By: Don Monistere

Why Cybersecurity is a Myth

Don Monistere, CEO and President of General Informatics, shares his thoughts on the constant safeguarding against cybersecurity threats.

Coming from a provider of that very service, this may raise some eyebrows. It is our job to know about Cybersecurity and to tell you that we can solve your concerns with Cybersecurity, but we can’t! You may be asking, why are you selling something that you say doesn’t even exist?

The answer is simple: Cybersecurity does exist, but it is a myth that we can ever actually be “secure”. While the products and services available to us do indeed help raise our level of security, they cannot guarantee complete safety.

The accepted definition of Cybersecurity is the safeguarding of digital information, whether in isolated computers, intracompany networks, the World Wide Web, or storage media. When it comes to keeping our data safe online, the terms “security” and “safeguarding” are not one in the same. In fact, you could go so far as to say they’re opposites; cybersecurity may very well be an oxymoron.

If our industry would have used the word Cyber-safeguarding as the true term to define what we do to protect devices and the data that resides on them, then the expectations for complete safety would not have been so high. It is important to remember that Cybersecurity should be viewed as an ongoing journey towards a place called secure, but never actually reaching it.

Although we may feel secure when browsing the web, this is far from reality. We often rely on misplaced faith that our IT teams and MSPs are creating unbreachable fortifications around us. In reality, they’re only coming along for the ride – protection just out of arm’s reach.

cybersecurity risks

Navigating the online world is like cruising through a dark alley with no protection – our precious data is on full display, practically begging to be taken by any cybercriminal willing to take a chance. The point is that no matter what precautions we take concerning our private data, nothing should ever be taken for granted in cyberspace.

In this age of cyber threats, many security products and services have clever names like “wall” or “block”. However, as we know all too well with modern technology that these words provide little guarantee a device is truly secure! A more apt name for such products might be “fence” or “guard”, emphasizing the need to take an active role in protecting yourself online rather than relying on whatever solution you decided upon.

Achieving safety online is a team effort. As users, we must be aware of the emails and data that can potentially expose ourselves to potential threats on the internet. It’s easy to forget that the very systems we trust may not be as secure as they seem. Take VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for example; while this is a key tool used in cyber security, its name itself can almost appear ironic when you consider what ‘virtual’ represents. It’s technically possible that your private information could still be accessed by malicious actors if proper caution isn’t taken – so remember: no matter how much technology evolves and protects us from external threats, vigilance and smart decision making remain paramount!

The key to successful cybersecurity is a team effort! It’s like getting ready for any long road trip; we need to make sure everything is accounted for and safe before hitting the open highway. Skilled IT professionals or managed service providers can provide invaluable insight, but everyone must be committed if we want to avoid security surprises along our digital journey!

Achieving safety online is a team effort. As users, we must be aware of the emails and data that can potentially expose ourselves to potential threats on the internet. It’s easy to forget that the very systems we trust may not be as secure as they seem. Take VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for example; while this is a key tool used in cyber security, its name itself can almost appear ironic when you consider what ‘virtual’ represents. It’s technically possible that your private information could still be accessed by malicious actors if proper caution isn’t taken – so remember: no matter how much technology evolves and protects us from external threats, vigilance and smart decision making remain paramount!

As technology evolves and advances, so do the tactics of malicious attackers. This means that even if you have implemented the latest security measures and tools, you are still at risk.

The key to successful cybersecurity is a team effort! It's like getting ready for any long road trip; we need to make sure everything is accounted for and safe before hitting the open highway. Skilled IT professionals or managed service providers can provide invaluable insight, but everyone must be committed if we want to avoid security surprises along our digital journey!

The reality is that Cybersecurity is an ongoing process of risk management, not something that can be solved with a single tool or solution. At best, we can strive for a “secure-enough” status – meaning that we protect our data and systems to the level where it would be difficult or costly for an attacker to breach them.

With General Informatics, your organization can safeguard its most valuable data with their comprehensive products and services. Don’t leave it to chance; choose expert protection and remain vigilant.  Learn more at geninf.com.

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Meet the Author: Don Monistere

Don Monistere is an Entrepreneur, Published Author and Accomplished Executive. Monistere is the CEO and President of General Informatics. Monistere joined the General Informatics team in 2020 and has been actively growing its reach since. General Informatics is one of the fastest growing IT services providers in the Southeast and is considered the leading IT partner for businesses, schools, government agencies, and for the financial and maritime industry. Monistere has been involved in Information Technology since the early 90’s. Having served as the CEO and President of Vista Information Systems from 1993 to 2008, at TekLinks from 2008 to 2018 serving as the President the last two years, before being Acquired by CSpire. Monistere continued to serve as Senior Vice President at CSpire until 2019. Monistere then served at ibml as a member of their Executive Leadership team and Chief Operations Office. Monistere is the author of Enhanced Life Performance and Enhanced Executive Performance and is currently in the process of releasing his third book of the series, Enhanced Corporate Performance. Monistere has been an active member in the community with his philanthropic pursuits with education performance in City Schools and continuous contribution to the National Association of People Against Bullying. Monistere earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with a Minor in Economics from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Business Administration from Aspen University.

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