Cybersecurity Tips from a Pro – Simple Advice for the Average Joe (Part 2)

This information is also available on my YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/rlwawinIgHU

If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on my Podcast at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/norbert-gostischa/episodes/Cybersecurity-Tips-from-a-Pro--Simple-Advice-for-the-Average-Joe-Part-2-e34to24

Part 2 - Practical Next Steps to Lock Down Your Digital Life

You’ve mastered the basics—strong passwords, updates, antivirus, and avoiding sketchy links. Now let’s step it up a notch.

This isn’t about turning you into a cybersecurity ninja overnight. It’s about real-world habits and smart moves that dramatically reduce your chances of getting hacked, scammed, or digitally mugged.

8 - Don’t Fall for Phishing – It’s Not Just Email Anymore

What’s the risk - Phishing isn’t just poorly spelled emails anymore. Scammers are slick. They send fake login pages, pose as your bank on the phone, or even text you links that look legit.

What to do - Double-check URLs before clicking—scammers often use misspellings (like paypa1.com).

Never share login info or passwords via email or text, even if it seems official.

If something seems off, go to the company’s official website directly or call their support line.

Pro tip - If an email or message pressures you to act fast  -“Your account will be closed!” -, it’s likely a scam - Take a breath and verify.

9 - Back Up Your Data—Because Bad Things Happen

What’s the risk - A virus, crash, or accidental click could wipe out everything—photos, documents, memories.

What to do - Use cloud storage  like Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, and an external hard drive.

Back up important files regularly—at least once a week.

Keep at least one backup offline  - disconnected from the internet - in case of ransomware attacks.

Why it matters - If ransomware locks your files, having a backup means you can ignore the hacker and restore your stuff easily.

10 - Clean Up Your Digital Footprint

What’s at risk - The more data about you online, the easier it is for hackers or identity thieves to target you.

What to do - Google yourself—what pops up?

Delete old accounts you no longer use  - especially those tied to your email.

Avoid oversharing on social media—don’t broadcast birthdays, locations, or vacation plans.

Pro tip - Use a site like haveibeenpwned.com to see if your data has been in a breach - If it has, change those passwords immediately.

11 - Use a Burner Email for Signups

What’s the risk - Signing up for free trials and random downloads with your real email invites spam and phishing attempts.

What to do - Create a secondary email for shopping, newsletters, and free stuff.

Use email masking tools (like Apple’s “Hide My Email” or Firefox Relay) to protect your main inbox.

Why it matters - Keeping your primary inbox clean reduces the chances of you clicking a malicious link.

12. Know the Red Flags of Online Scams - What’s the risk -  Scams are everywhere—fake giveaways, crypto cons, job offers that want your bank info.

What to do - If it sounds too good to be true—it is.

Real companies won’t ask for passwords, money transfers, or gift cards upfront.

Always verify offers or requests from a second source.

Pro tip - Keep friends and family - especially older relatives - in the loop—scammers often target the most trusting folks.

13 -  Don’t Share Your Whole Life Online

What’s the risk - Hackers can piece together info from your social media to guess security questions and impersonate you.

What to do - Make your accounts private.

Don’t post your full birthday, address, or travel plans.

Be mindful of photos that reveal too much—like ID cards, license plates, and workspace screens.

Why it matters - Oversharing = overscamming -  Keep them guessing.

14 - Stay Curious – Not Paranoid

What’s the risk - The biggest risk is thinking, “It’ll never happen to me.”

What to do - Make cybersecurity a habit, not a panic.

Stay updated—follow a few trusted sources or check your settings monthly.

Ask questions, test yourself, and stay aware of how you interact online.

Final tip -  Good cybersecurity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being harder to hack than the next guy - Like outrunning a bear, you just need to be faster than the slowest camper.

Coming Up Next In Part 3, we’ll look at:

Family cybersecurity - protecting kids and parents.

Home network safety  - yes, your Wi-Fi needs locking down.

Smart home security - your Miss "A" -Alexa- and your smart fridge could be spying on you!

And what to do if you get hacked - Because staying safe isn’t just about prevention—it’s also about being ready.

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

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