🤖 AI & Tech
Cybersecurity Basics: Protect Yourself from Hackers
You don't need to be a tech expert to stay safe online. Here are the essential cybersecurity steps everyone should take.
Essential Security Steps
| Action | Difficulty | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| Use a password manager | Easy | High |
| Enable 2FA everywhere | Easy | Very High |
| Update software regularly | Easy | High |
| Don't click suspicious links | Easy | High |
| Use a VPN on public WiFi | Easy | Medium |
Password Best Practices
- Never reuse passwords: One breach = all accounts compromised
- Use long passwords: 16+ characters minimum
- Password manager: Bitwarden (free) or 1Password ($3/month)
- Unique email: Use different emails for important accounts
Common Scams to Avoid
- Phishing emails: Fake login pages from "your bank"
- SMS scams: "Your package is delayed" texts
- Calls from "IRS": IRS doesn't call demanding payment
- Romance scams: Online partners asking for money
The 30-minute security fix: 1) Install Bitwarden (5 min). 2) Change your top 10 passwords to unique ones (15 min). 3) Enable 2FA on email and banking (10 min). This takes 30 minutes and protects you from 90% of attacks.
The bottom line: Use a password manager, enable 2FA, update software, don't click suspicious links. These 4 steps protect you from 90% of attacks. Start with Bitwarden (free) + enable 2FA on email and banking today.