By Joel Lee,

4 Cyber Security Myths That Must Die

Everyone thinks they understand cyber security but most aremisinformed (http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-security-software-myths-can-prove-dangerous/) in one way or another. Entire books couldbe written on all of the security myths that continue circulating even aftertheyve been debunked. You might be spreading misinformation and noteven know it.

Cyber security is always shifting and never constant, so some of thesemyths may have roots in past truths. Its also possible that these mythsmay one day become truths in the future. But for now, they are myths thatmust be dispelled. Lets get our facts straight.

Myth: Windows Is Inherently Insecure

Dont use Windows unless you like viruses. Its a sentiment that weve allheard time and time again sometimes coming even from the mouths ofWindows regulars and its one of the oldest jokes in the book. Sure, therewas a time long ago when Windows was an inherently flawed system, butthat hasnt been true for years now.

The Truth

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Ever since Windows 7 hit the scene, the virus problem has beensignificantly curtailed. Can Windows users still be infected? Yes. Are thereWindows users who have gone years without being infected? Yes!Windows isnt impenetrable by a longshot, but its certainly much moresecure today than it ever was before.

The problem is that most Windows users dont care enough to updatetheir systems with pertinent security patches. Microsoft is good aboutplugging security holes as theyre found, but if users dont apply thoseupdates, they leave themselves vulnerable. At that point, Windows itself isno longer at fault.

Moreover, Windows is the worlds most popular operating system.Combine that with the fact that Windows does not require its users to betech-savvy and youve got a recipe for high number of security incidences.Thats just simple math.

Myth: Mac and Linux Are Invulnerable

Im safe because I have a Mac / because I use Linux. Its one of the mainarguments used by those who want to convince others to switch over fromWindows. To be fair, Mac and Linux computers may be less likely to be

infected, but its an enormous stretch to say that theyre invulnerable. Theyarent.

The Truth

You may have heard of the Shellshock bug(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/worse-than-heartbleed-meet-shellshock-a-new-security-threat-for-os-x-and-linux/), a vulnerability that exists inUNIX-like systems that operate using the Bash shell. It has tremendousimplications for computer security all around the world and the irony isthat it doesnt even affect Windows.

According to analysis, the Shellshock bug has existed undiscovered since1992. Thats twenty-two years, which is a long time considering theopen-source availability of Bashs source code.

While this may or may not be a freak occurrence, it does present us withan unsettling question: how many other vulnerabilities exist that have yetto be discovered? Again, Mac and Linux may be less prone to infection thanWindows, but only a fool would think that these operating systems areinherently safe (http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/heartbleed-can-stay-safe/).

Myth: You Dont Need Security Software

Im careful so I dont need antivirus software, said every arrogantcomputer user who thought themselves too smart to fall for silly malwaretricks. If your idea of catching malware only includes email attachments,shady websites, and popup advertisements, you are in for a rudeawakening.

The Truth

The ones who create malware and viruses are not stupid. Unethical? Yes.Pathetic? Sure. But stupid? No. Theyre always looking for new ways tofacilitate the spread of malicious software, which means that theirmethods are always evolving.

But more importantly, we are human. Humans make mistakes. We cantkeep our guards up 24/7 and sometimes were lazy, forgetful, or reckless.All it takes is one lapse in judgment for your computer to be infected andthats the real value of antivirus software: it protects you through yourmistakes.

Think of it like a seatbelt. Maybe youve been driving for 10 years withouta single accident. Does that mean you dont need to buckle up? No! Eventhe best driver in the world has the potential to crash. Any driver with a

brain will wear their seatbelt at all times because the seatbelt exists forthose rare but crucial moments.

If you arent using antivirus software, install one now(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-antivirus-comparison-popular-choices-toetotoe/) along with a virus scanner(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/accurate-4-big-name-virus-scanners/).Afterwards, if you find that you have an infection, clean it up(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-steps-to-take-when-you-discover-malware-on-your-computer/) as soon as possible.

Myth: All You Need Is Security Software

Im safe because I use antivirus software, said every nave user whoplaced too much hope and faith in technology. Cyberspace would be awonderful place if good software is all it took to keep safe. Unfortunately,software can only protect us so much.

The Truth

Remember how malware and virus creators are always engineering newways to spread their evil? This puts the ball in their court. Antiviruscompanies are always one step behind (they have to study a virus beforethey can protect against it) which means that the notion of antivirus isfundamentally reactionary.

You need more than that. Its better to avoid situations that are likely toresult in malware infections than it is to rely on your antivirus and hopethat it catches everything. (It wont.)

Going back to the driving analogy, its just as important to be a skilleddriver as it is to wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts arent guaranteed to keepyou safe in case of an accident; they only improve your odds of minimizinginjury. Sane drivers dont consider themselves to be invincible just becausethey have a strap across their chest.

At the end of the day, you ought to practice smart security habits(http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/change-your-bad-habits-your-data-will-be-more-secure/) and make them second nature. Having antivirussoftware alone is not enough.

What other cyber security myths are out there? Help us debunk asmany as you can! Show us what you know and lets enlighten theworld together.

Image Credit: 3d human Via Shutterstock (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?

id=142448167), Windows Laptops Via Shutterstock

(http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=191358227), Angry Mac User Via

Shutterstock (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=210593737), Antivirus

Protection Via Shutterstock (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=163867334),

Virus Detected Via Shutterstock (http://www.shutterstock.com/pic.mhtml?id=122527621)