In an interview with The Hans India, Mr. Ankit Sharma, Senior Director and Head of Solutions Engineering at Cyble, highlighted the necessity of taking ownership of your digital presence by remaining vigilant and proactive. He recommended implementing two-factor authentication, securing email accounts, removing outdated accounts, and avoiding password reuse. Addressing the risks associated with online gaming, he encouraged parents to engage in honest conversations with their children. His primary message is that cybersecurity relies more on awareness, critical thinking, and personal responsibility than on technical knowledge. Mr. Ankit Sharma articulated the significance of the phrase “Own Your Online World,” particularly during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It emphasizes the reality that individuals are responsible for protecting their digital lives.
While many may spend considerable time selecting an ideal profile picture, they often neglect to check who can view their posts. This perspective empowers individuals to shift from being passive victims to proactive participants. Each moment spent hesitating before clicking a suspicious link signifies taking control. He advised three immediate actions individuals can undertake to safeguard their personal information online. First, enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. Despite the inconvenience, this minor step can prevent unauthorized access at odd hours. Second, treat your email as a highly secure asset, as it serves as a gateway to everything else. If compromised, it allows intruders to reset passwords across various platforms.
Third, delete any old accounts, as abandoned platforms may still hold personal details that could be exposed in a data breach. Cyber threats are continually evolving, and individuals must stay informed and adjust their online practices accordingly. There is no need to become a cybersecurity expert—simply cultivate a sense of skepticism. Cyber threats may evolve in their presentation but often rely on the same tactics of urgency and alarm. If an online notification raises your anxiety, take a moment to pause and assess. Those who remain secure are not necessarily the most knowledgeable but those who have learned to question and verify. Many users tend to reuse passwords across different platforms, which poses significant risks.
For instance, if someone uses “Fluffy2019!” for multiple accounts and one site is breached, hackers can exploit that information to access other services. To mitigate this risk, using a password manager is recommended. It generates complex passwords for each account, leaving you with only the need to remember one strong master password. Online gaming, particularly among younger audiences, presents unique cybersecurity challenges. Gamers may lose their accounts, which they have developed over years, by falling for scams promising free rewards. Doxxing and swatting also pose real dangers. It’s crucial to communicate with young gamers respectfully and intelligently. Clarify that offers of free items are typically scams.
Assist them in setting up two-factor authentication and remind them that online acquaintances should be treated as strangers until proven trustworthy. Ask detailed questions about their gaming experiences to foster open dialogue, helping them recognize when something feels off.