In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity, businesses often find themselves caught in a tangle of outdated beliefs and misinformation. Unfortunately, failing to separate myth from reality can seriously risk a business’s security.
Drawing on insights from industry experts and CompTIA’s 2024 Global State of Cybersecurity report, we’re here to debunk three pervasive myths that could derail your success in 2025.
Myth 1: My Cyber Security Is Good Enough
Fact: Cybersecurity requires constant enhancement and dedication.
One of the most significant challenges to cybersecurity initiatives today is the belief that “current security is good enough.” According to CompTIA’s survey, 39% of respondents held this view, which is a dangerous misconception.
Cybersecurity is inherently complex, and tracking and measuring its effectiveness is challenging, especially as threats continually evolve. This complexity can lead to an incomplete understanding of security, giving business leaders false confidence. While over 40% of executives report complete satisfaction with their organization’s cybersecurity, only 25% of IT staff and 21% of business staff share this sentiment. This disparity may be due to executives enjoying more tech freedom, while frontline staff handle the often unseen intricacies of cybersecurity.
To bridge this gap, it’s crucial for IT and Small Business owners (or Decision makers) to collaborate closely – vs abdicating all IT decisions to the office administrator. Be sure to assess your current risks truly, identify what needs to change, and Make a decision! Remember, in cybersecurity, the feeling of “good enough” is never sufficient. A commitment to continuous improvement is essential to staying ahead of threats.
Myth 2: Cybersecurity Means Keeping Threats Out
Fact: Cybersecurity must address threats both inside and outside your organization.
One of the most publicized breaches of the last decade occurred when a Heathrow Airport employee lost a USB stick containing sensitive data. Although the data was recovered without incident, the breach still cost Heathrow £120,000 (US$150,000) in fines.
Yes, cybersecurity is about protection—but it’s not just about keeping external threats at bay. Internal threats, such as employee errors, pose significant risks as well. For example, how do your employees handle social media? In today’s era of social engineering, seemingly harmless actions can lead to serious breaches. Phishing attacks, for instance, exploit human error, and cybercriminals often rely on employees making mistakes.
Additionally, managing relationships with third-party vendors and partners introduces another layer of risk, especially when data is shared. As CompTIA points out, “The chain of digital operations is only as strong as its weakest link,” [pg 11] and this often involves external parties.
Every member of your organization must be vigilant and knowledgeable about security best practices related to their role. Your cybersecurity strategy should emphasize mitigating both internal and external threats.
Myth 3: IT Alone Handles Cybersecurity
Fact: Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across your entire organization.
While IT professionals are critical in implementing security measures, effective cybersecurity requires a multidisciplinary approach. It’s not just about technology; it also involves policy development, employee training, risk management, and a comprehensive understanding of your organization’s security challenges.
Each department within your organization faces its own set of risks, so people from various roles must be included in security discussions. However, many companies fall short in this area. CompTIA’s report reveals that while 40% of respondents say technical staff leads these conversations, only 36% indicate CEO involvement and just 25% involve business staff.
To build a robust cybersecurity framework, companies must engage a wide range of business professionals—from executives to mid-level management to staff—in risk management discussions. These individuals are increasingly involved in technology decisions within their departments, and without proper awareness of the associated risks, their choices could have harmful consequences.
Business leaders and employees at all levels must actively participate in cybersecurity efforts, as they are all potential gatekeepers against evolving threats.
Don’t Fall for These Myths
By adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, recognizing the full spectrum of cybersecurity threats, and understanding that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility, your business can stay secure, resilient, and ready to thrive, no matter what the future holds.
But there’s More to Business Success Than Just Defense.
While robust cybersecurity is essential for protecting your business, it’s only one part of the equation. True success in today’s competitive landscape requires more than just a strong defense—you need a strategic offense too. How are you leveraging technology to drive growth, capture new leads, and improve operational efficiency?
Are you using technology to streamline logistics, reduce costs, and ensure that your team is optimized—not overstaffed or stretched too thin? These are critical questions that go beyond just keeping threats at bay. This is where a complete technology alignment and assessment comes into play.
At Entech, we don’t just stop at defending your business from threats; we help you harness the full power of technology to propel your business forward. Our comprehensive assessments don’t just highlight vulnerabilities—they also identify opportunities. Imagine sitting down with a highly experienced senior-level CIO (Chief Information Officer) who presents you with the top five security recommendations and technology improvements tailored to your business needs. How much easier would it be to make informed decisions that maximize the return on your technology investments?
Technology doesn’t last forever, and making the right changes at the right time can be challenging. But with the right guidance, it’s easier than you think. At Entech, we’re absolutely here to provide world-class support for your business when issues arise 24/7! But to ensure your technology helps your business thrive, you need more than excellent support. We provide proactive strategies beyond defense, driving growth and efficiency across your organization.
If you’re ready to take your technology strategy to the next level, contact us to learn more about how our alignment and assessment services can help your business not just survive—but thrive!