Common Misconceptions Surrounding Hacking We’ve Heard in Louisville Kentucky

Since launching our Cyber Security department in 2019, we’ve received a whirlwind of questions from Louisville business owners about the growing threat of cyberattacks. While many are curious about how hackers operate, a larger number are simply trying to understand who these criminals are and how to protect their business. In this post, we’ll tackle the most common misconceptions and give you a clearer picture of what modern cybercrime looks like—and how you can stay ahead of it with the right tools and support.

“Know your enemy”

So, who are these cybercriminals? The outdated stereotype paints them as teenagers in hoodies working from their parents’ basement. The reality? Today’s hackers are often well-funded, highly educated criminals, including foreign government entities and coordinated groups operating out of countries with lax enforcement.

Misconception #1: Hackers Rush to Get In and Out of Systems

Years ago, hacking often meant crashing your system—immediate and obvious. Not anymore. Today’s hackers prefer to remain undetected, often infiltrating systems and monitoring behavior for months. They study how you communicate and interact with key individuals, positioning themselves to strike at the most opportune moment with highly targeted, convincing attacks.

Modern tools have made this even easier. With automated intrusion and monitoring systems, hackers can scale attacks across dozens of businesses, improving their odds of success while remaining under the radar.

Misconception #2: Hackers Only Target Big Corporations

This one couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, big companies make headlines, but small and midsized businesses are the low-hanging fruit. Local businesses—from car dealerships to small manufacturers—are frequent targets. Why? Because many lack the resources to build strong defenses.

A recent Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that over half of small businesses experienced a cyberattack in the past year, and 71% of ransomware attacks targeted small companies.

Why go after a Fortune 500 company with a dedicated security team when you can easily exploit a small business still using outdated software?

If your business hasn’t already invested in Managed IT Services, now is the time. Modern hackers are looking for easy wins, and lacking proactive security solutions is essentially leaving the door wide open.

Misconception #3: Antivirus Software Alone is Enough

Antivirus software used to be a strong line of defense. Today, it’s just a single layer—and not a very deep one. Even combining it with malware or spyware protection isn’t enough to stop modern, sophisticated threats.

Instead, businesses should take a layered approach to cybersecurity that includes:

• Employee training
• Endpoint and server protection
• Email filtering
• EDR solutions (Endpoint Detection and Response)
• Vulnerability management

These solutions work together to monitor, detect, and prevent Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)—many of which don’t use traditional malware and are invisible to standard antivirus tools.

Misconception #4: Cybersecurity is Too Expensive for Small Businesses

Yes, cybersecurity has a cost—but the cost of an attack is far higher. Over 60% of small businesses close within six months of a serious data breach.

The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to stay protected. A proper cybersecurity plan should be tailored to your business’s size, goals, and existing systems. This ensures you get the protection you need—without overspending on tools you don’t.

Our team at Louisville Geek helps clients build scalable and affordable cybersecurity strategies through our Managed IT Services, ensuring the right layers of protection are in place from day one.

Don’t Walk the Cybersecurity Path Alone

Cybersecurity isn’t something you should attempt to navigate without support—especially in a growing tech hub like Louisville. We created our Cybersecurity department to help businesses just like yours. Our mission is to empower Louisville’s local businesses with the technology and expertise needed to grow confidently without fear of being compromised.

Let’s Start the Conversation

When you’re ready to assess your cybersecurity risk and get expert input on your business’s specific needs, contact us. A quick conversation with one of our specialists will leave you more informed and better prepared to take the next step.

Let us help you turn these misconceptions into a competitive advantage. Explore how our Managed IT Services are built to protect small businesses in Louisville and beyond.