Jason Edwards, DM, CISSP, is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in the technology, finance, insurance, and energy sectors. Holding a Doctorate in Management, Information Systems, and Technology, Jason specializes in guiding large public and private companies through complex cybersecurity challenges. His career includes leadership roles across the military, insurance, finance, energy, and technology industries. He is a husband, father, former military cyber officer, adjunct professor, avid reader, dog dad, and a popular voice on LinkedIn.

• About the Author xiiiIntroduction xv1 Why Cyber Safety Matters Today 1The Rise of Digital Connectivity 2The Expanding Threat Landscape 3Personal Implications of Cyber Insecurity 6The Importance of Proactive Cyber Safety 8Recommendations 12Conclusion 13Chapter Questions 142 Understanding Cyber Safety in the Digital Age 17Defining Cyber Safety and Security 17Fundamentals of Digital Literacy 20Developing Critical Thinking Skills Online 22The Human Element in Cybersecurity 24Recommendations 27Conclusion 28Chapter Questions 293 Understanding and Preventing Identity Theft 31What Is Identity Theft? 31Recognizing Signs of Identity Theft 34Understanding Data Breaches 37Preventing Identity Theft 40Responding to Identity Theft and Data Breaches 43Recommendations 45Conclusion 46Chapter Questions 474 Protecting Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and MFA 51The Importance of Strong Passwords 51Creating and Managing Strong Passwords 54Understanding MFA 55Advanced Account Security Measures 57Protecting Business and Shared Accounts 59Recommendations 61Conclusion 62Chapter Questions 635 Email Security Best Practices 67Understanding Email Threats 68Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Attempts 70Securing Your Email Accounts 73Safe Email Practices 76Professional Email Etiquette and Security 77Recommendations 79Conclusion 81Chapter Questions 816 Managing Your Digital Footprint and Online Reputation 85Understanding Your Digital Footprint 85Monitoring and Controlling Your Online Presence 88Building a Positive Online Reputation 90Privacy Considerations 92Future Implications of Your Digital Footprint 94Recommendations 95Conclusion 96Chapter Questions 977 Safe and Professional Use of Social Media 101Navigating Social Media Platforms Securely 101Protecting Personal Information 104Professional Conduct on Social Media 106Dealing with Social Media Threats 107Leveraging Social Media Safely 108Recommendations 110Conclusion 112Chapter Questions 1128 Dealing with Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 115Understanding Cyberbullying and Harassment 116Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying 117Strategies for Victims 119Preventing Cyberbullying 121Supporting Others and Advocacy 123Recommendations 125Contents ixConclusion 126Chapter Questions 1279 Children's Online Safety and Parental Controls 131The Digital World of Children and Teens 132Communicating with Children About Cyber Safety 134Implementing Parental Controls and Monitoring 137Educating Children on Safe Online Practices 139Collaborating with Schools and Communities 141Recommendations 142Conclusion 143Chapter Questions 14410 Avoiding Online Scams and Social Engineering Tricks 147Understanding Social Engineering 148Common Online Scams 150Recognizing Red Flags 152Protecting Yourself from Scams 155Educating Others and Staying Informed 158Recommendations 159Conclusion 160Chapter Questions 16111 Using AI Securely and Protecting Your Privacy 165The Role of AI in Everyday Life 166Privacy Concerns with AI Technologies 168Secure Use of AI-powered Devices and Services 170Protecting Personal Data in the Age of AI 173Preparing for Future AI Developments 175Recommendations 177Conclusion 178Chapter Questions 17912 Securing Your Devices and Wearables 183Mobile Device Security Essentials 183Protecting Against Mobile Malware 186Securing Wearable Devices 187Physical Security and Theft Prevention 190Disposal and Recycling of Devices 192Recommendations 194Conclusion 195Chapter Questions 19613 Managing Software and App Security on All Devices 199Importance of Software Security 199Safe Installation and Use of Applications 202Configuration and Hardening of Software 203Application Whitelisting and Blacklisting 206Responding to Software Vulnerabilities 208Recommendations 210Conclusion 211Chapter Questions 21214 Defending Yourself Against Ransomware and Malware 215Understanding Malware and Ransomware 215Preventing Malware Infections 218Recognizing Signs of Infection 221Responding to a Malware Attack 223Mitigating the Impact of Ransomware 225Recommendations 227Conclusion 228Chapter Questions 22915 How to Stay Safe