How much cybersecurity do you really need to know?

We've seen countless cyberattacks this year, from social networks to logistics companies. No matter your level of tech expertise, you need to learn about cybersecurity.

“But Ronny, how much do I really need to know? Do I have to be an expert in everything?”        

For beginners:

1. Basic concepts: Understand what malware, phishing, ransomware, and other common terms are. Identifying these threats is the first step.
2. Passwords and authentication: Use strong passwords and consider two-factor authentication (2FA) to beef up the security of your accounts.
3. Software updates: Always keep your software and operating systems up to date. Many vulnerabilities are patched through these updates.
4. Data backup: Regularly back up your data. This way, if something goes wrong, you won’t lose critical information.

For those already in the field:

1. Network security: Learn about firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS (intrusion detection/prevention systems). Knowing how to lock down a network is crucial.
2. Penetration testing: Get familiar with basic penetration testing (pentesting) techniques. This helps you find and fix vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
3. Encryption: Understand the principles of encryption and how it protects data in transit and at rest.
4. Security policies: Learn how to craft and implement security policies within an organization. This includes everything from safe device usage to permission management.

For experienced pros:

1. Incident response: Know how to quickly and effectively respond to security incidents. This includes identifying, containing, and eradicating threats.
2. Threat intelligence: Stay up to date with the latest threats and trends. Use threat intelligence to predict and prevent attacks.
3. Cloud security: With the growing shift to the cloud, it’s vital to understand the best security practices for cloud services.
4. Security automation: Use automation tools to monitor and respond to security incidents in real-time, boosting efficiency and cutting down response time.

“But Ronny, do I need to know all this only if I want to work in the field, right?”        

Today, new "programmers" are born every minute. So, anything you can use as ammunition to stand out in your career is worth it, right?