What Does It Mean to Be Cybersavvy?
The world is evolving rapidly, and everything has gone online or is about to. Without the ability to navigate this fast-paced and interconnected world, you can fall behind or suffer a cyberattack, especially as cybercriminals are quite persistent.
Being cybersavvy is essential. What does it mean to be cybersavvy, and how can you gain this must-have skill?
What Does Cybersavvy Mean?
Being cybersavvy simply means having the knowledge and skills to stay safe online.
You’re cybersavvy if you’re able to use digital devices and navigate digital platforms effectively while staying conscious of potential digital threats and security concerns.
Understanding cyberspace has become increasingly crucial because, while online, one is prone to many digital security threats and concerns. Most of these concerns come from cybercriminals.
Bad actors continuously step up their game. And with the trove of information available on social media, it’s now easier to take over accounts, guess passwords, and deceive unsuspecting victims.
6 Habits and Skills of a Cybersavvy Individual
A cybersavvy person possesses some skills and habits that help them navigate the digital space without falling prey to malicious actors.
1. Online Safety
It has become increasingly essential to be aware of our online activities. A cybersavvy person will be mindful of clicking on suspicious links, downloading files from unrecognized sources, and sharing delicate information. This is how a person who understands the volatility of the digital space would operate to keep themselves safe.
2. Ethical Behavior
A person who understands the digital space knows to think before they post; they are mindful of the potential impacts of their words and actions. Cybersavvy people promote a safe digital space for all, discouraging harassment, cyberbullying, and discrimination. They also treat others with respect, understand their differences, and uphold good digital citizenship.
3. Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy
A person who understands the digital space possesses the ability to critically evaluate and analyze every piece of online information they come across. They don’t just accept everything; they question the sources, verify their facts, and know that there are numerous misinformation and fake news sources online.
They refrain from spreading unverified information, contributing to an online community of responsible and informed digital citizens.
4. Privacy Awareness
A person who is internet savvy takes their online privacy very seriously. They take the time to review or go through privacy settings on social media platforms and other online services, ensuring that what they share with the public is safe.
5. Regular Software Updates and Antivirus Protection
Regularly updating software and installing security updates is a habit of a cyber-conscious person. They have reputable antivirus software installed and keep it updated to protect their devices from malware and other cyberattacks.
6. Strong Password Management
Using unique and complex passwords for your online accounts goes a long way toward deterring online threats to your account. Regularly updating and protecting passwords using a combination of symbols, letters, and numbers is something a cybersavvy person would take seriously.
Also, cybersavvy individuals who can’t keep track of all their passwords usethe safest password manager for their devices.
How to Develop and Practice Cybersavvy Skills and Habits Online
You’ve probably heard that “prevention is better than a cure.” While wearing a face mask and sanitizing your hands can help protect against a disease outbreak, they aren’t the only precautions to take.
According to anINTERPOL assessment, there was a spike in cybercrime after the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased online dependency. With increasing cyberattacks and incidents worldwide, developing robust cybersavvy skills and habits can help keep you safe online.
Here’s how you can develop these skills and habits to ensure your safety online:
While Using Social Media
To develop and practice cybersavvy skills and habits on social media, you must:
While Working Remotely
Here’s how you can become a cybersavvy remote worker:
While Taking Classes or Learning Online
Taking lessons online is now very common. And you’ll likely be required to share some sensitive information. So here are some things a cybersavvy person would be mindful of and practice:
The Digital Landscape Can Be Safer With More Cybersavvy Individuals
Understanding cyberspace is a continuous learning process. To maintain an advantage, you must stay informed about emerging threats, online best practices, and new technologies.
If you’re a cybersavvy person or want to become one, remember to seek old and new information constantly. This will help to keep the internet safer for you and the people around you.
Cybersecurity can be an ambiguous term, but it has become a vital part of our lives.
OneDrive is one of the best, but it has a catch.
These are the best free movies I found on Tubi, but there are heaps more for you to search through.
Tor spoiled me forever.
Flagship price, mid-range phone.
Your phone’s camera app doesn’t show this, so it’s easy to miss.
