You often hear the term “Cyber Security” thrown around, especially as of late with more devices becoming internet-enabled and cyber-attacks rising. However, do you know what the definition of Cyber Security is?

No really, most people respond to that question “Yes, cyber security deals with hacking a computer system.” My favorite is they have an image of a hooded character in the dark, on a laptop, trying to hack launch codes for the next Mission Impossible!

Cyber Security: Defined

At OQPS, we define Cyber Security as “The digital protection of physical and digital information systems/IT assets”. Really, this just means you’re protecting your device from unauthorized access. This includes something as simple as placing a password on your smart device or as complex as installing & implementing an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to search for particular signatures-based attacks.

Early Education for Cyber Security

I am a strong advocate for Cyber Security being taught early on in first and secondary schools. Many of the next generation (I sound old, 90’s baby) are growing up with a smart device within arm’s reach at very early ages. Virtual learning brought on by the pandemic has solidified smart devices in almost every school across the nation. I wonder, how many of these students received security awareness training to protect them from cyberattacks or other dangerous threats across the internet? This ultimately raises the risk of a cyber-attack across an entire school system (saving this topic for another blog in the future). Not to mention the alarming number of senior citizens who have NEVER received any cyber security training, but they handle much more sensitive information than children like social security, Medicare, etc.

The potential risks mentioned do not even scratch the surface of how exposed our homes and businesses are to cyber-attacks. Just think about the disadvantages of not having any formal training about how to protect yourself and your smart device. The best approach to changing the cyberculture is to educate as early as kindergarten and to be proactive with consistent security awareness trainings for both the protection of your home and business.  

Cyber security is a foundational aspect of the internet, with the introduction of the Metaverse, cryptocurrency, and NFT’s we need to become proactive and vigilant about protecting our data from the threats and vulnerabilities that exist online.  If you think about it, before almost any task you are given some type of formal training on the do’s and don’ts to abide by. Using the internet should not be any different. As technology has evolved rapidly, our education about security awareness has not. Our Cyber Security Awareness must increase if we aim to protect ourselves and our businesses from new aged threats.

Cyber Security Sources:

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