Where do I begin on my personal cyber hygiene journey?

Thank you for participating in my survey. Fifty percent of you mentioned that one of the biggest obstacles to starting personal cyber hygiene is not knowing where to begin.

It all starts with adopting the right mindset. In this conversation between Amber and James, we explore how James can assist his friend, who recently experienced a cyber breach, with guidance from Amber.

If you're curious about James's experiences with cybersecurity, they are extensively detailed in my book, You Are Being Watched. This narrative provides valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of digital security.

Amber is sitting in her study, working on a proposal for a client. Her desk is cluttered with papers, and her laptop's screen glows with lines of text. The room is bathed in soft afternoon light filtering through the window. James walks in, his steps hesitant, aware of how busy she is.

James stands outside Amber's study, gently knocking on the door. He peeks in and says, "Hey, Amber, do you have a moment to talk?"

Amber looks up from her laptop and smiles, saying, "For you, always. What's going on?"

James steps in, looking a bit sheepish. "I know you're really busy, but I need your help. A friend of mine got hacked, and I want to assist him. I was hoping you could coach me as I gather my thoughts to put together a plan to help him," he says, recalling how Amber had helped him when his account was compromised.

James sits down, visibly relieved. "Thanks, dear. So, what's the first thing I need to do to help him?" he asks.

Amber leans back, gathering her thoughts before speaking to James. "First, we need to understand his mindset towards cybersecurity. Does he think it's a waste of time or merely an inconvenience? Does he believe he has nothing of value that hackers would want? It's crucial to help him adopt the right mindset, just as you did. Stress that cybersecurity isn't a one-time fix but a continuous process. Getting this right is essential as the starting point to improving his personal security hygiene."

James nods thoughtfully, resting his chin on his hand. "Okay, that makes sense. I'll find out what his mindset and attitude are. Knowing that will make it easier to help him along his cybersecurity journey."

Amber quickly interjected, "Only if he maintains an open mindset, wants to be helped, and is prepared to do what it takes to protect himself." She added, "This change in mindset will give him the conviction to overcome whatever obstacles he faces."

In a warm and encouraging tone, Amber added, "You can share your personal experience, how you struggled with your attitude and mindset towards cybersecurity, how and why you decided to change, and what you were prepared to do and actually did. Also, share with him the benefits of your efforts and the ongoing challenges of staying up-to-date in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity."

Amber said, "Identifying the cause of his cyber breach will be helpful. Ask him what he lost. Has he made a police report? Has he informed the bank to monitor for abnormal expenses or fund withdrawals? By asking questions to retrace his activities and analysing them, you should be able to identify possible scenarios that might have led to the compromise."

James, taking notes, said, "Understood."

Amber continued, cautioning James to be empathetic, "Don't overwhelm him with information. Ask questions to understand, and keep reiterating to ensure you grasp his answers. Remember, he might not be in a listening state of mind. His probable thoughts could be, 'Why me?' or 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Someone must have done this to me!' or 'How could I have been so stupid?' and so on."

She added, "Don't be surprised if he cuts you off and says harshly, 'What are you going to do to help me, James?' He may also express frustration, saying, 'I don't see how what you're telling me will help my situation,' and stressing the need for an urgent recovery plan instead."

She continued, "If he reacts this way, explain that making a police report and asking the bank to monitor his funds are the first steps to prevent further losses. Conducting an assessment of what happened helps contain the situation. It prevents the same thing from happening again by the same means."

"What he needs is a friend who can be there for him. And if you need my help, just let me know," Amber reassured.

James responded with a smile. "I know, dear. As you described the steps I could take to help him, memories of what happened to me and my harsh attitude towards you came flooding back. I know I wasn't easy on you, even though you had my best interests at heart. I want to do my best to help my friend. I think I have enough information for now."

The room was filled with the soft glow of the afternoon sun, casting warm hues on the walls. James slowly rose from the chair, holding his notebook, the weight of responsibility evident in his eyes. Amber walked around from her table, her footsteps light and deliberate. She reached out and enveloped him in a warm embrace, whispering softly in his ear, "James, I am so proud of you. You have come a long way."

Over to you.

Thank you for participating in my survey. Half of you revealed that one of the biggest obstacles to starting personal cyber hygiene is not knowing where to begin. Let's take a moment to reflect on this.

It all starts with adopting the right mindset. Picture yourself like James, who, with Amber's guidance, began to understand the importance of cybersecurity after a friend's cyber breach. James realised that embracing cybersecurity isn't a one-time fix but a continuous, evolving process. Like James, your journey starts with recognising the value of what you need to protect and the real threats that exist.

Reflect on your own attitudes towards digital security. Do you see it as a tedious chore or a necessary safeguard? Remember, every small step you take towards better cyber hygiene is a step towards protecting your personal information and digital life. Are you ready to begin this crucial journey?

Please share your views in the comments.

Thank you, and stay safe. Stay cyber-safe.

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