Cybersecurity: How to Protect Yourself and Your Data. A Beginner’s Guide
Foreword
Life without the internet is hard to imagine. Every day, we communicate, work, study, shop, share news, and store important information online. However, while enjoying these conveniences, we must be aware of the risks associated with cybercrime. Hackers can gain access to your personal data, steal money, compromise accounts, or damage your reputation. Therefore, knowing how to protect yourself in the digital world has become as essential as being able to read or write.
The purpose of this quick guide is to provide users with simple and practical tips on ensuring their security on the World Wide Web. Here, you will find clear explanations on how to create strong passwords, recognize scams, handle sensitive information carefully, and avoid common mistakes that can lead to financial or data loss. The material is written in plain language so that even someone with no special training can understand and apply the knowledge in practice.
This small guide will help you understand why cybersecurity matters and suggest what steps you can take right now.
My name is Pavel Grata. I am a digital defender and the founder of several tech startups. I hope this guide will be useful and increase your awareness. Shall we begin?
CHAPTER 1: WHY CYBERSECURITY MATTERS TO EVERYONE
Many people believe that cybercriminals only target celebrities, businesspeople, or government officials. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Statistics show the opposite: more than 50% of internet users have encountered scam messages, phishing attacks, or malware at some point. Hackers send thousands of malicious emails or create fake websites, and anyone can fall into their trap by accident.
Anyone who has ever entered their credit card number while shopping online or logged into their bank account is already of interest to criminals. Anyone storing personal photos, documents, or contact lists in cloud services can become a target.
We often think, “Who would care about me? That’ll never happen to me!” However, cybercriminals are not interested in specific names but in vulnerabilities — weak passwords, unprotected communication, and users’ trustfulness.
1.1. The New “Digital Currency”
Data has become a valuable commodity on the dark web. Full names, login credentials, passwords, phone numbers, and email addresses are actively bought and sold. I am certain that as the number of internet services grows, the value of personal data will only increase. Therefore, protecting your accounts and personal information is a basic precaution.
In 2019, the major hotel chain Marriott International reported a data breach affecting more than 500 million customers. Hackers gained access to names, passport numbers, email addresses, and even payment card details. This is just one example among many, proving that data breaches can affect millions of people worldwide.
1.2. Financial Risks: From Phishing to Ransomware
Every year, consumers around the world lose billions of dollars due to cyberattacks, which occur every 14 seconds. Just think about these numbers!
Imagine purchasing something from an online store, only to find your bank account emptied a few days later. Or picture hackers encrypting files on your computer and demanding a ransom to unlock them. These scenarios aren’t from science fiction — they happen everywhere.
I can bet that as mobile payments, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence continue to grow, criminals will keep finding new ways to steal money. Without basic cybersecurity knowledge, losing your savings can take just a few minutes.
1.3. Reputation at Risk
Suppose a hacker breaks into your Facebook or Instagram account. They start sending messages to your friends asking for loans or sharing links to “helpful resources.” Those who trust you might end up losing money or infecting their devices with malware.
As a result, you would have to explain and apologize, insisting that you never sent such messages. As social media becomes increasingly important in both personal and professional life, reputational attacks will continue to rise.
I must admit, I almost fell for such a scheme myself. Someone pretending to be my cousin wrote to me, claiming her mother had been hit by a car and needed money for emergency surgery. When I tried calling both her and my aunt, their phones were out of service.
Ten minutes later, I received a voicemail from a crying “cousin” begging for help. Even I nearly believed the story. The voice tone and emotional intonation were AI-generated, and the messages contained personal details only a few people knew.
It’s easy to imagine how things could have ended badly.
By securing your online accounts, you protect not only yourself but also the trust and safety of those around you. Never forget that.
1.4. Mass Attacks on Companies and Organizations
Corporate breaches cause enormous damage to the economy. Attacks like WannaCry disrupt the operations of hospitals, factories, and banks. A single careless click can become a hacker’s “entry point,” granting access to an entire IT infrastructure.
For example, in 2013, major retailer Target suffered a massive cyberattack in which hackers stole data from more than 40 million customer credit cards.
Even an average user must understand the basics of cybersecurity to avoid becoming the “weak link” in their organization’s defense system.
1.5. Personal Responsibility and a Culture of Self-Defense
Internet security is not just about technology — it’s about habits. No antivirus can save you if you willingly enter your password on a phishing site. Regular software updates, a critical approach to emails and links, and cautious use of public Wi-Fi are simple steps that can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
In 2015, data from 1.5 million Amazon users was compromised. In such a situation, the minimum action users should have taken was to change their passwords, but many failed to do so. As a result, some experienced repeated unauthorized logins. Laziness and carelessness always play into the hands of cybercriminals!
