By Me, Ivo Pereira
💻 Computer Science Student | Web Developer | Cybersecurity Enthusiast | IoT Innovator
🔗 My LinkedIn | 🐙 GitHub | 🌐 Portfolio | 📝 Medium
🚨 Why You Need to Read This
Whether you’re a techie or not — this article is for you.
Cyberattacks are no longer rare or movie-like plots. They're a part of daily life now. And the worst part? Most people still believe myths that leave them wide open to attacks. I’ve seen smart people — developers, students, business owners — fall for basic traps just because they thought they were safe.
As someone studying Computer Science and diving deep into cybersecurity and tech, I’ve learned that what you don’t know can actually hurt you — financially, emotionally, and even professionally.
That’s why I wrote this. Not as a lecture, but as a friend breaking it down — simple, no jargon, just facts that can protect you, your family, your data, and your future.
🔟 Myth #1: “No one would ever want to hack me.”
The Truth: If you have a phone, email, or online account, you are a target.
This is probably the most dangerous belief. Hackers don’t care about who you are — they care about what you have: usernames, passwords, bank logins, personal info. Attacks are automated now — bots scan millions of people, looking for the easiest entry.
🔒 Real Talk: You’re not “too small” to be hacked — you’re just as valuable in bulk.
✅ Do this now:
- Treat all your accounts as targets.
- Set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) everywhere.
- Never reuse passwords.
9️⃣ Myth #2: “I’ve got antivirus — I’m covered.”
The Truth: Antivirus is just a single tool — not a full defense system.
Many modern attacks happen through phishing emails, fake websites, or stolen credentials — which antivirus won’t catch. Antivirus helps, but it’s like wearing a seatbelt on a motorcycle — helpful, but not enough.
✅ Do this now:
- Combine antivirus with smart habits (scroll down for those).
- Don’t blindly trust attachments or links.
- Use browser add-ons like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger for safer surfing.
8️⃣ Myth #3: “I use a Mac — I don’t get viruses.”
The Truth: That’s outdated thinking. Mac users are absolutely targeted today.
In fact, some attackers prefer Mac users because they think they’re “safe” and let their guard down. Mac malware and fake apps are real and increasing every year.
✅ Do this now:
- Keep your macOS updated.
- Avoid third-party app sites.
- Use a trusted antivirus for Mac (yes, they exist).
7️⃣ Myth #4: “Free public Wi-Fi? Sweet, I’m in.”
The Truth: If it’s free and open, it’s also a trap waiting to happen.
Hackers can set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots (like “Airport_FreeWiFi” or “Cafe_WiFi”) that look legit. Once you connect, they can intercept your data — even watch what you're typing.
✅ Do this now:
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activity.
- If you must use it, turn on a VPN first.
- Never enter banking or login info on open networks.
6️⃣ Myth #5: “If a site has a padlock (https), it’s legit.”
The Truth: HTTPS means encryption — not trustworthiness.
Many phishing sites use HTTPS to appear safe. That little padlock just means your data is encrypted while being stolen.
✅ Do this now:
- Always type URLs manually for banks, social media, etc.
- Don’t click on suspicious links from texts or emails — even if they look official.
- Use a password manager that alerts you to fake sites.
5️⃣ Myth #6: “I’ll update my software later — it’s working fine now.”
The Truth: Every update you skip is a security hole you leave open.
Hackers literally hunt for unpatched systems. That update isn’t just about features — it’s fixing vulnerabilities that could be used to hijack your system.
✅ Do this now:
- Turn on automatic updates on your phone, PC, browser, and apps.
- Especially update anything related to your camera, email, and bank apps.
- Don’t delay updates for convenience — that’s how malware spreads.
4️⃣ Myth #7: “My password is fine — I can remember it easily.”
The Truth: If it’s easy to remember, it’s easy to guess or crack.
Passwords like "qwerty", "password123", or even “Ivo1999” are cracked in seconds using software. Cybercriminals use brute-force tools that try millions of combos in minutes.
✅ Do this now:
- Use a password manager to store and generate strong, unique passwords.
- Aim for 12+ characters, with symbols and randomness.
- Don’t reuse passwords across accounts — ever.
3️⃣ Myth #8: “2FA is annoying. I don’t need it.”
The Truth: 2FA is a game-changer.
Yes, it takes 10 extra seconds. But it can stop 99% of account hacks. Even if someone gets your password, they still can’t get in.
✅ Do this now:
- Use app-based 2FA (like Google Authenticator, Authy) instead of SMS.
- Turn it on for your email, cloud storage, banking, and social media.
2️⃣ Myth #9: “I’d never fall for a phishing scam — I’m smart.”
The Truth: Even cybersecurity experts fall for well-crafted phishing attacks.
Hackers do research. They fake emails from Amazon, PayPal, banks, even colleagues. One click — and they have your data.
✅ Do this now:
- Always double-check email addresses.
- Don’t click links from unknown senders.
- If in doubt, go directly to the official website instead.
1️⃣ Myth #10: “Cybersecurity is for IT people — not me.”
The Truth: Cybersecurity is for everyone who uses technology.
Whether you're a student, freelancer, parent, gamer, or entrepreneur — if you're online, you're part of the cybersecurity equation.
✅ Do this now:
- Make it a habit to review your digital hygiene once a month.
- Educate your family and team — you're only as strong as your weakest link.
- Bookmark this article, and revisit it often. Share it with your circle.
✨ Final Words: The Internet Won’t Get Safer — But You Can
I didn’t write this to scare you — I wrote it because I care.
The biggest threat isn’t malware, ransomware, or phishing — it’s false confidence and outdated thinking.
Cybersecurity isn’t about being paranoid — it’s about being prepared.
These myths cost people their savings, their reputations, and their peace of mind. Don’t let that be you. I’m not asking you to become a cybersecurity expert — just to be aware, cautious, and empowered.
👨💻 About Me
I’m Ivo Pereira — a Computer Science student, developer, and cybersecurity enthusiast who believes that tech should empower, not endanger us. I create tools and write content that breaks down complex tech ideas into real-world value.
📬 Want more content like this? Follow me here on Medium.
🔗 Let’s connect on LinkedIn
🐙 Check out my dev work on GitHub
🌐 Or visit my portfolio for more projects and ideas.