Cyber attacks aren’t the goal; they’re just the tool. Think of them like a digital crowbar or a rock thrown through a window. When we focus too much on the types of attacks, we miss the bigger picture: who is targeting us and why they’re doing it. Understanding that is the key to staying safe online.
Here’s the reality—cybercriminals are people, just like you and me. They’ve got mortgages to pay, bills stacking up, and families to feed. The difference? They’re making their living by exploiting people like us. Their goal is two-fold: get paid and avoid getting caught. That’s it. Everything else, from phishing emails to ransomware attacks, is just a means to that end.
So, how do they do it? They need access. Access to you, your family, your employer, your employer’s customers, their suppliers… the list goes on. It’s not personal; you’re just a part of the chain. The more connections they can exploit, the more valuable the target.
Let’s break this down into something more tangible. Picture a cybercriminal as someone scoping out houses in your neighborhood. They’re not interested in who lives inside—they’re looking for open windows, weak locks, or places where the security system isn’t armed. The same goes for your online life. They don’t care if you’re a CEO or a college student. They want easy entry points—outdated software, weak passwords, or unprotected Wi-Fi.
Now, imagine you’ve secured your house—locks on all doors, motion sensors, and even a camera at the front door. That’s what we need to aim for with our digital lives. Locking down every entry point makes it harder for them to break in. And just like with a physical break-in, if it takes too much effort, the criminal moves on to an easier target.
One of the biggest misconceptions is thinking, “I’m not important enough to be targeted.” Cybercriminals don’t think that way. They’re not after you because of who you are; they’re after you because of what they can do with your data. Maybe it’s selling your information on the dark web, maybe it’s using your email to scam others, or maybe it’s using your work credentials to get into your company’s systems.
And it doesn’t stop with you. Once they have a foothold, they can use your connections—your family, friends, and colleagues—as stepping stones to bigger prizes. It’s like a domino effect. One weak link, and they’re in.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated. It’s not just the “Nigerian Prince” scams anymore. They study you. They know when you’re most vulnerable—maybe after a big online purchase or during a busy workday when you’re not paying close attention. They’re patient, waiting for the right moment to strike.
But you can make it harder for them. It’s all about managing your digital presence like you would secure your home. Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Enable two-factor authentication, so even if they get your password, they can’t get in. Be cautious of what you share online, especially on social media, where criminals can piece together bits of your life to guess security answers or trick you into trusting them.
And remember, they’re after more than just you. Your digital habits impact those around you. If they gain access to your accounts, they can use them to phish your friends or co-workers. Imagine the damage that could cause in your workplace or among your social circle. The stakes are high, and it’s not just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting everyone connected to you.
We need to stop viewing cyber attacks as isolated incidents. They are part of a broader ecosystem where cybercriminals are always looking for the next easiest target. If you make yourself hard to hack, they’ll move on. It’s that simple. And that’s where we come in. Be Hard to Hack exists to help people like you make their digital lives secure without the stress or confusion.
By taking small, manageable steps, you can lock down your online presence. Whether it’s using a password manager, setting up two-factor authentication, or just being more aware of phishing attempts, these are the things that make you, your family, and your workplace safer. You don’t need to be a tech expert—just someone who knows the stakes and is ready to act.