Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Business

By Clark Easterling, SilverSky

May 2023

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue in recent years as the number of cyberattacks and data breaches continues to rise. It is not just a problem for big corporations or governments; cybersecurity is everyone’s business. No matter who you are, where you work or what you do, you are at risk of becoming a victim of a cyberattack. In this article, we will discuss why cybersecurity is everyone’s business and what you can do to protect yourself.

First, we will define what cybersecurity is. Cybersecurity refers to the measures that are taken to protect computers, networks and other electronic devices from unauthorized access, attack or damage. It includes everything from securing your email account to protecting your company’s confidential data.

One of the reasons why cybersecurity is everyone’s business is that we are all connected to the internet in some way or another. We use the internet to shop, communicate, bank, and work, among other things. This interconnectedness means that a cyberattack on one person or organization can have a ripple effect on others. For example, if your email account is hacked, the attacker could use it to send spam or phishing emails to your contacts. This could lead to more people being hacked, and the cycle could continue.

Another reason why cybersecurity is everyone’s business is that cyber threats are constantly evolving. Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. This means that we need to be vigilant and stay up to date with the latest threats and trends in cybersecurity. It is not enough to rely on antivirus software or firewalls alone; we need to be proactive in our approach to cybersecurity.

What can you do to protect yourself and make cybersecurity your business? Here are some tips:

1. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Make sure your passwords are difficult to guess and use two-factor authentication wherever possible. This will add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
2. Keep your software up to date: Software updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities in the software. Make sure you keep your software up to date to ensure that you are protected.
3. Be wary of phishing emails: Phishing emails are designed to look like legitimate emails from reputable organizations. They often ask you to click on a link or enter your personal information. Be wary of these emails and never click on a link unless you are sure it is legitimate.
4. Use a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help protect your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
5. Backup your data: Make sure you regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This will ensure that you can still access your data if your computer or device is hacked or damaged.

In conclusion, cybersecurity is everyone’s business because we are all connected to the internet and at risk of becoming a victim of a cyberattack. It is important that we take appropriate measures to protect ourselves and stay up to date with the latest threats and trends in cybersecurity. By following the tips above, you can help protect yourself and make cybersecurity your business.

Connect with SilverSky to learn more.

About SilverSky

As a CUNA Strategic Services-approved cybersecurity provider, SilverSky has protected credit unions and other financial institutions for more than twenty years.