# Human Factor in Cybersecurity


In the world of cybersecurity, where hackers roam like digital thieves in the night, one element often underestimated is the human factor. Yes, you read it right—our own behaviors, habits, and even emotions play a significant role in determining the strength of our online defenses and understanding how we think and act is crucial in keeping our digital lives safe. We will be focusing on the human side of cybersecurity, where everyday choices can make all the difference.

## The Password Conundrum

Let's start with a tale as old as time. Like many of you, I've been guilty of using the same password for multiple accounts 😅 or opting for something easy to remember, like my pet's name :cat: or my birthdate. Little did I know, I was leaving the door wide open for cyber intruders.


It wasn't until a close friend fell victim to a hacking incident that I realized the gravity of my lax password practices. Seeing the devastation and frustration etched on their face as they struggled to regain control of their digital life was a wake-up call. From that day forward, I made a vow to take password security seriously, opting for complex combinations.

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Lesson learned: make your passwords strong and unique. Mix up letters, numbers, and symbols for an extra layer of protection.
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## Phising Phobia

Have you ever received an email or text from a "bank" asking for your account details? That's phishing—a sneaky attempt to steal your information. It's like someone pretending to be your friend to get into your house. It is very common nowadays especially here in the Philippines, even after the Government required for everyone to register all their SIMs to avoid the deactivation of their existing numbers. Once, my grandma almost fell for it when she got an text claiming she won a prize. Luckily, she asked me first, and I could tell it was a scam. Always double-check before clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal info.


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Sometimes, your best defense is your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Just like you wouldn't open the door to a stranger at night, don't click on suspicious links or download unknown files. Stay alert, stay skeptical, and trust your gut.
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## The Perils of Public Wi-Fi


Imagine you're at your favorite café, sipping coffee and surfing the web on their free Wi-Fi. Sounds cozy, right? Well, not if hackers are lurking in the shadows, waiting to snatch your sensitive information. I have a friend who used a public Wi-Fi and was checking his bank account and ended up with unauthorized transactions. It turns out, public Wi-Fi is like broadcasting your personal info to anyone who cares to listen.


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Always use a virtual private network (VPN) or stick to cellular data when accessing sensitive accounts in public places.
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## Oversharing in Social Media

There's this TikTok video where individuals are questioned about their passwords. Initially hesitant to divulge such sensitive information, they gradually reveal personal details in response to seemingly harmless questions. Before long, the interviewers piece together enough information to deduce the participants' password patterns. While this may seem like an isolated experiment, it sheds light on a prevalent issue: oversharing on social media platforms.

Indeed, the age of hyperconnectivity has cultivated a culture of oversharing, wherein individuals routinely disclose intimate details of their lives online. However, what may seem like harmless sharing can have serious repercussions. Cybercriminals adept at exploiting these disclosures can piece together a comprehensive profile of individuals, paving the way for targeted cyber attacks.

Moreover, the ramifications extend beyond hypothetical scenarios. Instances abound where individuals have unwittingly exposed themselves to harm by sharing seemingly innocuous information online. From revealing vacation plans to inadvertently disclosing personal identifiers, the risks associated with oversharing are manifold.

Furthermore, the consequences of such actions are not confined to the virtual realm. Consider the alarming prevalence of identity theft and cyberstalking, both of which often stem from the exploitation of personal information shared online. These incidents underscore the tangible impact of digital oversharing on individuals' lives.


## FHS! Don't Give Out Your Google Accounts

Google has this annoying feature wherein you can remotely reset the devices your account is logged in without even requiring the device's password authentication. My brother and I shared accounts for our online games, so his Google account was logged in on my phone. There was a time when he got scammed by a player pretending to be a legit streamer, promising to give him game credits. Naively, my brother gave out his Google account (which is also logged in on my device) to the scammer. The scammer gained access to the Google account, and before my brother could react, the scammer performed a factory reset on all the devices connected to that Google account using Google's feature.


Unbeknownst to me, on my way home from school, I was shocked to find that my device had performed a factory reset on its own. It was only when I got home that I discovered my brother had been scammed. That incident caused a lot of damage on my end. I got locked out of my authenticator app (please secure a backup of your authenticator app 😌), making it difficult for me to access my social media and educational accounts. Since then, I have not been logging in to any Google account on my device.

## Empowering Ourselves in the Digital Age

In conclusion, our experiences with human factors in computer security has been a rollercoaster of lessons learned and eye-opening experiences. From the importance of strong passwords to the pitfalls of misplaced trust, each encounter has shaped us into a more vigilant and proactive defender of our digital domain.

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So, to our fellas who loves exploring the cyber world, we implore you to heed the lessons shared in this blog and take charge of your digital destiny. By arming ourselves with knowledge, adopting best practices, and remaining vigilant against emerging threats, we can navigate the cyber jungle with confidence and resilience. After all, when it comes to cybersecurity, we're all in this together.
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