David Norlin

Submitted photo

Your smartphone, laptop and smart home devices are like open windows to your personal life. Cybercriminals constantly look for ways to climb through these windows.

Remember the last time you got a suspicious email or a weird text message? That’s cybercrime in action. Cybersecurity awareness means knowing not to open that email or click that link. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s talk about why this matters to you and how recent cyber attacks affect your daily life.

As the chief technology officer at Lumifi, I lead our Security Operations Center in Scottsdale, where we work around the clock to prevent, detect and respond to cyber-attacks. My team and I see firsthand how these threats evolve and impact both large companies and individual consumers. When a major corporation falls victim to a cyber attack, the ripple effects often reach your doorstep. Your personal data, financial information and daily routines all face disruption.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport felt the effects. Imagine showing up for your flight and finding out the systems are down due to a software glitch. This reveals how interconnected our digital world is and how a single technical problem can disrupt your daily routine.

Recent high-profile cybersecurity incidents offer valuable lessons

1. 23andMe and the power of a strong password: The 23andMe breach in October 2023 revealed another critical aspect of cybersecurity: the power of strong, unique passwords. Hackers accessed nearly 7 million user profiles by exploiting weak and reused passwords. This incident shows why using the same password across multiple accounts is like using the same key for your house, car and office. A password manager creates and stores complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts, significantly boosting your online security.

2. American Express and regularly monitoring accounts for suspicious activity: March 2024 saw American Express face a data breach involving a third-party merchant processor. This incident exposed card account numbers, names, and expiration dates of some cardholders. While American Express’s internal systems remained secure, the breach highlights the risks associated with third-party vendors. This incident teaches us to monitor our accounts regularly for suspicious activity, even with trusted financial institutions. Set up account alerts, review your statements carefully, and report any unauthorized charges immediately. Remember, your vigilance is a crucial line of defense in protecting your financial information.

3. Kaiser Permanente and safeguarding sensitive information: The Kaiser Permanente data breach in April 2024 exposed a hidden risk in many websites, including healthcare portals, compromising the sensitive medical information of approximately 13.4 million patients. The culprit? Small pieces of code from outside companies, often used for website analytics or advertising. These codes can sometimes access more information than intended. This incident highlights the importance of being cautious about the data we share online, even on seemingly secure platforms. When using healthcare portals or any site that handles sensitive information, be mindful of what you input. Regularly review your privacy settings and consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for an extra layer of protection.

Protecting yourself the next time there’s a big data breach or outage

Cybersecurity isn’t just for big companies. It’s a shared responsibility that affects us all. When major corporations face breaches or outages, it’s a reminder that our digital world is interconnected.

Your personal data, from social media accounts to online banking, is valuable and vulnerable. Take control of your digital security by enabling Multi-Factor Authentication, using unique passwords for each account, and staying alert to phishing attempts. Regular software updates and data backups add extra layers of protection.

By implementing these practices, you create a stronger defense against cyber threats, even when large-scale incidents occur. Remember, in the digital age, your cybersecurity awareness is your best shield against online threats.

Editor’s note: David Norlin is chief technology officer of Lumifi, a Scottsdale-based cybersecurity firm. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.