Digital privacy has been a heated topic of discussion for a long while now. Arguments are almost always related and biases seem to carry on through the generations. Digital privacy is a progressive, dynamic and evolving topic whose outcomes are entirely uncertain. What we know today might evolve into something else entirely different tomorrow or in the future. Even so, some myths about digital security have held for so long that most people assume them to be true, compromising a great deal of their security and in turn their digital privacy.

1. Macs cannot be hacked

This is far from the truth. While the cases of Macs being digitally exploited are not as high as those of Windows PCs and other devices, they are still as vulnerable to hacking as any other device. Take for instance the 2015 exploit of MacKeeper that led to the compromise of 13 million accounts. People often confuse the facts and myths on Mac and place blind faith in Mac’s security. In truth, even while running MacOS, you should still install an antivirus and other similar security software to provide the necessary protection and strengthen Mac’s own security measures.

2. People shouldn’t be concerned with privacy if they have nothing to hide

This statement is not only a misleading myth, it is also a dangerous one that tends to condition us into the belief that privacy is unimportant. In fact, there are many reasons we should all be concerned about privacy. Your online persona being made public leaves you open to such risks as identity theft, being targeted for a hate crime, being the victim of ransomware and similar malware and adware attacks and so much more. Not to mention it exposes your location, therefore jeopardizing your security and that of your family. In the end, we all have something significant to hide and we should take serious measures to that effect, such as employing the use of VPNs and related software.

3. Privacy hinders business

Yet another bad myth based on misinformation. The reality is that privacy is actually good for businesses. It allows people to build on trust instead of sneaking around each other to get the information they require. Even more so, businesses that rely on privacy have higher credibility and sustainability in the long run, as opposed to businesses that frown upon privacy.

4. Privacy is mythical

The common phrase used here is that “Privacy is dead”. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, people have not only become more aware of their vulnerabilities, they are taking active steps to control these vulnerabilities as well as protect themselves and their data with the use of a privacy platform.

Will digital privacy ever be absolute?

The debate on whether privacy is a lost cause will continue to be a high point of focus for many around the world, and there will never be a clear winner. The reality is that using the internet is what opens up to most of these risks. Nevertheless, the internet is an integral part of our lives and will continue to be so long after we are dead. Therefore, we must learn to live with these risks to our privacy, taking as many precautions as possible to stay ahead of people willing to compromise our online security.