Cybersecurity is not an option for everyone who uses the internet. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting internet users as the internet becomes more integral to their daily lives. If your professional and/or personal life includes a lot of internet surfing, you're doubly at risk.
There are many reasons why personal cyber security is important. We'll be discussing some of them here.
1. An Attack Could Make You The Victim
Although anyone can be the victim of a cyberattack it is true that certain groups are more vulnerable than others. Attackers are more likely to target people who are in high-profile jobs or have access to sensitive information. It's important to take precautions online to ensure you don't fall under any of these categories.
2. It is Possible for Your Personal Information to be Compromised
Your personal information may be compromised if you are the victim of a cyberattack. Your name, address, and financial information could be compromised. This information could be used to commit fraud or identity theft if it is not secured properly. Some internet users will go to great lengths to sign up for professional cyber security services such as LifeLock. Is LifeLock worth it?, you should know that the Identity Theft Watchdog monitors your credit reports and bank accounts online 24 hours a day.
These services take the bulk of your cybersecurity burden off of your shoulders and help you protect your online activities in a way that is better than anything you could do on your own.
3. Your Accounts Could be Locked Out
You could lose your account access if they are hacked. You would be unable to access your accounts for any reason, such as checking your email, shopping online, or accessing social media accounts. This is because you might never be able to access your personal files.
4. Your Computer Could be Locked Down
It is much easier to recover from the loss if cyberattacks are restricted to accounts. In some cases, hackers may use malware to lock your computer. If you click on malicious links or download malware, this can happen. You won't have access to your computer until the ransom is paid. These attacks are known as ransomware and can be quite costly to get access to your computer.
5. Blackmail Could Happen to You
An attacker could attempt to blackmail you if they have access to sensitive information. They might threaten to release your information if you don't pay them or do something else.
6. Access to Vital Services Could be Denied
You could lose access to services if your personal information is compromised. You might be denied access to services such as a loan or apartment rental.
7. Identity Theft Could Happen to You
Identity theft refers to a form of fraud in which your personal information is stolen and used for fraudulent activities online or in real life. These criminal or fraudulent activities can cause irreversible damage and even permanent discredit to your reputation.
8. You Might be Sued
You could be sued if you have sensitive information about another person and it is released through a data breach. This applies especially if you have a legal obligation or contract to protect this information. If you're a lawyer, and data breaches result in information being leaked to your clients, you could face legal action.
Get Your Personal Cyber Security Journey Started
These are just a few reasons personal cybersecurity is so important. The stakes are very high, as you can see. Protecting yourself and your family requires you to take proactive steps to improve your personal cybersecurity. Get started today on improving your personal cybersecurity. It will be a great decision that you'll be proud of.