Cybersecurity is a device protection service around the online world; it can protect against threats or cause threats in certain ways. Robin Williams, a known Cyber Security teacher at Pahrump Valley High School, said: “Cybersecurity can also be used for harm.” When cybersecurity is used in harmful ways, it’s called a cyber attack.
Cyber attacks can happen anytime, usually with one wrong download of a file or a tab on a browser that can ruin your device or your life. Things named malware or ransomware are cyber attacks that are designed to harm your device, causing it to break down or be used for other crimes. Malware is a cyber attack that can exploit your device for your information, causing you to have real-life problems. Malware can gather up IP addresses, credit card information, pictures, other family addresses, emails, and passwords. Ransomware can hold your files hostage until your ransom is paid. If your information is not paid by the deadline, your information is permanently locked from you, and it can also be sold by the attacker, causing your information to be stolen.
Cybersecurity, when used in a useful way, can do a lot of good for your information. Things like strong passwords, updating software, and using firewalls and security software can protect your device, keeping all of your information safe from harm. But a lot of the time, a lot of advanced malware and ransomware can still get past your defences, still leaving your devices’ information ready to be grabbed. There are a bunch of good apps that have software to protect your computer. There’s apps like Express VPN, Nord VPN, Surfshark Antivirus, Last Pass, Wireshark, Malwarebytes, Bitdefender Total Security, Norton 360 Deluxe, Keeper Security, Aircrack-ng, and John The Ripper. Things like LastPass and Keeper Security provide secure passwords and offer integrated access and authentication, making it easier to manage your online accounts securely. Specialized security tools like Malwarebytes, Wireshark, Aircrack-ng, and John the Ripper are tools used to protect you from real-time threats on your device.
Cybersecurity can be a great future job getting you around if you do well in college at $111,000 a year, making it a great job to get into. It can get you into some great colleges like Stanford University, Georgia Tech, and Carnegie Mellon University. All of these colleges are very highly ranked and offer specialized programs, giving top education in Cybersecurity. These colleges also have a wide variety of programs that you can use that can improve your skills in Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is recommended by a lot of people, like one of the Teacher Assistants for Robin Williams, named Jesse Gonzales, a student at PVHS, said, “I recommend Cybersecurity for a lot of people, and you just don’t have to code, you can also build computers and learn coding for devices.”
Not only is cybersecurity a good thing, it can also be a bad thing. Either way, you can learn to use it properly and safely. A good start to learning is with Mr. Williams in his class. For more information about the class or cybersecurity in general, talk to Mr. Williams! If this is something you’re interested in, don’t be afraid to speak up and learn; your future awaits you.
