This blog post is part of a series of cyber incident top tips, you can view them all here.
When it comes to cyber security, complacency can be as dangerous as any virus. Too often, organisations operate under the illusion that they are unlikely targets for cyber attacks, believing that their size, status, or even past experiences somehow shield them from threats. These ‘famous last words’ can lull businesses into a false sense of security, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
Here are some common phrases that we have heard right before disaster strikes:
1. “They won’t target us because we are a charity”
Many believe that being a charitable organisation provides immunity from cyber threats. In reality, hackers often see charities as easy targets due to their limited resources and lack of security measures.
2. “We’re too small to be on their radar”
Small businesses often assume that their size makes them unattractive to hackers. However, cyber criminals often target smaller companies precisely because they may lack sophisticated defences, making them easier to breach.
3. “We’re not a well-known brand”
The belief that only high-profile companies are at risk is a dangerous misconception. Hackers target organisations of all sizes, often focusing on those they believe have weaker defences.
4. “We don’t hold the most sensitive data”
Some organisations believe that because they don’t store highly sensitive information, they aren’t at risk. In actuality, all data has value. Even if your business doesn’t handle highly sensitive information, personal and financial data are still valuable commodities on the black market.
5. “We’re putting everything in the cloud”
The shift to the cloud is often seen as a security solution, but it is important to remember that while cloud providers offer robust security measures, the cloud is not infallible. The responsibility for protecting data still lives with your organisation. Misconfigured cloud settings and poor access controls can expose data to criminals.
6. “We’re outsourcing everything to Microsoft”
Outsourcing to a trusted provider such as Microsoft can enhance security, but it doesn’t absolve you of responsibility. You must still implement and manage strong security practices to protect your systems and data, because Microsoft are not responsible for this.
7. “We’re still recovering from last year’s breach.”
Having experienced a breach doesn’t grant immunity. In fact, companies that have been breached once may be more likely to be targeted again, especially if they haven’t significantly improved their security posture.
8. “Our IT manager says we’re impossible to hack.”
Overconfidence in internal IT capabilities can be dangerous. No system is completely impervious to attack, and believing otherwise can lead to a false sense of security that blindsides you when an attack does occur.
9. “Our IT guru is already handling all our breaches successfully.”
This statement often signals a deeper problem. When security breaches are repeatedly ‘cleaned up’ without identifying and addressing the core issues, your organisation remains vulnerable. It’s crucial to conduct thorough investigations that uncover the root causes of these breaches. Gaining full and impartial visibility into the issues is essential for effectively addressing them and preventing future incidents.
The Lesson? Don’t Let Complacency Be Your Downfall!
The lesson here is clear: never assume you’re not a target. Cyber criminals are opportunistic, and their tactics evolve constantly. Recognise the value of your data, regardless of your organisation’s size or industry. By dispelling these myths and taking proactive measures, you can strengthen your defences and better protect your business from the ever-present threat of cyber attacks.
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This blog post is part of a series of cyber incident top tips, you can view them all below:
- Tip 01: Taking advantage of ransomware’s biggest secret!
- Tip 02: Securing your backups from vulnerabilities
- Tip 03: Beware of automated response dangers!
- Tip 04: The importance of disconnecting yourself during a breach
- Tip 05: How to integrate your anti-virus protection with SIEM
- Tip 06: Ensure that your insurance covers cyber incidents
- Tip 07: Preparing for the worst – rebuilding after a major ransomware attack
- Tip 08: Who you should call first during a cyber breach
- Tip 09: Hold onto the evidence – why securing system logs is essential for cyber incident response
- Tip 10: What you need to know to make sure your penetration testing is effective
- Tip 11: Why tabletop exercises are crucial for incident response
- Tip 12: Famous last words – misconceptions before a major cyber breach