Every time we’re online, whether we’re making accounts, purchasing something or even just browsing, our personal data is at risk. Hackers are waiting in the dark, waiting for the opportune time to take whatever information they are able to get their hands on. Ranging from our bank information, credit card information, our social security number, personal addresses or confidential documents- they can prosper from anything they gain from us. They take the information they gain and sell it on the dark web, or the underground marketplace. In the year 2020 alone, the U.S had an average cost of 8.64 million in data breaches alone. This is why IT (information technology) security and cybersecurity measures are so important to our online safety. It’s not just individuals at risk either, businesses both small and large are also at risk for getting hacked. Compromised customer files and accounts lead to a lack of customer trust, fines, and possible legal action against companies. Lack of in-house knowledge of security systems and shoddy technology amplifies data breach costs, which is why is it very important to have a cybersecurity strategy and practice online safety- even as individuals on the web. Strong countermeasures against hackers can include critical infrastructure security, network and application security, cloud and information security, as well as storage and mobile security. Everyone should be on the lookout for potential threats such as malware (worms, viruses, trojans), ransomware, phishing, and other attack methods used by hackers. Suspicious emails, links, and websites should be avoided at all costs, and if you’re ever at the point where you’re wondering ‘is this link/email legit’ then don’t trust it. Trust your gut and avoid having anything to do with that link/email.
The use of technology has risen over the years, with the creation of the world wide web, smaller computers/tablets, and access to the internet on our mobile phones. With proper knowledge of digital laws, human rights, and how to protect ourselves from hackers and fraud, we can all browse safely on the internet. Students, younger children, and older individuals not familiar with the risks are most at risk of being targeted or accidentally stumbling upon a corrupt link or site. That’s not to say your everyday 34-year-old soccer mom or the 41-year-old store manager wouldn’t have the same risk either, because they would. Elderly individuals are often targets due to their age and unfamiliarity with what hackers are capable of. Children and students are at risk because they don’t even think about the risks, as most of the time they don’t know there is a risk. Knowing how to protect ourselves and our loved ones online from any threat is definitely a good idea. For parents, keep an eye on what sites your children visit, putting a limit to internet access and ensuring that who they’re communicating are legit are the best ways to keep them safe. Having blocks on certain sites would also be beneficial, as you can’t always look over their shoulder at what sites they are visiting. Also ensuring they don’t get ahold of any of your bank information and attempt to ‘buy’ something online is extremely important, as that ‘purchase’ could be a corrupted site- and then all of your banking information (and money) are gone. Digital citizenship education for all, not just young children, is very important and would help everyone be safer online.