Moreover, criminals may not only be interested in your data but also in your device’s resources — using it for cryptocurrency mining or launching attacks on other systems. Every internet user is a potential target. It’s better to be prepared in advance than to deal with the consequences later.
1.6. The Shared Value of Cybersecurity Awareness
Good digital habits and approaches to technology should become part of everyday life. Building a culture of cybersecurity means that users not only follow safety rules themselves but also help their family, friends, and colleagues stay protected.
Here’s how you can contribute:
- Discuss these topics with family and friends: Explain phishing, strong passwords, and the risks of suspicious links.
- Support each other: If someone doubts the safety of a website or email, help them evaluate it.
- Educate children and seniors: Young users can be curious and click on dangerous links, while seniors may not understand modern threats. By helping them, you raise the overall level of security.
If this approach becomes widespread, the number of cybercrimes will decrease. By improving your skills and educating others, you contribute to global digital security. I will return to this concept in the concluding chapter.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity affects everyone who uses the internet. It’s not just a tech industry issue — it’s a personal responsibility. The examples and statistics shared here prove that cyber threats are real and far-reaching: from financial loss to damaged reputations, from compromised personal data to disrupted business operations.
As we approach 2025, with over 75 billion devices expected to be connected to the internet, the stakes are only getting higher. Learning cybersecurity basics helps you protect not only yourself but also those around you, creating a safer digital world for everyone.
In the following chapters, we’ll cover specific protection measures: from choosing strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to safe online shopping, data encryption, and fostering “digital literacy” within your family or workplace. The more mindful your approach to internet use, the safer and more confident you’ll be in the online world.
CHAPTER 2: STRONG PASSWORDS AND AUTHENTICATION
Let’s move on to the basics of personal protection. The simplest and most obvious tool is a password. But how often do we think about how well it protects us? If your password is “123456” or “qwerty”, you are practically inviting cybercriminals to access your account.
2.1. The importance of strong passwords and common user mistakes
According to research, some of the most popular passwords every year remain “123456”, “password”, and other predictable combinations. These are automatically cracked by scripts within seconds. In 2020, SplashData once again published its list of the worst passwords, showing that millions of people continue to use weak combinations.
As the number of online services (email platforms, social networks, online stores, streaming platforms, banking apps) grows, users accumulate more accounts. The more accounts people have, the less willing they are to create unique, complex passwords for each one. As a result, the same combination is used across multiple services, making hackers’ jobs much easier: once they breach one account, they can access others.
A strong password is the foundation of security, so don’t see it as a burden — see it as essential protection.
2.2. How to create strong and easy-to-remember passwords
Number of compromised passwords by length
A secure password should be long (at least 12 characters, preferably 16 or more) and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Example: “A5rQ$B5mSm9P”. It might be difficult to remember, but you can use mnemonic tricks or create passphrases by transforming them into complex combinations.
For example, if you have the phrase “I visited Europe for the first time in 2000 at the sea!”, take the first letters of each word, add numbers and symbols: “IvEftit2000ats!”.
As computing power increases (with criminals using cloud-based bots for password cracking), the importance of password length and complexity will only grow. The more complex the combination, the more time and resources it will take to break it.
Consider adding a zero-width character to your password for additional protection. This invisible character makes the password longer without being visible, adding another layer of complexity. Think about it and correct any weak passwords you currently use.
If you’re struggling with creativity, I’ve created a free password generator on my website. Feel free to use it to strengthen your digital security. Stay safe!
2.3. Too many accounts? Use a password manager
Using dozens of websites and services makes creating unique passwords a challenging task. This is where password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden come in handy. These programs generate and store passwords in encrypted form. You only need to remember one master password — the application takes care of the rest.
Research shows that using password managers significantly improves overall password quality because users stop relying on simple combinations or reusing passwords across different sites.
A password manager is a convenient tool for maintaining digital hygiene. However, as a developer, I can only recommend the main solutions. Trusting them is a personal decision. Personally, I prefer writing down generated combinations while applying an extra layer of encryption for maximum protection.
2.4. Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Imagine someone knows your email password. Without two-factor authentication (2FA), they would instantly gain access to your inbox. However, if 2FA is enabled, the hacker would also need a temporary code sent only to your phone. This makes the attack far more difficult — and in most cases, completely useless.
