Why Everyone Needs Basic Cybersecurity Skills — Not Just Tech People

A few years ago, I received an urgent message from my younger cousin.

“My Instagram got hacked. I can’t log in. The hacker is messaging people pretending to be me!”

It seemed like a small thing — a social media account gone rogue. But that account had personal photos, DMs, and links to her email. Within a few days, the same hacker had tried to access her bank account using forgotten passwords and linked recovery emails.

She wasn't a tech person. She was a university student, like many others. But what happened to her made me realize something powerful:

In 2025, basic cybersecurity skills are just as important as knowing how to read and write.

Let’s talk about why — and what you can do, even if you don’t consider yourself “technical.”

Story: The Price of Ignoring Cybersecurity

I once worked with a small business owner in Rwanda who sold handcrafted items online. She was talented, hardworking, and focused on getting more orders through Instagram and WhatsApp.

One day, she received an email that looked like it came from her delivery service asking her to update her payment info. She clicked the link, entered her details... and within hours, someone had accessed her bank account and transferred out most of her earnings.

She lost nearly 6 months of savings.

When I asked her why she didn’t double-check the email, she said:

“I didn’t know it was fake. I thought these things only happen to big companies.”

That mindset — that only “tech people” or “big companies” are at risk — is dangerous in today’s world.

Read:  How to Get a Free Cybersecurity Certificate from MIT (And Is It Really Worth It?)

Why Cybersecurity Isn’t Just for Tech People

In the past, cybersecurity was something for IT departments or ethical hackers. But things have changed. Now:

• We all have smartphones, email, banking apps, social media accounts.

• We’re constantly connected — at work, at school, and even in bed.

• Scammers don’t need to be technical geniuses. They just need to trick one person.

You don't need to be a hacker to understand phishing, strong passwords, or how to avoid suspicious links.

If you use a device that connects to the internet, you’re a target — and that’s not to scare you. It’s to empower you.

Real Examples of Common Cyber Threats

Here are some real-world attacks that affect non-tech users every day:

1. Phishing Emails and Messages

You receive an email from your bank, asking you to “confirm your login.” But the link leads to a fake website.

Fix: Always double-check the URL and never click suspicious links. If unsure, call the bank directly.

2. Public Wi-Fi Attacks

You connect to free Wi-Fi at a coffee shop. A hacker on the same network can intercept your data.

Fix: Never access sensitive accounts (like online banking) on public Wi-Fi unless using a VPN.

3. Weak Passwords

Using passwords like 123456 or yourname2024 makes it easy for bots to crack them.

Fix: Use unique passwords for every account. Use a password manager if needed.

4. Reused Passwords

If one site gets hacked, hackers test your old passwords on other accounts — this is called credential stuffing.

Fix: Never reuse passwords. Always change them when a site has a data breach.

5. Fake Apps and Downloads

You download a “free” app or file from an unknown website, but it installs malware that steals your data.

Fix: Only download apps from trusted sources (Google Play, App Store).

Read:  How to Get a Free Cybersecurity Certificate from MIT (And Is It Really Worth It?)

Why Students, Parents, and Workers Need Basic Cybersecurity

✅ Students

• Protect your school account, assignments, and personal data.

• Avoid falling for online job scams or scholarship phishing.

✅ Job Seekers

• Learn to detect fake job offers and identity theft attempts.

• Secure your resume, email, and LinkedIn accounts.

✅ Parents

• Teach kids how to spot fake links and online predators.

• Set up basic controls to protect family devices.

✅ Freelancers and Remote Workers

• Secure client files, contracts, and payment platforms (like PayPal).

• Avoid being locked out of your digital life.

5 Basic Cybersecurity Skills Everyone Should Learn

1. Create Strong Passwords

   • Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

   • Avoid names, birthdays, or simple words.

   • Use a free password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass.

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

   • Add an extra layer of security to logins.

   • Even if someone steals your password, they can’t log in without your code.

3. Recognize Suspicious Emails and Messages

   • Check for bad grammar, unusual sender addresses, and urgent tones.

   • Never download attachments or click links you didn’t expect.

4. Keep Software Updated

   • Always update your phone and apps. Updates fix known security holes.

5. Backup Important Data

   • Use cloud storage or external drives.

   • If you’re attacked with ransomware, backups can save your data.

Read:  How to Get a Free Cybersecurity Certificate from MIT (And Is It Really Worth It?)

Tools and Platforms to Learn Cybersecurity for Free

• Google Digital Garage – Cybersecurity Course

• Coursera – Introduction to Cyber Security by NYU (Free audit option)

• Cisco Networking Academy – Intro to Cybersecurity

• Cyber Aware (UK Government Site)

• Cybersecurity for Beginners by Cybrary

💡 Tip: You don’t need to become a cybersecurity expert — just 30 minutes a week of basic learning can protect you for life.

What Happens If You Ignore Cybersecurity?

If you're thinking:

"I don't have anything hackers would want."

Let me remind you: your email, your photos, your contacts, and even your online reputation are valuable.

Ignoring digital safety is like leaving your house door open and hoping no thief walks in.

A Final Story to Remember

Last year, a high school student in South Korea used AI-generated images of her classmate and uploaded them online as a prank. It turned into a nightmare. The girl whose photos were faked faced bullying. The case went to the police. Both girls were under 18.

That story shook me. And it wasn’t about hackers or deep tech — it was about digital behavior, privacy, and ethics. Cybersecurity is also about empathy, responsibility, and awareness.

Final Thoughts: Cybersecurity is Digital Hygiene

Just like we brush our teeth every day to prevent problems, we need to practice digital hygiene to stay safe online.

It’s not about being paranoid.

It’s about being prepared.

In a world where data is currency, basic cybersecurity skills are basic life skills.

Let’s stop saying “I’m not a tech person” and start saying, “I protect myself online.”

Want more ?

Read:  How to Get a Free Cybersecurity Certificate from MIT (And Is It Really Worth It?)