Listen to this article
By Robbie Ross, CSO, Converged Communication Solutions
When it comes to cyber security, one word stands out as deceptively dangerous: “assume.”
It’s an easy trap to fall into:
“Does my cyber insurance cover that?” – “I assume so.”
“Will your IT company assist during a cyber-attack?” – “I assume so.”
“Do your employees know how to spot phishing emails?” – “I assume so.”
But here’s the truth: assumptions can lead to massive security headaches. The moment anyone – be it employees, executives, or security teams – starts assuming things are safe, functional, or “not my responsibility,” they unknowingly create opportunities for cyber threats to sneak in. Let’s dive into why assumptions are so hazardous and how businesses can avert a potential crisis.
Assumption 1: Our Security is Rock Solid
Believing your current setup—firewalls, antivirus software, or even multi-factor authentication (MFA)—is “good enough” could be your first mistake. Cyber threats evolve constantly, and what worked a few years ago might not cut it today.
Take firewalls, for instance. An outdated one? Practically useless. Antivirus software? It only handles known threats, leaving the door open for new ones. Even MFA isn’t foolproof, as hackers are getting crafty with social engineering tricks.
The Fix: Stay ahead of the game by treating cyber security as an ongoing project. Regular audits, penetration tests, and real-time monitoring should be your go-to tools for staying secure.
Assumption 2: Our Staff Know Better
Think your employees are too sharp to fall for phishing scams or other cyber traps? Think again. Even the best training can’t eliminate human error, and hackers know it. That’s why phishing scams and social engineering work so well—they exploit people, not systems.
The Fix: Keep training fresh and engaging! Simulate phishing scams, run hands-on exercises, and encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting mistakes. They’re your first line of defence, so invest in them.
Assumption 3: Our Vendors Have Us Covered
Relying on third-party vendors for cloud services or other tasks? If their security measures aren’t top-notch, your business could end up being the weakest link. Just look at how many breaches have started with compromised vendors.
The Fix: Don’t just sign a contract—dig deeper. Vet your vendors thoroughly, insist on regular risk assessments, and include enforceable security clauses in your agreements.
Assumption 4: Backups Will Save the Day
Sure, backups are essential – but they’re not a guaranteed safety net. Ever try restoring data, only to find it’s corrupt or incomplete? It happens more often than you’d think, especially when backup files haven’t been tested.
The Fix: Test, test, test! Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule (three copies of data, two storage types, one offsite) and run recovery drills regularly to make sure everything’s in working order.
Assumption 5: “It Won’t Happen to Us”
This one’s a classic. Small businesses often think, “Why would hackers bother with us?” But, in reality, smaller organisations with weaker defences are an appealing target for attackers.
The Fix: Stop assuming you’re safe. Build your defences as though you’re already in the crosshairs. Prepare with proactive security measures, detailed response plans, and a strong company-wide security culture.
The Takeaway
In cyber security, assumptions are like holes in a leaky boat – small at first, but capable of sinking the whole ship. The best way to safeguard your business? Replace assumptions with validation.
From regular audits to ongoing training, proper vendor management, and backup drills, staying proactive is your best bet to outsmart evolving cyber threats. Because in this game, assuming you’re safe could be your biggest vulnerability.
