Common Cybersecurity Myths That Put Businesses at Risk

Many business owners know cybersecurity is important, but misinformation is still one of the biggest risks in regards to the cyber safety of businesses across Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Cyber threats don't usually succeed due to advanced hacking, but rather common mistakes. Below are some of the most common cybersecurity myths business owners believe, and why they can quietly put your business at risk.

Myth #1. "We're too small to be a target"

This is by far one of the biggest misconceptions amongst owners of small businesses. In reality, small businesses are often more attractive to cybercriminals than large companies. Why? Because attackers know that small businesses usually have:

• Fewer security controls

• Limited IT staff

• Less formal training

• Weaker monitoring

Most cyberattacks today are automated. Hackers aren’t researching your company; they’re scanning for vulnerabilities. If your systems are exposed, size doesn’t matter.

Myth #2: "We have antivirus, so we're covered"

Unfortunately, traditional antivirus software is not enough on its own. Modern attacks often bypass basic antivirus by:

• Using legitimate tools

• Exploiting stolen credentials

• Hiding inside email attachments or links

• Running scripts directly in memory

Antivirus is one layer of protection, but cybersecurity today requires multiple layers working together.

Myth #3: "Our backups mean ransomware isn't a big deal"

While backups are essential, they are not a magical solution.

It is frequently assumed that backups will provide an instant solution to ransomware attacks. In reality:

• Backups may not be recent

• Backups might also be encrypted or compromised

• Restoring systems can take days

• Downtime still costs money and productivity

Backups help with recovery, but they don't prevent the attack or subsequent disruption.

Myth #4: "Cyber insurance will take care of it"

Cyber insurance is becoming more common, but many policies have strict requirements. Cyber insurance claims can be denied if a business doesn't have:

• Multi-factor authentication

• Proper backups

• Updated security tools

• Documented policies and controls

  
  

Insurance also cannot fix reputational damage, lost trust, or operational downtime.

Myth #5: "If something was wrong, we would know"

Realistically, many breaches go unnoticed for months. Cybercriminals often:

• Monitor emails quietly

• Forward invoices or payroll details

• Steal data slowly

• Wait for the right moment to strike

Without proper monitoring and alerting, there may be no obvious warning signs.

Why These Myths Matter:

Cybersecurity risks rarely start as major incidents. In most cases, they begin as small errors caused by misconceptions. When these errors go unnoticed, the impact often shows up in ways that businesses don't anticipate:

• Unexpected downtime that halts daily operations

• Delayed invoices, payroll issues, or missed deadlines

• Loss of access to critical systems or data

• Disrupted client communication

  
  

The good news is that most cybersecurity incidents affecting businesses today are preventable. Addressing common misconceptions, understanding where responsibility truly lies, and regularly reviewing protections can dramatically reduce risk without adding unnecessary complexity. Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming. A short review of your systems, policies, and protections can often uncover gaps before they turn into costly problems.