corporations. But cybersecurity company CrowdStrike also makes the point that,
“…it has become much, much harder to take down large, notable targets. As large companies and enterprise organizations doubled down on security tools and systems in recent years, strengthening their defenses against attacks, hackers have set their sights elsewhere — namely, the SMB market.”
Steps to Preventing a Small Business Cyberattack:
- Be aware of common attacks, regardless of your organization’s size
- Embrace an empowered and proactive culture around security
- Provide training opportunities for your employees
- Consider a cybersecurity partner; you don’t have to do this alone!
Looking for a Trusted Cybersecurity Partner? Start Here
Cyber threats don’t discriminate by size, industry, or location—and neither should your cybersecurity strategy. At High Point Networks, we help organizations of all sizes build proactive, layered defenses that actually work. Ready to build your business’s resilience? Partner with High Point Networks and let’s secure your future, together.
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