Can you do everything right online and still fall victim to hackers?

 

Can you do everything right online and still fall victim to hackers?

The short answer?
Yes.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about your actions—it’s about the entire digital ecosystem you’re part of.

Here’s why:
1. The Third-Party Problem
You could use a 20-character password and MFA, but if your bank, healthcare provider, or favorite shopping app gets breached, your data is still exposed.

The 2023 MOVEit breach compromised data from banks, universities, and government agencies. Victims did nothing wrong—they just existed in a vulnerable system.

2. Zero-Day Exploits
These are vulnerabilities even software makers don’t know about. Hackers exploit them before a fix exists.

The 2021 Exchange Server hack used zero-days to infiltrate emails. Users with fully updated systems were still hit.

3. Sophisticated Social Engineering
Scammers now use AI to clone voices, forge emails, or mimic colleagues. Even cautious people can be fooled by a "Boss" urgently asking for a wire transfer.

A Hong Kong finance worker recently paid out $25M after a deepfake video call with his "CFO."

4. Supply Chain Attacks
Hackers infiltrate trusted tools (like software updates) to reach thousands of victims.

The SolarWinds breach spread malware through routine IT updates, hitting government agencies and Fortune 500s.

5. Public Wi-Fi Roulette
Even with a VPN, an office compromised router or a fake hotspot can intercept your data.

So… What Can You Do?
1. Assume breaches will happen: Freeze your credit, monitor accounts, and use breach-checking tools like HaveIBeenPwned.
2. Limit exposure: Avoid oversharing personal data (e.g., birthdays on social media).
3. Think “damage control”: Segment sensitive accounts (e.g., don’t reuse banking passwords).
4. Stay skeptical: Verify urgent requests out of band (e.g., call a colleague to confirm a sketchy email).

Bottom line: Cybersecurity is like locking your doors in a storm—you reduce risk, but you can’t control the weather. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s resilience.