According to Microsoft, enabling 2FA blocks over 99% of automated attacks on user accounts. That’s an impressive result, considering it’s something any user can set up at no cost. Over time, two-factor authentication will become as essential as the password itself. Online services are already promoting 2FA, and users who experience its benefits rarely go back to relying on passwords alone.
If a service supports 2FA, enable it now. It’s simple, quick, and significantly boosts your online security.
2.5. Biometrics and other authentication factors
Fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, hardware security keys — all of these are additional authentication methods. Of course, biometrics is not a cure-all: there have been cases where systems were tricked using high-quality photos or specialized masks. However, these methods require far more effort than simply guessing a weak password.
I oppose the mass collection of biometric data and its widespread use, but in cases where you are a government official or work for a large corporation, multi-level access control is essential. There’s no way around it.
I already see a trend toward more complex authentication systems: password-based security combined with behavioral pattern analysis (such as typical login times or geolocation) and 2FA. Additional layers of protection seem inevitable.
The important thing is that these methods should not be mandatory. Every individual should still have the right to choose how they secure their personal data.
2.6. Regular password review and updates
In conclusion, a password that was secure a year ago may be vulnerable today. Therefore, change passwords for critical services every few months or immediately after hearing about a data breach.
Monitor reports about data compromises on the platforms you use, stay updated on cybersecurity news, and respond quickly to any incidents.
These proactive steps will significantly reduce your risks and help keep your online presence secure.
CHAPTER 3: SAFE WEB SURFING
The internet can be compared to a bustling metropolis of the 80s and 90s. It has everything: information, news, music, movies, games, dating, and, of course, shopping malls with endless products.
But just like in any big city, dark alleys hide potential dangers — phishing links, malicious codes, and deceptive advertisers.
Let’s explore how to navigate this digital city safely.
3.1. Recognizing phishing
Phishing is a targeted attempt to deceive you into revealing confidential information such as logins, passwords, and bank card numbers.
According to a 2021 report by Kaspersky Lab, the number of phishing attacks increased by 27% compared to the previous year. Cybercriminals are constantly refining their tactics by imitating emails and websites of well-known brands, banks, and online stores to appear legitimate and trustworthy.
Essential tips to avoid phishing:
- Check website addresses using VirusTotal instead of clicking on links from emails.
- Pay attention to details: Look for spelling mistakes, extra words, strange symbols, and suspicious domain names.
- Beware of embedded malware: Malicious code can be hidden in banner ads or video comments.
- Verify directly: If you’re unsure, call the organization’s customer service or use a search engine to access the official website.
As artificial intelligence advances, cybercriminals will be able to replicate the style of corporate emails and website designs even more accurately. Stay vigilant.
Example: Instead of the genuine Italian brand Moschino (moschino.com), you might land on moschinooutletonlinestore.com. The fake site’s design may seem trustworthy, but it’s phishing. Legitimate brands rarely use descriptive words in their domain names.
Other types of phishing beyond phishing websites:
- Email Phishing: Fraud through deceptive emails.
- Smishing: Phishing via SMS messages.
- Vishing: Phone-based scams through incoming calls.
- Social Media Phishing: Fake profiles or pages on social networks.
- Website Cloning: Complete copies of legitimate websites to trick users.
- Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks on specific individuals or organizations.
- Pharming: Manipulating DNS records to redirect victims to fake websites.
3.2. Browser extensions and plugins
A browser is a “window to the internet.” But like in real life, this window can be reinforced with protective bars — extensions that filter ads, warn about phishing sites, and block trackers.
According to Mozilla Foundation, using uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere reduces the likelihood of encountering a malicious website by approximately 15–20%.
Benefits of These Extensions:
- Content filtering: Blocks unwanted and harmful content.
- Reduced aggressive advertising: Prevents redirects to malicious sites.
- Privacy protection: Makes it harder for trackers to monitor your online activity.
Important Note:
Not all plugins are safe. Check ratings, read reviews, and only install extensions from official stores (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, Opera Add-ons, or Microsoft Edge Add-ons).
The three projects mentioned above are a good starting point.
3.3. HTTPS and secure connections
When visiting a website, pay attention to the “padlock icon” in the address bar. It indicates that the site uses the HTTPS protocol, meaning your connection to the site is encrypted, making it harder for attackers to “eavesdrop” or tamper with your information.
According to Google Transparency Report, more than 90% of Chrome traffic on most platforms is now encrypted with HTTPS. This is a significant improvement compared to the situation five years ago.
