“It Won’t Happen to Me.”
This is the biggest myth out there. People think hackers are too busy going after big companies to bother with little ol’ them. But cybercriminals are lazy — they want easy wins. And regular people reusing weak passwords and clicking on dodgy links? That’s like an open bar at a wedding for them.
No one is too boring, too old, or too unimportant to be hacked. If you’ve got money, data, or internet access — congratulations, you’re a target.
“I Don’t Go on Dodgy Sites, So I’m Safe.”
A classic. Most cyberattacks don’t happen on shady sites. They come through:
• Legit-looking emails
• Ads on trustworthy websites
• Fake apps or browser extensions
• Infected USBs (yes, still a thing)
You can be minding your business on a totally normal website and still get malware from a rogue ad. It’s called a drive-by download — and no, you don’t even need to click anything sometimes.
“Antivirus Software Makes Me Invincible.”
Antivirus is helpful, but it’s not magic. It’s like a seatbelt — it helps protect you in a crash, but it won’t stop you from speeding into a wall. Many threats these days, especially phishing and social engineering, don’t get caught by antivirus tools.
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-tool solution. It’s layers — strong passwords, awareness, software updates, and yes, antivirus. But don’t rely on it like it’s Iron Man.
“I Use Incognito Mode — I’m Invisible!”
Nope. Incognito stops your browser from storing your history on your device, but it doesn’t hide anything from:
• Your internet provider
• The websites you visit
• Hackers watching your network
• Your boss (if you’re on work Wi-Fi)
So no, going incognito doesn’t turn you into a ghost. It just stops your partner seeing your gift-buying history.
“Hackers Are All Genius Teenagers in Hoodies.”
Sure, some are hoodie-wearing whizzkids, but most are part of organised crime rings or even state-sponsored groups. Hacking has become a business, with departments for phishing, logistics, and even customer service (seriously, some ransomware gangs offer “help” desks).
It’s not some lone guy in a basement — it’s more like a dodgy startup with an HR department and a Slack channel.
“Cybersecurity Is Just an IT Problem.”
This is a dangerous mindset. Cybersecurity is everyone’s problem — because all it takes is one bad click from one person to compromise an entire company.
That’s why training, awareness, and policy matter. You wouldn’t say fire safety is just for the building manager, right? Same deal here.
“Phones Don’t Get Viruses.”
They absolutely do. Androids can be infected via dodgy apps, sideloaded APKs, or rogue links. iPhones are a bit more locked down, but not immune — especially if they’re jailbroken.
Plus, phishing and scam texts don’t care what phone you have. The attack isn’t always the device — it’s you.
“I Don’t Have Anything Worth Stealing.”
You do. Your identity, your photos, your login details, your email address, your contacts — they all have value. Criminals can:
• Sell your data
• Use it to scam others
• Blackmail you
• Steal your money
Your Netflix password alone might be reused on your email account. See the problem?
“If I Get Hacked, I’ll Just Fix It Later.”
By then, it might be too late. Damage can be done in seconds. Bank accounts drained, contacts messaged, sensitive info leaked. And in many cases, it’s really hard to fully clean up.
Prevention is easier — and cheaper — than damage control.
Final Thought: Security Starts with You
Cybersecurity myths are comforting lies we tell ourselves to avoid responsibility. But knowing better means doing better. If you believe you’re safe just because “nothing’s happened yet,” then my friend… you’re exactly the kind of target hackers love.
Click “Complete” before moving on.