We are unfortunately living in a world where cyberattacks are becoming common. Sometimes the attacks are very large like the Binance hack where $6.3 billion in digital assets were stolen. Other times they are relatively small like the cyberattacks on supermarket refrigerators.

The consequences are significant. Businesses with low security have been devastated by cyberattacks. Schools have lost student records. Hospitals have had to cancel surgeries. The global cost of cybercrime is over $10 trillion.

The biggest concern right now is about hackers who target our power grid, our water systems, and our military networks. The current Pentagon FORTRESS plan directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls on every major military base to be self-sufficient for at least 90 days. 

Cyberattacks are becoming more advanced. Artificial intelligence has helped cybercriminals become more effective. AI can write convincing scam messages. It can also imitate voices and become very persuasive.

What can you do to protect yourself? First, develop sound habits when you are online. Use long, unique passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication. Make sure you update your software. That will fix security holes that have been discovered.

Second, be suspicious. If a software company or a financial institution contacts you online asking for your username and password, it's most likely a scam. Just because an email or a text looks legitimate doesn’t mean that it is. 

Cybersecurity is something we all must begin to develop in our lives. We cannot expect that only the experts should be working to protect us. We need to protect ourselves and our families.