However, it’s important to understand that cybercriminals can also obtain security certificates. The padlock icon is only the first filter: it means the connection is encrypted but does not guarantee the site’s trustworthiness.
Whenever you have doubts, double-check the website’s address and its reputation. Stay cautious!
CHAPTER 4: ONLINE SHOPPING AND SOCIAL MEDIA SECURITY
We’ve already discussed passwords, phishing, and safe web surfing, but some areas carry particularly high risks — e-commerce and social media. According to consulting firm Deloitte, the volume of online shopping grows by 15–20% annually. This rapid expansion attracts cybercriminals constantly seeking new victims.
4.1. Online stores and boutiques
How convenient it is to buy what you want without leaving home, skipping long lines and extra charges. But let’s face it: where there are financial transactions, scammers will follow.
A 2021 study by the Oxford University Cybersecurity Center found that about 20% of users have experienced fraud while shopping online. Think about it — that’s one in five people.
How to Stay Safe:
- Shop from reputable stores with established reputations.
- Check the URL before paying, look for HTTPS, and read real customer reviews on independent platforms.
- Avoid impulsive clicks on flashy ads, especially those promising instant rewards or massive discounts.
- For sensitive purchases, use virtual cards with limited balances or secure payment systems like PayPal, reducing the risk of credit card theft.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi (in cafes, airports, subways, or while on vacation). If you must use it, enable a VPN for secure browsing.
4.2. Social media
The more personal information you share on social media, the easier it becomes for criminals to create a psychological profile of you. This data can later be used for phishing, social engineering, or identity theft.
Tips:
- Limit who can see your personal data. Adjust your privacy settings so strangers cannot view your photos or friends list.
- Avoid sharing your address, phone number, or details about when you’ll be away on vacation.
- Don’t accept friend requests from strangers. Scammers often create fake accounts impersonating your friends or colleagues.
Scammers often play on emotions such as fear, greed, and urgency. They may promise huge winnings, urgently request money to “save” a loved one, or create complicated scenarios designed to force you into making impulsive decisions.
What you should do:
- Always verify information from independent sources.
- Pause if a message seems urgent. Ask yourself: “Why can’t this wait?”
- Call the person asking for help or find the official contact details of the organization.
As technologies like AI-generated voices and deepfakes continue to advance, scammers will become better at mimicking people’s appearances and voices. This makes critical thinking and verification of communication channels essential skills. Stay rational and avoid being driven by emotions.
Now that you likely feel more confident in navigating this digital space, understanding its risks and mechanisms, you’re ready to dive into the next chapter, which promises to be even more engaging.
CHAPTER 5: PROTECTING YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY
Every action on the Internet leaves a trace. Therefore, knowing how to hide logs from prying eyes and properly adjust your privacy settings is essential in today’s reality.
I started offering free proxy and VPN access back in 2016. It was important to me because I understood what “tomorrow” would bring. Back then, many people didn’t realize what a VPN was and laughed at me. Today, the world has changed. No one laughs anymore — instead, they ask for access to DEEPRISM.
5.1. Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format that unauthorized users cannot read. Applying encryption to emails, chats, files, or systems effectively locks your data behind a secure digital vault.
According to a report by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the number of services using end-to-end encryption doubled between 2016 and 2020. As quantum computing advances, encryption standards will become even more resilient. Ignoring such protection is simply unwise.
Three clear advantages:
- Difficult interception and decryption: Hackers find it harder to intercept and decode encrypted communications.
- Enhanced privacy: Only the intended recipient can read your messages.
- Protection from leaks: Encryption significantly reduces the risk of data breaches.
5.2. VPN and anonymity
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps hide your real IP address and encrypt your traffic. This is particularly useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi. However, remember that not all VPNs are equally reliable. Free options often collect and sell their users’ data.
I know the industry inside out because I provide such services myself. However, DEEPRISM is supported by providers, and unlike others, mine is a non-commercial project with no hidden business motives. So be cautious and choose trustworthy services with transparent logging policies.
According to GlobalWebIndex, about 30% of Internet users used a VPN at least once a month in 2020. I hope these numbers will keep growing. Banning such technologies should never be an option, especially now.
5.3. Privacy settings
The University of Southern California’s research revealed that over 60% of social media users have never changed their default privacy settings. Hmm… I hope you understand the risks by now, so take at least one day to review privacy settings on all your services.
I would recommend renting a dedicated IP and enabling access only through a static IP. However, to be honest, that’s not where you should start. Below are two essential steps.
