Cybersecurity is no longer an optional maneuver for every internet user out there. As the internet permeates more and more of our daily lives, so also do we become more vulnerable to attacks from the criminal elements on the internet. And if your personal and/or professional life involves spending large amounts of time on the internet, then you are doubly vulnerable.
There are a wide variety of reasons that your personal cyber security is so important and we’ll be looking at some of them here.
1. You could be the target of an attack.
While it’s true that anyone can be the target of a cyberattack, certain groups are more likely to be targeted than others. For example, individuals who work in high-profile occupations or who have access to sensitive information are often targeted by attackers. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s even more important to take steps to protect yourself online.
2. Your personal information could be compromised.
If you’re the victim of a cyberattack, either directly targeted or as part of a larger attack, your personal information could be compromised. This includes your name, address, Social Security number, and financial information. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could be used to commit identity theft or fraud. This is why some internet users go the extra mile to subscribe to professional cyber security services like LifeLock. If you’re wondering “is LifeLock worth it?“, keep in mind that the identity theft watchdog monitors your credit reports, bank accounts, and personal information online 24/7.
Using these services takes the majority of the burden of maintaining your cybersecurity measures off your neck and helps you secure your online activities to a better degree than you could do by yourself.
3. You could lose access to your accounts.
If your accounts are hacked, you could lose access to them. This means you wouldn’t be able to use them for anything, including checking your e-mail, accessing your social media accounts, or shopping online. What makes this painful is the number of personal files you may never be able to get back.
4. You could be locked out of your computer.
If cyber attacks are limited to accounts, it is easier to get over the loss. However, in some cases, attackers will use malware to lock you out of your own computer. This can happen if you click on a malicious link or download malware. Once your computer is locked, you won’t be able to access it until you pay a ransom. These types of attacks are called ransomware and they can cost you quite a pretty penny to recover access to your systems.
5. You could be blackmailed.
If an attacker has access to sensitive information about you, they could try to blackmail you. They could threaten to release this information unless you pay them money or do something else that they want.
6. You could be denied access to important services.
If your personal information is compromised, you could be denied access to important services. For example, you might not be able to get a loan or rent an apartment.
7. You could be exposed to identity theft.
Identity theft is a type of fraud where your personal information is stolen and used to carry out activities either on the internet or in real life. These activities are usually fraudulent or outright criminal and can cause irreversible damage to your reputation.
8. You could be sued.
If you are in possession of sensitive information about other people and the information is leaked through a data breach, you could be sued. This is especially true if you have a professional obligation or a contract to keep this information secure. For example, if you are a lawyer and information about your clients gets leaked through a data breach, there is a very high chance that legal steps will be taken against you.
Start Your Personal Cyber Security Journey Today
These are just some of the reasons why personal cybersecurity is so important. As you can see, the stakes are high. If you want to protect yourself and your family, you need to be proactive about your personal cybersecurity. So get started taking steps to improve your personal cybersecurity today. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Thanks for reading this article. If you're new here, why don't you subscribe for regular updates via RSS feed or via email. You can also subscribe by following @techsling on Twitter or becoming our fan on Facebook. Thanks for visiting!
