Today, most of us are constantly connected. We buy our things online, have digital meetings, and store our documents and photos in the cloud. Despite this, few understand their digital value or have the knowledge or money to protect it.
"Even though we have insurance for houses, cars, and other valuables, very few actively protect themselves online," says David Jacoby, a hacker and cybersecurity expert.
David Jacoby, who became interested in computers and the internet as a child, has spent his life as a hacker and digital security expert. As cybercrime has increased, he has also seen an increased need for help from both companies, authorities, and individuals.
"The IT industry has been treated very differently from other industries. When it comes to cybersecurity, users are completely left to their own devices, most of them without knowledge of how to protect themselves," says Jacoby and continues:
"I usually say it's as if car manufacturers delivered cars without seat belts and airbags and let customers choose the accessories they need to be safe. We wouldn't accept that, but that's how the industry looks when it comes to online security."
This behavior is something David Jacoby would like to change.
"Most people today have the majority of their lives online. Managing without an email or mobile bank ID is almost impossible in today's society. Understanding your digital value is important because you have your entire life online," he says and continues:
"Leaving security up to each individual is not sustainable. Today, only those who can afford it can afford security. Being safe online should never be a luxury." Jacoby says.
Not just individuals
The difficulty of security doesn't only apply to individuals. David Jacoby explains that traditionally, only very large companies have had the money and knowledge to keep security at a high level.
"Only those who could afford to invest in experts and systems have made it harder for criminals to access their data. Smaller companies haven't had a chance. If you're a small company that sells, for example, shoes, you probably don't have the knowledge of how to protect yourself online and maybe not the money to hire that knowledge.
The digital transformation has also happened very quickly. We simply haven't had the opportunity to keep ourselves updated. Changes happen all the time, and that includes the type of criminal activity one can be exposed to online."
But is there no hope?
Of course, there is. Today, most systems have two-factor authentication, to name one thing. But the danger is that many believe they are safe then. The biggest risk of exposure is in a web browser. Once the hacker has infiltrated it, they have a free pass to your entire life. Usually, almost all logins are saved in the browser. So instead of a hacker needing to break into several different systems, they get access to everything if they manage to get into the browser. They only need one ticket."
Learn more about cybersecurity
David Jacoby is a well-known speaker who has dedicated his life to combating cybercrime and helping to increase cybersecurity. On the 18th of October he will, together with Ework, hos a webinar about Cybersecurity. Sign up here!