Step 1. Privacy optimization in services:
- Minimize your digital footprint: Never share real birth dates, addresses, or phone numbers on social media again.
- Enable private browsing mode: While it doesn’t offer full protection, it helps reduce tracking if you use popular browsers.
- Delete unnecessary apps: The fewer services that have access to your data, the safer you are.
- Use temporary email accounts: Register on suspicious sites with disposable email addresses in the future.
Step 2. Device security:
- Create a strong password.
- Update your operating system.
- Install antivirus software and regularly run full system scans.
- Encrypt hard drives and USB devices.
- Back up important data to external drives or cloud storage.
- Set up separate accounts for each device user.
- Turn off GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi when not in use.
- Review app permissions to see what data they access.
- Use secure browsers like Tor and DuckDuckGo.
I wonder… do you follow all these steps?
5.4. The balance between privacy and convenience
Strengthening security measures is great, but it comes with a downside: the more settings, passwords, and checks you have, the harder it becomes to use services. Everyone must decide how important it is for them to communicate anonymously, hide their traffic, or use additional layers of protection.
My role is simply to introduce you to the basics — how you choose to live online from here on is entirely up to you.
CHAPTER 6. PARENTAL CONTROL AND EDUCATING LOVED ONES
Here we are at the final chapter. In this section, I want to emphasize resilience once again. Each of us has a unique environment that forms our “digital home” — a space where we not only engage ourselves but also involve our social circle. Any of these individuals might find themselves in a difficult situation due to inexperience or misplaced trust. In such cases, there is only one solution: to help.
6.1. Helping children and the elderly
Children are growing up in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where the Internet is an integral part of life. Without proper guidance, they risk exposure to inappropriate content or scams from individuals posing as peers.
According to a Europol report on cybercrime, children aged 8 to 14 are frequent targets of social engineering due to their curiosity and trust in virtual “friends.”
What you can do:
- Teach them: Explain why they should never share personal information with strangers or agree to meet someone without parental consent.
- Use parental controls: Set up content filters, screen time limits, and block suspicious websites — but do so mindfully, avoiding unnecessary paranoia.
- Show positive examples: If children understand the value of safe behavior, they are more likely to adopt this habit long-term.
Similarly, elderly individuals who lived most of their lives in a different reality may not fully understand digital threats. They are particularly vulnerable to phishing emails, fake “bank” messages, or urgent requests to “verify their account details.”
How to support them:
- Help with settings: Assist them in adjusting privacy settings and managing their accounts.
- Regular device checks: Periodically check their devices, update software, and explain why these steps are essential.
- Educational materials: Share easy-to-understand guides like this one and explain why skepticism toward unknown emails and links is crucial.
By supporting both children and the elderly, you create a safer digital environment for everyone in your social circle.
6.2. Family cybersecurity agreement
I have a useful tip: When it comes to family, establishing shared online behavior rules is an excellent practice. Simple, clearly defined agreements can help maintain an adequate level of online security. Create your own rules that fit your family’s needs.
Example of family rules:
- “Never share personal information (address, phone number, full names) with strangers.”
- “Do not download programs without adult approval.”
- “Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or messages before consulting with each other.”
- “Always verify information before sharing it to prevent spreading misinformation.”
- “Communicate respectfully with other users.”
- “Report any online threats, bullying, or suspicious behavior to each other immediately.”
According to Purdue University, implementing written or verbal family agreements on Internet use reduces risky online behavior by approximately 10–15%. This might seem small, but within a family, it can prevent numerous potential problems.
6.3. Lifelong learning
Technology evolves rapidly, and cyber threats are advancing at an astonishing pace. What was unheard of yesterday could be spreading by thousands of copies today.
According to AV-TEST statistics, over 350,000 new malware samples are detected globally every day. Maintaining digital hygiene is not just recommended — it’s essential.
My recommendations:
- Invest in your education and that of your loved ones.
- Regularly explore reputable cybersecurity resources.
- Hire professionals if necessary to set up security systems properly.
Conclusion
Internet security is not a one-time action but an ongoing process. The world of digital technologies offers incredible opportunities for growth, communication, creativity, and business. However, it also presents challenges, testing how prepared and aware we are.
In this guide, we explored key aspects of cybersecurity. By applying the tips discussed, you reduce the risk of encountering fraudsters, losing money, or compromising your personal data. There’s no need to fear technology — just approach it wisely.
Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. I’d be interested to hear about the challenges you’ve faced or the lessons you’ve learned.
Sincerely,
Pavel Grata
2024
