Hunter S. Smit

Published in The Spokesman Review on September 2, 2022, as a Letter to the Editor.

The term cybersecurity can be ambiguous. Occasionally, complacency becomes standard, assuming an incident cannot be severe or happen. Research indicates cyberattacks, such as DDoS, malware, ransomware and account takeover are increasing in popularity. As frequency increases, malicious groups are utilizing AI to extend sophistication and reach.

For example, a house is as secure as its weakest point. An open window and a locked door with a key under the mat are vulnerabilities. Organizations should prioritize strong security measures, tools and training to prevent breaches of business critical applications and customer information.

Individuals can use elaborate passwords, multifactor authentication, update software and exercise caution when signing up for services. However, they’re protecting a single window. The organization providing the service must implement security services, practices, modern systems and leadership to proactively defend against threats.

General awareness of breach and attack severity is vital. We’ve all heard, “I don’t have anything to hide.” But we do want control and visibility over messages, photos, financial and health data, identifiable information, doorbell cameras and location. We don’t want unknown individuals searching our homes and filing cabinets. Today, people have more personal information on their smartphones than in their homes. When malicious groups gain access to one’s data, it’s used with hostile intent.

Commitment to cybersecurity should be shared between lawmakers, vendors, users, organizations and law enforcement. It must be a societal foundational building block to prevent attacks. We choose our priorities. Let’s keep our digital lives safe with proactive security awareness and implementation.