There are a lot of common IT myths that have been perpetuated for years. People tend to believe them because they seem logical, or because they’ve heard them from a friend or family member. However, many of these myths are simply not true.
In this article, we will debunk six of the most common myths in the IT industry while also teaching you how you can keep yourself and others safe online.
Common IT Myths
1. The Internet Isn’t Safe
Many people are of the opinion that the internet is a dangerous place. While it’s true that there are many dangers lurking online, there are also ways to protect yourself. Avoiding the internet entirely is a mistake, especially for business owners as it’s essential for marketing and connecting with customers.
It’s important to remember that not everything you read online is true. There are also many scams and frauds being perpetrated online. That’s why it’s also important to be cautious when sharing personal information or clicking on links.
2. Viruses Are Created by Amateurs
This is a common IT myth about viruses. While it’s true that anyone can create a virus, most are actually created by professional hackers. These individuals often have sophisticated tools and knowledge of how to exploit vulnerabilities in systems.
That’s why it’s important to have antivirus software installed on your computer. This will help protect you from the majority of viruses that are out there. Your IT provider can help protect you against viruses as well.
Some viruses to keep your eye out for may include ransomware, which can encrypt your files and demand a ransom for the decryption key; and spyware, which can track your online activity and steal personal information.
3. A Padlock Means the Site is Secure
Many people believe that if a website has a locked padlock icon in the address bar, it means that the site is safe. This isn’t always the case. The lock icon simply indicates that the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted.
This means that it’s more difficult for third parties to intercept and read any data being transmitted, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the website itself is safe. Always be cautious when entering personal information on websites, even if they have an encryption lock.
4. A Shady Website will Look Shady
Another common myth is that if a website looks shady, it probably is. However, many scammers and hackers are very good at making their sites look legitimate. They often use images and branding from well-known companies to trick people into thinking they’re on a legitimate site.
That’s why it’s important to be cautious when clicking on links, even if they look safe. If you’re unsure about a website, do a quick search online to see if there have been any reports of fraud or scams.
5. Links on Social Media are Always Safe
Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are great places to find information and connect with others. But, you should be careful about the links you click on, even if they’re posted by someone you know and trust.
Hackers often use social media to spread malicious links. If you click on one of these links, you could end up on a scam or phishing website.
6. Emails From Friends and Families are Always Safe
Another common myth is that emails from friends and family are always safe. Hackers can spoof email addresses so that it appears as though the message is coming from someone you know. They may also hack into someone’s email account and send messages to their contacts without them knowing.
If you’re unsure about an email, contact the person through another platform to confirm that they sent it.
How INSC Can Help Keep You Safe
INSC is a managed service provider that offers a wide range of IT services, including cybersecurity. We can help you keep your computer and network safe from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Contact us today to learn more about our services.