While Browsing the Internet 231Secure Browsing Practices 231Avoiding Malicious Websites and Content 234Protecting Personal Information Online 236Mental Health and Digital Well-being 239Safe Participation in Online Communities 241Recommendations 243Conclusion 244Chapter Questions 24416 Network Security 247Securing Your Home Network 248Protecting IoT Devices 250Safe Use of Public Wi-Fi Networks 252Encryption and VPNs 254Cybersecurity for Remote Work and Home Offices 256Securing Online Gaming and Virtual Reality Platforms 258Recommendations 260Conclusion 261Chapter Questions 26217 Safeguarding Your Financial Assets and Secure Online Transactions 265Secure Online Banking Practices 265Safe Online Shopping 268Protecting Against Financial Fraud 270Understanding Cryptocurrency Security 273Planning for Financial Security 275Recommendations 277Conclusion 278Chapter Questions 27818 Protecting Your Data: Backups, Cloud Storage, and Disaster Recovery 281Importance of Data Protection 282Effective Backup Strategies 284Secure Use of Cloud Storage 285Disaster Recovery Planning 287Data Disposal and Destruction 290Recommendations 292Conclusion 293Chapter Questions 29419 Cybercrimes and How to Report Them 297Understanding Cybercrimes 298Recognizing When You’re a Victim 300Reporting Cybercrimes 303The Investigation and Legal Process 305Preventing Future Incidents 307Recommendations 308Conclusion 309Chapter Questions 31020 Preparing for Emerging Cyber Threats 313Emerging Cyber Threats 313AI and ML in Cybersecurity 315Adapting Security Practices 318Personal Strategies for Future-proofing Security 320The Role of Individuals in Shaping Cybersecurity 323Recommendations 325Conclusion 326Chapter Questions 32621 Teaching and Empowering Others in Cyber Safety 329Sharing Knowledge and Resources 330Encouraging Safe Practices in the Workplace 332Supporting Friends and Family 335Mentoring and Community Involvement 336Continuing the Journey of Cyber Safety 338Recommendations 340Conclusion 341Chapter Questions 341Appendix Answers to Chapter Questions 345Glossary 375Index 381

Jason Edwards, DM, CISSP, is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in the technology, finance, insurance, and energy sectors. Holding a Doctorate in Management, Information Systems, and Technology, Jason specializes in guiding large public and private companies through complex cybersecurity challenges. His career includes leadership roles across the military, insurance, finance, energy, and technology industries. He is a husband, father, former military cyber officer, adjunct professor, avid reader, dog dad, and a popular voice on LinkedIn.

• About the Author xiiiIntroduction xv1 Why Cyber Safety Matters Today 1The Rise of Digital Connectivity 2The Expanding Threat Landscape 3Personal Implications of Cyber Insecurity 6The Importance of Proactive Cyber Safety 8Recommendations 12Conclusion 13Chapter Questions 142 Understanding Cyber Safety in the Digital Age 17Defining Cyber Safety and Security 17Fundamentals of Digital Literacy 20Developing Critical Thinking Skills Online 22The Human Element in Cybersecurity 24Recommendations 27Conclusion 28Chapter Questions 293 Understanding and Preventing Identity Theft 31What Is Identity Theft? 31Recognizing Signs of Identity Theft 34Understanding Data Breaches 37Preventing Identity Theft 40Responding to Identity Theft and Data Breaches 43Recommendations 45Conclusion 46Chapter Questions 474 Protecting Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and MFA 51The Importance of Strong Passwords 51Creating and Managing Strong Passwords 54Understanding MFA 55Advanced Account Security Measures 57Protecting Business and Shared Accounts 59Recommendations 61Conclusion 62Chapter Questions 635 Email Security Best Practices 67Understanding Email Threats 68Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Attempts 70Securing Your Email Accounts 73Safe Email Practices 76Professional Email Etiquette and Security 77Recommendations 79Conclusion 81Chapter Questions 816 Managing Your Digital Footprint and Online Reputation 85Understanding Your Digital Footprint 85Monitoring and Controlling Your Online Presence 88Building a Positive Online Reputation 90Privacy Considerations 92Future Implications of Your Digital Footprint 94Recommendations 95Conclusion 96Chapter Questions 977 Safe and Professional Use of Social Media 101Navigating Social Media Platforms Securely 101Protecting Personal Information 104Professional Conduct on Social Media 106Dealing with Social Media Threats 107Leveraging Social Media Safely 108Recommendations 110Conclusion 112Chapter Questions 1128 Dealing with Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 115Understanding