In the first two articles of this series I have analyzed the technological factors which can enable the transformation of your antivirus into an attack tool from your perpetrators. I have also analysed for you the probability of this happening by offering you inside on the way as well as the motives of cyber criminals.

In this article I am going to a different indication factor which is not that obvious; human psychology.

Thus, going a bit deeper the familiarity factor is a consideration point in the evaluation of scenarios probabilities.

Based on the way brain works most people will attempt things they are familiar with which in simple terms means that you will see more thieves targeting a house with alarm systems that are known to them rather than approaching houses with custom made alarm systems because there is an element of surprise they cannot afford in the limited time they have to perform their act. Thus using widely used software especially for your protection is increasing the probability of a cyber criminal being more familiar with it and results in high attempts to attack you in comparison with customized solutions.

On the other side of the coin are antivirus users who become comfortable with the fact that they are protected and that is the biggest deception of all.

I am very much against the principle that sporadic random solutions are solving your security problem. I have been asked in many situations to provide a tip or give an advice but due to this belief I now avoid it. You see security solutions come as a complete procedure not a tip there and a part on the other side. The deception of being protected because you got a tip or you covered a point of entry is such a big danger which is why I prefer you being prepared instead of comfortable.

Closing this article there is a very powerful factor I need to mention. Usually human factor is considered a liability but with the right guidance it can become an ally and when people are able to evaluate and be prepared for an attack is the best protection they can have. Humans as defence mechanism is the best failsafe mechanism you will ever have.

You see protection software, defence mechanisms and security measures and control are great. But all of them can fail. The only thing that cannot fail is your ability to be in control of the situation and your ability to deal with any attempted attack, at low cost and with ease.

If you want to read the first part of the article “The hidden dangers of our protection technology PART 1: Understanding Threat Mechanics” click here.

For the second part of the article “The hidden dangers of our protection technology PART 1: Understanding Threat Probability” click here.