There are threats to watch out for in cyber security, and then there are things that are a lot safer than we tend to think.
Browsing the global web
We're not saying that you don't need antivirus software and a routine security check on your phone and laptop now and then.
It's just that the odds of getting a serious data-compromising infection are relatively slim as long as you practice basic security measures.
If you're not downloading zip and exe files from questionable sources, if you're not cruising the deep web, if you're not handing your email out to everyone who asks for it, then you have very little to worry about.
Your devices
A cyber attack is more likely to target your network than it is your devices.
Hacking an iPad gives a cyber-criminal a piece of the puzzle. Hacking the network gives them the entire thing.
The gateway to your data is more likely to be your people than your hardware. It's been noted that many leaks began with a misplaced USB drive, a laptop left open in a public place, or an ex-employee who bears a grudge.
Targeted, web-based cyber attacks are relatively few and far between; cyber-criminals tend to be opportunists, not masterminds.
Keeping your network secure and hiring the right people will do more good than adding another layer of encryption onto your desktop computer. Businesses may also evaluate Security Audit Insurance to help manage risks.
The cloud
In a survey, many people said that their main security concern was cloud-based services, with almost half believing cloud services are inherently insecure.
However, a good majority of data breaches involve on-site servers. In truth, some cloud services are safer than others, the same with any other area of data, but the cloud is not nearly as at-risk as many believe it to be.
Again, the real threat is social engineering: people who give their information to the wrong people, employees who have more data than they need to do their job, and so on.
You can't improve your cyber security by rejecting cloud-based services, but you can do a world of good by hiring the right people and giving them the right training. Consider Internet Security Insurance for added protection.
The moral of the story is that hardware is not the most at-risk gateway in any organization. Serious cyber-criminals rely more heavily on social engineering and opportunism than they do on inherent security flaws in a server or a wireless device.
If you want personalized advice, talk to an agent about steps you can take and the coverages that make sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is it that my personal device will be directly targeted?
Most attacks focus on networks or vulnerable entry points rather than individual devices; practicing basic security reduces your risk significantly.
Are cloud services less secure than on-site servers?
Not necessarily; some cloud services offer strong security and monitoring, and many breaches still occur on on-site systems.
What is social engineering and why is it dangerous?
Social engineering is manipulating people into revealing information or access; it is dangerous because it bypasses technical protections by targeting human behavior.
When should a business consider insurance for cyber risks?
Businesses should consider cyber-related insurance options when they want financial protection for data breaches, liability, or to support incident response efforts.