Cyberbullying and Harassment 116Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying 117Strategies for Victims 119Preventing Cyberbullying 121Supporting Others and Advocacy 123Recommendations 125Contents ixConclusion 126Chapter Questions 1279 Children's Online Safety and Parental Controls 131The Digital World of Children and Teens 132Communicating with Children About Cyber Safety 134Implementing Parental Controls and Monitoring 137Educating Children on Safe Online Practices 139Collaborating with Schools and Communities 141Recommendations 142Conclusion 143Chapter Questions 14410 Avoiding Online Scams and Social Engineering Tricks 147Understanding Social Engineering 148Common Online Scams 150Recognizing Red Flags 152Protecting Yourself from Scams 155Educating Others and Staying Informed 158Recommendations 159Conclusion 160Chapter Questions 16111 Using AI Securely and Protecting Your Privacy 165The Role of AI in Everyday Life 166Privacy Concerns with AI Technologies 168Secure Use of AI-powered Devices and Services 170Protecting Personal Data in the Age of AI 173Preparing for Future AI Developments 175Recommendations 177Conclusion 178Chapter Questions 17912 Securing Your Devices and Wearables 183Mobile Device Security Essentials 183Protecting Against Mobile Malware 186Securing Wearable Devices 187Physical Security and Theft Prevention 190Disposal and Recycling of Devices 192Recommendations 194Conclusion 195Chapter Questions 19613 Managing Software and App Security on All Devices 199Importance of Software Security 199Safe Installation and Use of Applications 202Configuration and Hardening of Software 203Application Whitelisting and Blacklisting 206Responding to Software Vulnerabilities 208Recommendations 210Conclusion 211Chapter Questions 21214 Defending Yourself Against Ransomware and Malware 215Understanding Malware and Ransomware 215Preventing Malware Infections 218Recognizing Signs of Infection 221Responding to a Malware Attack 223Mitigating the Impact of Ransomware 225Recommendations 227Conclusion 228Chapter Questions 22915 How to Stay Safe While Browsing the Internet 231Secure Browsing Practices 231Avoiding Malicious Websites and Content 234Protecting Personal Information Online 236Mental Health and Digital Well-being 239Safe Participation in Online Communities 241Recommendations 243Conclusion 244Chapter Questions 24416 Network Security 247Securing Your Home Network 248Protecting IoT Devices 250Safe Use of Public Wi-Fi Networks 252Encryption and VPNs 254Cybersecurity for Remote Work and Home Offices 256Securing Online Gaming and Virtual Reality Platforms 258Recommendations 260Conclusion 261Chapter Questions 26217 Safeguarding Your Financial Assets and Secure Online Transactions 265Secure Online Banking Practices 265Safe Online Shopping 268Protecting Against Financial Fraud 270Understanding Cryptocurrency Security 273Planning for Financial Security 275Recommendations 277Conclusion 278Chapter Questions 27818 Protecting Your Data: Backups, Cloud Storage, and Disaster Recovery 281Importance of Data Protection 282Effective Backup Strategies 284Secure Use of Cloud Storage 285Disaster Recovery Planning 287Data Disposal and Destruction 290Recommendations 292Conclusion 293Chapter Questions 29419 Cybercrimes and How to Report Them 297Understanding Cybercrimes 298Recognizing When You’re a Victim 300Reporting Cybercrimes 303The Investigation and Legal Process 305Preventing Future Incidents 307Recommendations 308Conclusion 309Chapter Questions 31020 Preparing for Emerging Cyber Threats 313Emerging Cyber Threats 313AI and ML in Cybersecurity 315Adapting Security Practices 318Personal Strategies for Future-proofing Security 320The Role of Individuals in Shaping Cybersecurity 323Recommendations 325Conclusion 326Chapter Questions 32621 Teaching and Empowering Others in Cyber Safety 329Sharing Knowledge and Resources 330Encouraging Safe Practices in the Workplace 332Supporting Friends and Family 335Mentoring and Community Involvement 336Continuing the Journey of Cyber Safety 338Recommendations 340Conclusion 341Chapter Questions 341Appendix Answers to Chapter Questions 345Glossary 375Index 381

Jason Edwards, DM, CISSP, is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in the technology, finance, insurance, and energy sectors. Holding a Doctorate in Management, Information Systems, and Technology, Jason specializes in guiding large public and private companies through complex cybersecurity challenges. His career includes leadership roles across the military, insurance, finance, energy, and technology industries. He is a husband, father, former military cyber officer, adjunct professor, avid reader, dog dad, and a popular voice on LinkedIn.

