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Welcome to the wild web, where the threats are real, but the solutions are just a click away. Today, we’re diving into the world of cybersecurity. Buckle up because it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
First things first, let’s talk about passwords. We all have that one friend who uses “password123” for everything, right? Well, don’t be that friend. In the words of cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier, “The only secure password is the one you can’t remember” (Schneier, 2011). So, get yourself a password manager and let it do the remembering for you. Trust me, it’s like having a personal assistant for your digital life, without the coffee runs.
Ticketmaster had a severe data breach linked to Ticketmaster log-in data that was exposed on other websites and used on its web page. This event calls for one to step back and ensure that robust and unique passwords are used for each of your internet platforms. The story is that DailyQuiz, the last one to go, fell prey to a data breach in 2021. Often, leaky passwords were the main factor, implying that passwords should be unbreakable.
Now, let’s talk about phishing. No, not the kind with a rod and bait. We’re talking about the kind where someone tries to trick you with a fake email or website. You know, like when a Nigerian prince emails you out of the blue with a too-good-to-be-true offer. As Frank Abagnale, the real-life inspiration behind the movie ‘Catch Me If You Can ‘, once said, “If you believe you have a foolproof system, you’ve failed to take into consideration the creativity of fools” (Abagnale, n.d.).
Phishing attacks have become a widespread method for hackers to launch a successful attack since they are easy and save time and effort. Let me tell you a story. Two big companies were hypnotized to waste $100 million between 2013 and 2015 using advanced email phishing. The phisher decided to take advantage of the fact that both companies purchased their products: Quanta, a Tawain-based company. Besides that, the notorious phishing attack WannaCry Ransomware in 2017 is worth noting. This message is a global cause of ransomware infection to approximately 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries. The potential losses that the WannaCry virus could cause are up to $4 billion for various organizations. The attack is considered one of the most expensive ransomware. Scary, right? That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant.
Now, let’s talk about something that might surprise you: public Wi-Fi. It’s convenient, sure, but it’s also a hacker’s paradise. As cybersecurity guru Kevin Mitnick warns, “If you’re using open wireless at a coffee shop or the airport, you’re basically broadcasting your data to anyone who cares to listen. I would use a VPN service that you could subscribe to for ten bucks a month. Everything is encrypted in an encryption tunnel, so a hacker cannot tamper with your connection” (Mitnick, n.d.). So, next time you’re tempted to connect to that free Wi-Fi, think twice.
Lastly, let’s talk about updates. Yes, they’re annoying, and yes, they take forever. But they’re also your best defense against online threats. As tech journalist Brian Krebs says, “If you installed it, update it!” (Krebs, n.d.).
So there you have it, folks. A crash course in cybersecurity served with a side of humor. Stay safe out there, and remember, the best offense is a good defense!
