We are living in a time where almost everything is digital. The technology we use is evolving incredibly fast, and it feels like AI is about to take over the world. In comparison, cyber security might not seem like the most exciting topic. So, you might be thinking: Is cybersecurity still important?
How much would you lose if your account was hacked, and all your personal information was shared with the world? Or what if all your money was stolen from your bank account? In fact, cyber security has never been more important. Let’s look at the reasons why it matters and what you can do to increase your cyber security knowledge.
What is cyber security, and why should you care?
At its core, cyber security is about digital protection against threats. It includes protecting your devices, accounts, and data from the bad guys who are trying to steal it for their own malicious purposes. Think about how often you browse the web, mindlessly scroll on social media, or log on to your banking app. Now think about all that information – your bank details, personal photos, private messages, etc. What if someone was able to access all of it?
Cyberattacks occur every minute worldwide and they aren’t only targeting businesses, they’re targeting you too. If you’re wondering whether cyber security is still relevant, remember that data has become a modern currency, and hackers are eager to get their hands on it. Hackers are always looking for opportunities to get access to your information. Therefore, cyber security is a necessity for anyone who uses the internet. And yes, you should care.
Why cyber security is still important
You may not be convinced that cyber security is important yet. Let’s look at three reasons to help you understand why we need it:
- Your personal information is valuable. You can compare your personal information to digital gold. Hackers are adapting their techniques to get their hands on that gold. Cybercriminals can use stolen data (your data) to commit fraud, steal your identity, or sell your information on the dark web.
- Technology is evolving. Technologies like cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are advancing rapidly. We’ve seen how quickly AI is being adopted not only by businesses, but by individuals too (think of ChatGPT). While this has its benefits, it also introduces risk because hackers are using these tools as part of their attacks.
- Protecting society. Cyber security isn’t just about individual safety; it’s a global issue. Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure can have devastating effects. It’s not difficult to understand the impact a cyberattack can have on a hospital, airport, or power grid. We have become so dependent on technology that we are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than ever before.
Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. But where do we begin? Let’s look at a few steps to stay safe online.
What can you do to stay safe?
Start with the basics, no one becomes a cyber guru overnight. Here are some simple steps you can take today:
- Use strong passwords: Create strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Don’t use common passwords like “123456” or “Password123”.
- Use multifactor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling MFA. This adds a verification step and makes it harder for someone to access your account.
- Update your software: Updates are released to fix vulnerabilities that hackers might use to attack you. Don’t ignore updates, ensure that you check for new updates regularly. Better yet, enable automatic updates to remove manual checks.
- Be cyber-aware: Improve your cyber security knowledge. Begin with understanding phishing. Ensure that you can easily spot the signs of a phishing email. And don’t click links or download attachments from unknown senders.
Cyber security is for you, me, and everyone
Regardless of your stage in life, cyber security should matter to you. You need to be aware of how it could impact you and what you can do to prevent attacks. The best way to begin your journey is by understanding the basics. Improve your awareness, be cyber-savvy, and build good habits. Each step you take improves your online protection.
So, is cyber security still important? Yes, it absolutely is. Staying safe online is just as important as locking your doors at night. Take control of your personal cyber security and help others on their journey to becoming more secure.
