During a recent chat with a potential client, we heard a familiar cybersecurity strategy: “We stay offline as much as possible—hackers can’t attack what they can’t reach, right?”
It sounds logical. But unfortunately, it’s a risky misconception.
Staying disconnected really a viable strategy against ransomware or other malware? Not really, and here’s why:
Staying offline is not hacker-proof, for one, and might create a false sense of security, leading management and users to overlook vital updates and other security measures. It only takes one infected file to compromise a system—regardless of how briefly the device was online.
Cybercriminals routinely deploy automated tools that scan for vulnerable devices the moment they connect. Even a brief online session can be enough to expose a system. Once malware gets onto a machine, it can happily lurk there until the device is reconnected. Hackers often wait weeks or months before activating installed malware.
If employees are accessing company email or other apps via home computers or phones, all the unplugged office PCs in the world won’t protect you from malicious emails. These devices can open the door to malware finding its way onto your network.
Remember also that not all malware arrives electronically. Thumb drives remain a regular source of trouble, while social engineering manipulates people to take dangerous actions during their windows of online time.
If your industry requires compliance with CMMC, HIPAA or similar regulations or data protection laws, no amount of unplugged time will change those rules. All organizations must be in full compliance with these measures regardless of how often they are or are not connected.
Finally, any cyber defense strategy should factor in the importance of getting work done efficiently, and constantly disconnecting and reconnecting does not support that goal. Employees who are disconnecting, or sitting and waiting to reconnect, are not being productive. Better to have a holistic approach that allows you to safely stay connected without throwing roadblocks into your workflow.
Want to feel confident in your cybersecurity without disconnecting from the world? Hill Tech Solutions can help you build a secure, productive environment that actually works. Contact us today.
