Every 39 seconds, hackers attack someone’s computer or network. Cyber threats are relentless, lurking in the digital shadows, poised to strike unsuspecting victims like virtual predators in an online jungle. From phishing scams disguised as legitimate emails to sophisticated malware attacks capable of crippling entire systems, the dangers are real and ever-present.
Cyber threats don’t discriminate based on occupation, income or technological prowess. Whether you’re a tech-savvy professional or someone simply using the internet to stay connected with friends and family, you are a potential target for cybercriminals.
Understanding the stakes of cyber insecurity
Data breaches in the United States increased by 72% between 2021 and 2023, affecting more than 353 million individuals, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.
Unauthorized credit card charges from a data breach can saddle you with major fraudulent debt, ruining your finances and credit score. Alternatively, cybercriminals could completely take over your online identity, using your personal details to open bank accounts and secure loans under your name, burying you in illegitimate debt that spirals out of control. These are not hypothetical scenarios but harsh realities faced by millions of individuals yearly.
Cyber attacks like the 2013 Yahoo data breach, where hackers accessed personal info from over 3 billion accounts, including names, emails and phone numbers, or the 2018 Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, which exposed how millions of individuals’ personal data was harvested without consent, are just two among numerous instances of data breaches over the past decade.
In 2024 alone, major companies like T-Mobile and Bank of America reported significant breaches affecting millions, highlighting the lasting impact and urgency for security measures. These examples illustrate the real-world consequences of cyber insecurity and underscore the need for individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves against online threats.
Cybersecurity best practices you can start today
Fortunately, adopting simple yet effective cybersecurity best practices can help reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats. Here are some steps you can start implementing today:
Use strong, unique passwords
Cost: Low
Time: Low
Difficulty: Low
Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” or “password.” Instead, create complex passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.
Tip: Consider using a reputable password manager like LastPass or 1Password to securely store and generate unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Cost: Low/Medium
Time: Low
Difficulty: Medium
MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access. Typically, MFA involves one of three types of additional information: something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (like a smartphone or security token) or something you are (fingerprints or voice recognition).
Tip: Whenever possible, use authentication apps or hardware tokens for MFA instead of relying solely on SMS or email-based codes, as they offer stronger security against phishing attacks.
Enable two-factor authentication
Cost: Low
Time: Low
Difficulty: Low
In addition to MFA, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible. 2FA requires a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, in addition to your password, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your accounts.
Stay vigilant against phishing
Cost: Low
Time: Low
Difficulty: Low
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts or phone calls asking for personal or financial information. When in doubt, contact the supposed sender directly through official channels to verify the authenticity of the communication.
Tip: Look out for red flags such as spelling errors, generic greetings and urgent demands for action.
Keep your software updated
Cost: Low
Time: Medium
Difficulty: Low
Regularly update your operating system, antivirus software, web browsers and other applications to patch security vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can exploit outdated software to gain unauthorized access to your devices or steal sensitive information.
Tip: Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure your software stays current without requiring manual intervention.
Practice safe browsing habits
Cost: Low
Time: Low
Difficulty: Low
When shopping or banking online, look for the “ prefix in the website’s URL, which indicates that the connection is secure and encrypted. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
Tip: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to encrypt your internet traffic.
Backup your data regularly
Cost: Low
Time: Low/Medium
Difficulty: Low/Medium
In the event of a ransomware attack or data breach, having a recent backup of your important files can be a lifesaver. This helps ensure you can quickly restore your data and minimize the impact on your operations or personal life.
Tip: Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox or external hard drives to regularly back up your photos, documents and other valuable data.
Use antivirus and anti-malware software
Cost: Low/Medium
Time: Medium
Difficulty: Low/Medium
Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices and keep them updated. These tools can detect and remove malicious programs, protecting your system from various types of cyber threats, such as viruses, trojans and ransomware.
Regularly monitor financial accounts
Cost: Low
Time: Medium
Difficulty: Medium
Routinely monitoring bank statements, credit card transactions and credit reports for any unauthorized or suspicious activities, as early detection can minimize potential damage from identity theft or financial fraud.
Security awareness training
Cost: Low/Medium
Time: Medium/High
Difficulty: Medium/High
Investing time in educating oneself about common cyber threats, phishing techniques and social engineering tactics. This enables individuals to recognize and avoid potential scams and fraudulent activities.
Take control of your digital destiny
Cybersecurity is not just a concern for IT professionals or cybersecurity experts; it’s a responsibility that falls on every individual interacting online. Implementing these cybersecurity best practices can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber threats and help protect your digital life against malicious actors.
Maryville University’s online bachelor’s in cybersecurity and master’s in cybersecurity can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to combat cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure. Whether you’re looking to start a career in cybersecurity or enhance your existing skill set, explore our accredited programs to take the next step toward securing a safer digital future.
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