By Dr. Kimma Wreh

You don’t need to be an IT specialist to protect yourself online.

In today’s digital-first world, cyber threats are everywhere — and professionals in healthcare, education, HR, finance, and beyond are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Attackers often go after non-technical individuals, knowing that one careless click or weak password can grant access to sensitive data and systems.

The good news? Strong cybersecurity doesn’t require deep technical knowledge. With awareness and simple daily habits, anyone can take control of their digital safety.

What Is Cyber Hygiene?

Cyber hygiene refers to the routine behaviors and best practices that keep your digital life secure. Similar to personal hygiene, it involves regular steps to reduce risks — in this case, protecting devices, accounts, and data from cyber threats.

Why Cyber Hygiene Matters

• Prevents identity theft and financial fraud

• Safeguards personal, business, and client data

• Minimizes risks from malware, ransomware, and phishing

• Supports compliance with security policies and privacy regulations

7 Cybersecurity Habits for Everyday Protection

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each platform.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, like a text message code or authentication app, in addition to your password.

3. Keep Devices and Software Up to Date
Install updates promptly for your operating systems, applications, and antivirus tools. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities.

4. Think Before You Click
Don’t open suspicious emails or click on links from unknown sources. Even messages from familiar contacts can be spoofed. When in doubt, verify first.

5. Lock Your Devices
Always use screen locks — whether it’s a PIN, fingerprint, or strong password. Lock your device when stepping away, especially in public spaces.

6. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Use cloud storage or an external drive to back up important files. Backups can be critical if your data is lost due to malware, theft, or hardware failure.

7. Be Mindful on Social Media
Limit what you share publicly. Cybercriminals often gather personal details from social media to use in phishing or social engineering attacks.

Your Role in Workplace Cybersecurity

Even if you’re not in a tech-focused role, you play a vital part in your organization’s cybersecurity posture. Staying informed, following security protocols, and reporting suspicious activity all help protect your workplace.

Why This Is Urgent

The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found that more than 80% of security incidents involve human factors — like misdelivery, phishing, or weak passwords. This means everyone, regardless of role, has a responsibility in cyber defense.

Cyber hygiene isn’t about fear — it’s about being proactive.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay protected. Just like defensive driving helps prevent accidents, consistent digital safety practices help you avoid cyber risks.

Start simple. Stay consistent. And remember: cybersecurity starts with you.

About the Author
Dr. Kimma Wreh is a visionary GRC and cybersecurity executive with over 15 years of leadership experience across the technology, energy, media, and government sectors. She has led IT governance initiatives across 80+ agencies, conducted over 300 risk assessments, and managed cybersecurity budgets exceeding $15 million. Dr. Wreh is passionate about building cyber resilience and accountability, having developed InfoSec policies for entire counties, rolled out security awareness training to 18,000+ staff, and improved security maturity by 25%. She is currently pursuing the AI Governance Professional (AIGP) certification to help organizations navigate responsible AI adoption.

Media & Speaking Inquiries
Dr. Wreh is available for expert commentary, keynote speaking, panel discussions, webinars, and podcast interviews. Review copies of her cybersecurity books are also available upon request.

To learn more or request a media kit, visit: https://kimmawreh.com

Published on Medium
Medium Profile
Medium Home
Email: drkimmawreh@gmail.com