Electronic devices are an integral part of our everyday life. No longer is a single computer the only connection that we need to worry about, as it is not uncommon to have a tablet, smartphone, desktop, and laptop all in a single home – and then some! While maintaining security is important, it is hard to know what is true and what isn’t great advice to follow. Just know that what you see online and in social media feeds does not always add up to the truth.
The Most Critical Network Security Myths, Debunked
Myth:
If you have anti-virus software and a firewall setup, you are 100% covered.
The truth is, anti-virus software and firewalls are important components in protecting your information. However, neither of these elements are guaranteed to protect you from an attack. Combining these technologies with good security habits is the best way to reduce your risk.
Myth:
Once the software is installed on your computer; you do not have to worry about it anymore.
Those updates aren’t necessary. Vendors release updated versions of software to address problems or fix vulnerabilities. You should generally install the updates when the manufacturer advises to do so. Making sure that you have the latest updates for your anti-virus software is especially important.
Myth:
Your data isn’t top secret, so you do not need to protect it.
Your opinion about what is important may differ from an attacker’s opinion. If you have personal or financial data on your computer, attackers may be able to collect it and use it for their own financial gain. And remember, one bit of information can lead to unlocking a lot more than you may realize.
Myth:
Attackers only target people with money.
Anyone can become a victim of identity theft. Attackers look for the biggest reward for the least amount of effort, so they typically target databases that store information about multiple individuals. If your information happens to be in the database, it could be collected and used for malicious purposes. It is important to pay attention to your credit information so that you minimize any potential damage.
Myth:
When computers slow down, it means that they are old and should be replaced.
It is possible that running programs on an older computer could lead to slower performance, but you may just need to upgrade a particular component such as memory or the operating system. Another possibility is that there are other processes or programs running in the background. If your computer has suddenly become slower, it may be compromised by malware or spyware. Have a trusted resource investigate and clean up the software before you make a decision to replace it.
If you want more security tips, visit the navitend blog or if you have any questions feel free to call our office at 973-448-0070 ext 312 to talk to Patrice.
Contact us at 973.448.0070