Debunking the Top Cybersecurity Myths That Still Haunt Businesses

Cybersecurity myths continue to mislead businesses, creating dangerous gaps in protection despite years of expert warnings. From the false belief that Macs are immune to viruses to the idea that frequent password changes guarantee safety, these persistent misconceptions foster poor strategies and a misplaced sense of security. Let’s dismantle some of the most damaging myths still circulating today.

One common fallacy is that artificial intelligence can fully replace human security teams. While AI has transformed threat detection and automated routine tasks, it remains a tool that requires human oversight. Systems can generate false positives, and without skilled analysts to interpret results, organizations risk either overreacting to minor issues or missing real threats entirely. A recent survey by the Cloud Security Alliance and Google Cloud revealed that only 12% of security professionals believe AI will completely take over their roles. Doug Kersten, CISO of Appfire, emphasized that AI is meant to assist, not replace, human judgment, noting that autonomous operation without oversight could introduce unintended vulnerabilities.

Another widespread misconception involves the supposed massive shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Headlines often cite millions of unfilled jobs, yet the reality is more nuanced. Specialized roles requiring specific experience or on-site presence may be difficult to fill, but the market isn’t as wide open as some reports suggest. Mixed signals in the industry, such as news of layoffs alongside claims of shortages, point to a mismatch between employer expectations and candidate availability. Many entry-level applicants with certifications find themselves overlooked in favor of candidates with years of experience, leaving talent underutilized.

Deepfake technology is often dismissed as harmless entertainment, but this view is dangerously outdated. Cybercriminals now use deepfakes in sophisticated social engineering schemes, costing companies millions. Many people overestimate their ability to detect manipulated media, partly because questioning the authenticity of visual or audio content doesn’t come naturally. In one high-profile case, a deepfake video call led a multinational firm to lose over $25 million. Camellia Chan, CEO at X-PHY, advises adopting a zero-trust approach: never assume content is genuine just because it appears convincing.

Cyber insurance is frequently misunderstood as a comprehensive safety net for any breach, but policies come with strict requirements and limitations. Most insurers now mandate specific security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, endpoint detection, and incident response plans, before providing coverage. Claims can be denied if these controls aren’t in place, and many policies exclude incidents involving nation-state actors, unpatched vulnerabilities, or third-party compromises. Even when claims are approved, payouts may fall short, as seen when Sinclair Broadcast Group sued its insurers after a ransomware attack. Michael Daum of Allianz Commercial stresses that strong cyber hygiene remains the best defense.

Finally, the belief that multi-factor authentication (MFA) stops all account takeovers is misleading. While MFA significantly improves security, determined attackers have developed ways to bypass it. Methods include MFA fatigue attacks, SIM swapping, and real-time token interception through phishing. Even hardware-based keys like YubiKeys have shown vulnerabilities under certain conditions. In 2024, researchers uncovered a flaw that could allow cloning under specific circumstances. Candid Wüest, Security Advocate at xorlab, notes that human error often plays a central role in these bypass techniques, underscoring the need for ongoing education and layered defenses.

(Source: HelpNet Security)