Common myths about computer security

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When it comes to computing, everyone knows an expert, and every ‘expert’ has an opinion. Those opinions are shared like a Chinese whisper, and before you know it, they are accepted as fact. So, just to set the record straight, here are a few of the popular myths about computers that are worth debunking.

Myth: Anti-virus software and firewalls provide complete protection.
Truth: Anti-virus software and firewalls are important elements to protecting your information. However, neither is guaranteed to protect you from an attack. Combining both of these technologies with good security habits is the best way to reduce your risk.

Myth: My ISP has virus protection, so I don’t need any.
Truth: There are two ways to locate a virus. You can either intercept it while it tries to enter your computer, or you can scan for it on your hard drive after it gets in. Antivirus software does both. However, ISP’s only check for viruses passing through their network. Some viruses, particularly new ones, will escape their net. Having antivirus software on your computer provides a second line of defense.

Myth: Once software is installed on your computer, you do not have to worry about it.
Truth: Software providers frequently update their software – often without telling you. Patches and updates automatically download and install. This is both a positive and a negative. On the positive side, patches often fix security vulnerabilities. However, on the negative side, you lose some control over what is installed on your computer. Our advice: accept that this is just a symptom of modern computing – software vendors are generally vigilant and well-meaning. Keep auto-updates switched on.

Myth: There is nothing important on my machine, so I don’t need to protect it.
Truth: Your opinion about what is important may differ from an attacker's opinion. If you have personal or financial data on your computer, attackers may be able to collect it and use it for their own financial gain. Even if you do not store that kind of information on your computer, the attacker does not know that. They may do considerable damage while they attempt to infiltrate your computer.

Myth: Attackers only target corporations or people with money.
Truth: Most attacks are not carried out by real people. They are performed by ‘robots’ – computer programs designed to search the Internet for vulnerable machines. They are completely indiscriminate. They do not care about who you are, or what you have to offer. They simply follow a set of operational rules in an attempt to steal or corrupt information.

Myth: When computers slow down, it means that they are old and should be replaced.
Truth: It is possible that running newer or larger software programs on an older computer could lead to slow performance, but you may just need to replace or upgrade a particular component (memory, operating system, CD or DVD drive, etc.). Another possibility is that there are other processes or programs running in the background. If your computer suddenly slows down, there may be an undesirable piece of software running. You should contact your IT provider to check it.

Most people never think about computer maintenance until something goes wrong. We recommend a periodic health check (3 or 6 monthly) on your computer systems to ensure that they are secure, backed up, and running smoothly.

Peter Thomas, Chief Executive, Nexus Data Limited