I’m pretty technically savvy, if I do say so myself. But when it comes to cybersecurity (and the cybersecurity rules listed here”), I’m far from a pro. And yes, before you ask, I am aware of the risks lurking in the tech I use, the apps I download, and devices scattered throughout my house. Shame on me.

So, I’m on a mission to kick this cybersecurity ignorance in the you-know-whats, and I’ll be sharing what I learn here at Personal Safety School so hopefully you can benefit, too.

One of the best starting points I’ve found—just to get a reality check on the risks involved with technology—is this 7-minute TED talk by Nick Espinosa, a cybersecurity pro with a whole litany qualifications and experience under his belt. The topic? The Five Laws of Cybersecurity. It’s worth a watch, or if you want to save a few minutes, read my notes underneath:

The 5 Laws of Cybersecurity

If There is a Vulnerability, It Will Be Exploited

Let’s be clear. Every vulnerability is an open invitation for hackers. Good or bad, they’re all on a relentless hunt for weak spots to slip into.

This doesn’t just apply to tech either. We all know that person who finds loopholes in everything, from tax codes to discount vouchers, just to stick two fingers up at the system.

In essence, the first step in defending ourselves is accepting that some people have an obsession with finding weaknesses—and exploiting them. God help us.

Everything is Vulnerable in Some Way

Let’s face it: nothing is 100% secure. Not your email, not even a nuclear weapons program. Big corporations spend billions on cybersecurity, and they still get breached—data held ransom, sensitive info leaked onto the dark web. It ain’t pretty out there.

No matter how secure you think a system will be, it can never be 100% foolproof. Don’t let your guard down.

Humans Trust Even When They Shouldn’t

Without trust, our society couldn’t function. But that trust can also land us in hot water. That’s why it’s vital to be mindful of where we put our trust because, well… trust exposes us.

That antivirus you just installed? It won’t catch everything. That legit-looking email? Could be phishing. That online form? Could be part of an identity theft trap. Even sharing too much about your kids’ life can pose risk.

The lesson? Stay skeptical. Learn what you can, and do what you can, to protect yourself as much as possible

With Innovation Comes Opportunity For Exploitation

Every tech breakthrough comes with new threats. The IoT (Internet of Things) explosion was a perfect example. In 2016 the virus “Mirai” infected millions of devices across the globe, weaponizing these pieces of hardware to launch some of the largest bandwidth attacks the world has ever seen.

Now, we’re stepping into the AI revolution, and it’s going to bring fresh opportunities for hackers. These are complex security challenges that experts are working around the clock to address. Vigilance is key here. Sure, this technology is exciting, but always approach it with caution.

When in Doubt, See Law No .1

Finally, the fifth law: if you’re doubting the security of a piece of tech, remember the first rule—if it can be exploited (and it almost certainly can), it eventually will be.

The goal is to train ourselves to think like hackers so we can always stay a step ahead.

Everything’s A Risk. Now What?

This isn’t about scaring anyone away from technology. It’s about building a skill we all need in the 21st century—recognizing and anticipating risks. Technology is everywhere, it’s growing, and so are the threats.

Government regulation can only do so much.. Even if a company does everything right that doesn’t mean its technology is de facto safe. The responsibility falls on us to educate ourselves and take the right precautions.

With this in mind, I’ll continue to share what I’m learning in the Digital Safety section of this site.

Be aware, and stay safe!

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