-
By Joel Lee,
4 Cyber Security Myths That Must Die
Everyone thinks they understand cyber security but most
aremisinformed
(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-security-software-myths-can-prove-dangerous/)
in one way or another. Entire books couldbe written on all of the
security myths that continue circulating even aftertheyve been
debunked. You might be spreading misinformation and noteven know
it.
Cyber security is always shifting and never constant, so some of
thesemyths may have roots in past truths. Its also possible that
these mythsmay one day become truths in the future. But for now,
they are myths thatmust be dispelled. Lets get our facts
straight.
Myth: Windows Is Inherently Insecure
Dont use Windows unless you like viruses. Its a sentiment that
weve allheard time and time again sometimes coming even from the
mouths ofWindows regulars and its one of the oldest jokes in the
book. Sure, therewas a time long ago when Windows was an inherently
flawed system, butthat hasnt been true for years now.
The Truth
www.makeuseof.com(http://getpocket.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.makeuseof.com%2Ftag%2F4-cyber-security-myths-that-must-die%2F)View
Original
(http://getpocket.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.makeuseof.com%2Ftag%2F4-cyber-security-myths-that-must-die%2F)
infosec (/a/queue/grid/infosec)
-
Ever since Windows 7 hit the scene, the virus problem has
beensignificantly curtailed. Can Windows users still be infected?
Yes. Are thereWindows users who have gone years without being
infected? Yes!Windows isnt impenetrable by a longshot, but its
certainly much moresecure today than it ever was before.
The problem is that most Windows users dont care enough to
updatetheir systems with pertinent security patches. Microsoft is
good aboutplugging security holes as theyre found, but if users
dont apply thoseupdates, they leave themselves vulnerable. At that
point, Windows itself isno longer at fault.
Moreover, Windows is the worlds most popular operating
system.Combine that with the fact that Windows does not require its
users to betech-savvy and youve got a recipe for high number of
security incidences.Thats just simple math.
Myth: Mac and Linux Are Invulnerable
Im safe because I have a Mac / because I use Linux. Its one of
the mainarguments used by those who want to convince others to
switch over fromWindows. To be fair, Mac and Linux computers may be
less likely to be
-
infected, but its an enormous stretch to say that theyre
invulnerable. Theyarent.
The Truth
You may have heard of the Shellshock
bug(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/worse-than-heartbleed-meet-shellshock-a-new-security-threat-for-os-x-and-linux/),
a vulnerability that exists inUNIX-like systems that operate using
the Bash shell. It has tremendousimplications for computer security
all around the world and the irony isthat it doesnt even affect
Windows.
According to analysis, the Shellshock bug has existed
undiscovered since1992. Thats twenty-two years, which is a long
time considering theopen-source availability of Bashs source
code.
While this may or may not be a freak occurrence, it does present
us withan unsettling question: how many other vulnerabilities exist
that have yetto be discovered? Again, Mac and Linux may be less
prone to infection thanWindows, but only a fool would think that
these operating systems areinherently safe
(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/heartbleed-can-stay-safe/).
-
Myth: You Dont Need Security Software
Im careful so I dont need antivirus software, said every
arrogantcomputer user who thought themselves too smart to fall for
silly malwaretricks. If your idea of catching malware only includes
email attachments,shady websites, and popup advertisements, you are
in for a rudeawakening.
The Truth
The ones who create malware and viruses are not stupid.
Unethical? Yes.Pathetic? Sure. But stupid? No. Theyre always
looking for new ways tofacilitate the spread of malicious software,
which means that theirmethods are always evolving.
But more importantly, we are human. Humans make mistakes. We
cantkeep our guards up 24/7 and sometimes were lazy, forgetful, or
reckless.All it takes is one lapse in judgment for your computer to
be infected andthats the real value of antivirus software: it
protects you through yourmistakes.
Think of it like a seatbelt. Maybe youve been driving for 10
years withouta single accident. Does that mean you dont need to
buckle up? No! Eventhe best driver in the world has the potential
to crash. Any driver with a
-
brain will wear their seatbelt at all times because the seatbelt
exists forthose rare but crucial moments.
If you arent using antivirus software, install one
now(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-antivirus-comparison-popular-choices-toetotoe/)
along with a virus
scanner(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/accurate-4-big-name-virus-scanners/).Afterwards,
if you find that you have an infection, clean it
up(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-steps-to-take-when-you-discover-malware-on-your-computer/)
as soon as possible.
Myth: All You Need Is Security Software
Im safe because I use antivirus software, said every nave user
whoplaced too much hope and faith in technology. Cyberspace would
be awonderful place if good software is all it took to keep safe.
Unfortunately,software can only protect us so much.
The Truth
Remember how malware and virus creators are always engineering
newways to spread their evil? This puts the ball in their court.
Antiviruscompanies are always one step behind (they have to study a
virus beforethey can protect against it) which means that the
notion of antivirus isfundamentally reactionary.
-
You need more than that. Its better to avoid situations that are
likely toresult in malware infections than it is to rely on your
antivirus and hopethat it catches everything. (It wont.)
Going back to the driving analogy, its just as important to be a
skilleddriver as it is to wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts arent
guaranteed to keepyou safe in case of an accident; they only
improve your odds of minimizinginjury. Sane drivers dont consider
themselves to be invincible just becausethey have a strap across
their chest.
At the end of the day, you ought to practice smart security
habits(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/change-your-bad-habits-your-data-will-be-more-secure/)
and make them second nature. Having antivirussoftware alone is not
enough.
What other cyber security myths are out there? Help us debunk
asmany as you can! Show us what you know and lets enlighten
theworld together.
Image Credit: 3d human Via Shutterstock
(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?
id=142448167), Windows Laptops Via Shutterstock
(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=191358227), Angry Mac
User Via
-
Shutterstock
(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=210593737), Antivirus
Protection Via Shutterstock
(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=163867334),
Virus Detected Via Shutterstock
(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=122527621)