Debunking Common Cyber security Myths and Misconceptions

Cyber security isn’t just for big tech companies or government departments. It’s something every business, in every industry, needs to take seriously. 

In fact, a recent study revealed that up to 309,000 Australian small businesses have reported being targeted by cyberattacks. This highlights that no organisation is too small to be at risk.

Even still, many businesses are guided by outdated advice, misunderstood terms, or long-standing myths that create a false sense of security.

Let’s clear the air and break down some of the biggest cyber security myths and misconceptions still doing the rounds today. That way, you can make smarter, safer decisions for your business.

Myth #1: ‘We’re too small to be a target’

The reality: Cybercriminals don’t discriminate. If truth be told, small to medium businesses are typically seen as easier targets, because they may not have strong protections in place.

Many of today’s attacks are fully automated because they let hackers target thousands of businesses at once with minimal effort. Using bots and scripts, they scan the internet 24/7 for weaknesses, like outdated software and weak passwords. 

Automated attacks like these don’t care how many staff you have or what industry you’re in. They simply scan the internet for vulnerabilities, then strike where they find them. 

The takeaway: Size doesn’t automatically equal safety. Every business has something worth stealing, whether that’s financial data, client records or access credentials. 

That’s why ADITS tailors cyber security solutions to fit businesses of all sizes. Because good protection should never depend on headcount.

Myth #2: ‘Our antivirus software is enough’

The reality: Anti-virus software is definitely important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The reality is, that today’s cyber threats go far beyond viruses, ranging from ransomware and phishing scams to sophisticated zero-day exploits and insider-driven risks. And these often bypass basic antivirus programs entirely.

The takeaway: Protecting your business today means thinking beyond antivirus software. A strong cyber defence strategy brings together multiple layers of protection. 

This includes firewalls, endpoint security, employee training, secure backups and access controls, all working together to reduce risk from every angle.

Myth #3: ‘Cyber security is the IT team’s job’

The reality: Cyber security is a team sport. While your IT team builds the foundation, by setting up firewalls, patching systems and managing access, your frontline defence is made up of everyday staff. After all, they’re the ones opening emails, clicking links, downloading files and handling sensitive information.

And, alarmingly, that’s where most breaches begin. Not with a failed system, but with a single click, often from someone who was tricked by a convincing phishing email or social engineering tactic.

The takeaway: The best way to strengthen your front line? With hands-on, engaging training that actually sticks. ADITS’ Cyber Security Awareness Training gives your team the confidence to spot and stop threats in real time. It’s practical, people-focused and proven to reduce risk where it counts most.

Myth #4: ‘Strong passwords are all we need’

The reality: Strong passwords are great. But if that’s all you rely on, you’re still vulnerable. Passwords can be stolen, guessed or phished. And once they’re compromised, they can unlock a lot more than just one account.

The takeaway: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a crucial second layer. Even if a password is stolen, a cybercriminal can’t log in without that extra proof. ADITS helps businesses roll out MFA security measures across systems, making sure your access stays secure.

Myth #5: ‘Cloud services are automatically secure’

The reality: Although cloud providers secure the infrastructure, you’re still responsible for protecting what you put into it. That means managing access, setting the right user permissions, and making sure sensitive data is backed up and protected. 

This is known as the shared responsibility model, and it’s where many businesses slip up, assuming the provider handles everything.

The takeaway: Just because you’re using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace doesn’t mean your data is invincible. At ADITS, we help businesses lock down cloud environments, implement backups, and prevent misconfigurations that could leave them exposed.

Myth #6: ‘Cyber attacks are easy to spot’

The reality: Not anymore. Gone are the days of obvious scam emails with spelling errors and shady links. Today’s attacks are sophisticated, well-crafted and often look like genuine messages from trusted sources like your bank, a colleague or even a service you actually use.

It only takes one convincing click to trigger a data breach. And by the time you realise something’s wrong, the damage may already be done.

The takeaway: Relying on instinct isn’t enough. You need a combination of proactive security tools that detect threats early and ongoing staff training that keeps your team alert to new tactics. Together, they form a strong first line of defence against today’s deceptive attacks.

Myth #7: ‘We’ll deal with it if it happens’

The reality: Cyber attacks are becoming more common and more advanced, and no business is immune. Waiting until something goes wrong often means higher costs, more downtime and tougher recovery.

The takeaway: Prevention and preparation go hand in hand. From disaster recovery planning to 24/7 monitoring, ADITS helps businesses stay ready for anything, so if something does go wrong, you’re not starting from scratch.

Clear the myths. Strengthen your defences with ADITS

Misunderstanding cyber security puts your business at risk. But, as you’ve seen, getting it right doesn’t have to be complicated, with the right help.

At ADITS, we cut through the cyber security confusion to give you clarity, confidence and control. From staff training to system protection and expert support, we help you build security into the way you work.

Let’s turn awareness into action, together. Get in touch with our friendly team today and see how we can help secure your business, one smart step at a time.