How to be a cyber security expert, even if you are not a computer genius

Most people think that the road to becoming a cyber security expert starts with becoming a computer genius. This is wrong. In order to be a cyber security expert, you don't need to know how computers work. You can've been using computers for years and still not be a cyber security expert.

Let me tell you why.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting information and information systems from theft or damage to the hardware, software or data being processed, stored or transmitted. It involves implementing security measures to defend against network-borne attacks such as malware, ransomware, phishing, DDoS attacks and spam. Cybersecurity can also include protecting the integrity of data to ensure its accuracy and completeness.

Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for keeping systems running and secure from external threats. They are also in charge of monitoring networks for any suspicious activity that could potentially harm a company's finances or reputation. Cybersecurity experts often work in teams with other IT professionals to ensure that their company's information technology infrastructure is up-to-date with current security protocols and that their data is protected from outside attacks.

They may also be responsible for training employees on how to recognize potential cyber threats and how to prevent them from happening. While some companies have an entire department dedicated to cybersecurity, others may have just one person who takes care of all aspects of their IT infrastructure.

How do i know if i have been hacked?

If you are worried that your computer has been hacked, there are a few steps you can take to check. First, open up your web browser and go to Google.com. If the page loads normally, then your computer is not infected with malware or viruses. If the page does not load and instead redirects you to another website, this could be an indication of a problem with your computer’s configuration or with the network itself.

If this happens, try using another browser like Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge to see if it still happens. If it does not happen in one of these browsers, then it is likely that something is wrong with Chrome and not necessarily with your computer or network. If everything looks normal when you visit Google’s search engine but suddenly starts redirecting you to other websites when you try opening links on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, then there may be something wrong with one of those sites rather than with Google itself.

How do i protect myself from being hacked?

There are some simple things you can do to protect yourself from being hacked. Be careful what you click on. Don’t click on links in emails or text messages from people you don’t know, even if they seem to come from someone you do know. The same goes for attachments — don’t open them unless you are sure they are safe.

Use strong passwords. Make sure your passwords aren’t easy to guess, and change them regularly. If you use the same password for everything, consider using a password manager such as LastPass or 1Password so that you only have to remember one master password. Don't share your information online unless it's absolutely necessary.

If a website asks for personal information like your birthdate or phone number, think twice about providing it — even if it looks like a legitimate site or app. Also be careful about filling out forms on websites that ask for information like your email address or home address — this information could be used in phishing attacks against you later on down the road.

If something seems fishy, walk away from it!

Where should i go for more information?

If you are interested in cyber security, there are many ways to get started. Find out what is involved and what skills you will need. Get an overview of the field A good place to start is with a book or online course that provides an overview of the field.

For example, Introduction to Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business and Yourself by Greg Whiteley provides practical information about cyber security and how it fits into your life. The National Security Agency (NSA) offers a free online course in Introduction to Cybersecurity: An Overview for Non-Technical Users. The course covers basic concepts such as confidentiality, integrity and availability; identifies common attack types; discusses countermeasures; and explains how attackers use social engineering techniques to target individuals.

Find out what skills you need Ask yourself what skills you would need if someone were trying to hack into your computer or smartphone today. Would they be able to do so? If they could not get into your device without your permission, then you have done something right! However, if they could get into your device without permission then there is work to be done for both of us!

In A Word...

The cyber security field depends on a combination of people, processes and technology to work together effectively. This is what makes cyber security different than nearly any other industry. It's why there are so many excellent career options within the cyber security field despite being a relatively new development. There are many ways to advance your existing knowledge and skills in the various aspects of cyber security to build towards important cybersecurity roles within organizations.