Forty years ago, companies ran on landlines, typewriters, and filing cabinets. There were no data breaches, no ransomware demands, and no login credentials to protect. But today, digital systems are the lifeblood of nearly every business — large and small — and with that convenience comes a new category of risk: cyber threats.
Yet, despite the real and growing dangers, many business owners still fall prey to outdated and dangerously false assumptions about cybersecurity. These myths leave organizations vulnerable to breaches that can cripple operations and devastate reputations.
Let’s take a closer look at five of the most persistent cybersecurity myths and what your business can do to stay protected.
Myth #1: “Cybercrime only happens to other companies.”
It’s human nature to think bad things happen to someone else. Until they happen to you.
According to the Microsoft Digital Defense Report, cyberattacks have surged by over 300% since 2021. Attackers no longer wait for high-value targets, they cast wide nets and exploit weaknesses wherever they find them.
Even non-traditional industries, like agriculture, are seeing internet-connected tools being exploited by bad actors. From robotic dairy systems to HVAC controls, attackers are looking for the weakest point in the chain.
Takeaway: If your business uses internet-connected systems and has anything of value (including operational uptime), you are a target. Prepare accordingly.
Myth #2: “We’re too small to be a target.”
Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) make up 99% of all U.S. businesses and cybercriminals know it.
Modern attackers operate like corporations themselves, using ransomware-as-a-service and phishing automation tools to cast massive nets. Statistically, your small business is more likely to be hit than a Fortune 500 company.
Takeaway: Cybercriminals don’t discriminate. Having fewer resources doesn’t make you invisible, it makes you vulnerable.
Myth #3: “We don’t have anything worth stealing.”
Every business has something valuable:
- Customer information
- Employee records
- Financial data
- Intellectual property
- Brand reputation
Even if your data doesn’t hold value for others, it’s vital to your own business. And that alone gives cybercriminals leverage.
Takeaway: If you’re making money, storing data, or servicing clients, you have something worth protecting.
Myth #4: “Our data is safe in the cloud.”
The cloud is only as safe as your settings. Providers like Microsoft or Google secure the infrastructure, but you’re responsible for your data, your users, and your policies.
If you’re not using tools like Microsoft Intune, your endpoints (laptops, phones, and tablets) could be the open door attackers are looking for.
Takeaway: Use layered security with endpoint management, multi-factor authentication, and data loss prevention to truly protect cloud-based assets.
Myth #5: “We have cyber insurance. We’re covered.”
Insurance is reactive. Cybersecurity is proactive.
Insurance may help you recover costs, but it won’t save your reputation, restore lost time, or stop your customers from walking away. And most insurers now require proof of basic security controls, without them, your claim could be denied.
Takeaway: Think of insurance as your backup plan, not your defense system.
Don’t Wait to Be a Headline. Partner with SelecTech Today.
At SelecTech, we help small and mid-sized businesses secure their data, devices, and employees, no matter where they work. From cybersecurity assessments and mobile device management to cloud security solutions like Microsoft Intune, Entra, and SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge, we make cybersecurity approachable, effective, and easy to understand.
Let’s replace myths with action and confusion with clarity.
Schedule a cybersecurity assessment today and find out where your risks really are — before someone else does.