• About the Author xiiiIntroduction xv1 Why Cyber Safety Matters Today 1The Rise of Digital Connectivity 2The Expanding Threat Landscape 3Personal Implications of Cyber Insecurity 6The Importance of Proactive Cyber Safety 8Recommendations 12Conclusion 13Chapter Questions 142 Understanding Cyber Safety in the Digital Age 17Defining Cyber Safety and Security 17Fundamentals of Digital Literacy 20Developing Critical Thinking Skills Online 22The Human Element in Cybersecurity 24Recommendations 27Conclusion 28Chapter Questions 293 Understanding and Preventing Identity Theft 31What Is Identity Theft? 31Recognizing Signs of Identity Theft 34Understanding Data Breaches 37Preventing Identity Theft 40Responding to Identity Theft and Data Breaches 43Recommendations 45Conclusion 46Chapter Questions 474 Protecting Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and MFA 51The Importance of Strong Passwords 51Creating and Managing Strong Passwords 54Understanding MFA 55Advanced Account Security Measures 57Protecting Business and Shared Accounts 59Recommendations 61Conclusion 62Chapter Questions 635 Email Security Best Practices 67Understanding Email Threats 68Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Attempts 70Securing Your Email Accounts 73Safe Email Practices 76Professional Email Etiquette and Security 77Recommendations 79Conclusion 81Chapter Questions 816 Managing Your Digital Footprint and Online Reputation 85Understanding Your Digital Footprint 85Monitoring and Controlling Your Online Presence 88Building a Positive Online Reputation 90Privacy Considerations 92Future Implications of Your Digital Footprint 94Recommendations 95Conclusion 96Chapter Questions 977 Safe and Professional Use of Social Media 101Navigating Social Media Platforms Securely 101Protecting Personal Information 104Professional Conduct on Social Media 106Dealing with Social Media Threats 107Leveraging Social Media Safely 108Recommendations 110Conclusion 112Chapter Questions 1128 Dealing with Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 115Understanding Cyberbullying and Harassment 116Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying 117Strategies for Victims 119Preventing Cyberbullying 121Supporting Others and Advocacy 123Recommendations 125Contents ixConclusion 126Chapter Questions 1279 Children's Online Safety and Parental Controls 131The Digital World of Children and Teens 132Communicating with Children About Cyber Safety 134Implementing Parental Controls and Monitoring 137Educating Children on Safe Online Practices 139Collaborating with Schools and Communities 141Recommendations 142Conclusion 143Chapter Questions 14410 Avoiding Online Scams and Social Engineering Tricks 147Understanding Social Engineering 148Common Online Scams 150Recognizing Red Flags 152Protecting Yourself from Scams 155Educating Others and Staying Informed 158Recommendations 159Conclusion 160Chapter Questions 16111 Using AI Securely and Protecting Your Privacy 165The Role of AI in Everyday Life 166Privacy Concerns with AI Technologies 168Secure Use of AI-powered Devices and Services 170Protecting Personal Data in the Age of AI 173Preparing for Future AI Developments 175Recommendations 177Conclusion 178Chapter Questions 17912 Securing Your Devices and Wearables 183Mobile Device Security Essentials 183Protecting Against Mobile Malware 186Securing Wearable Devices 187Physical Security and Theft Prevention 190Disposal and Recycling of Devices 192Recommendations 194Conclusion 195Chapter Questions 19613 Managing Software and App Security on All Devices 199Importance of Software Security 199Safe Installation and Use of Applications 202Configuration and Hardening of Software 203Application Whitelisting and Blacklisting 206Responding to Software Vulnerabilities 208Recommendations 210Conclusion 211Chapter Questions 21214 Defending Yourself Against Ransomware and Malware 215Understanding Malware and Ransomware 215Preventing Malware Infections 218Recognizing Signs of Infection 221Responding to a Malware Attack 223Mitigating the Impact of Ransomware 225Recommendations 227Conclusion 228Chapter Questions 22915 How to Stay Safe While Browsing the Internet 231Secure Browsing Practices 231Avoiding Malicious Websites and Content 234Protecting Personal Information Online 236Mental Health and Digital Well-being 239Safe Participation in Online Communities 241Recommendations 243Conclusion 244Chapter Questions 24416 Network Security 247Securing Your Home Network 248Protecting IoT Devices 250Safe Use of Public Wi-Fi Networks 252Encryption and VPNs 254Cybersecurity for Remote Work and Home Offices 256Securing Online Gaming and Virtual Reality Platforms 258Recommendations 260Conclusion 261Chapter Questions 26217 Safeguarding Your Financial Assets and Secure Online Transactions 265Secure Online Banking Practices 265Safe Online Shopping 268Protecting Against Financial Fraud 270Understanding Cryptocurrency Security 273Planning for Financial Security 275Recommendations 277Conclusion 278Chapter Questions 27818 Protecting Your Data: Backups, Cloud Storage, and Disaster Recovery 281Importance of Data Protection 282Effective Backup Strategies 284Secure Use of Cloud Storage 285Disaster Recovery Planning 287Data Disposal and Destruction 290Recommendations 292Conclusion 293Chapter Questions 29419 Cybercrimes and How to Report Them 297Understanding Cybercrimes 298Recognizing When You’re a Victim 300Reporting Cybercrimes 303The Investigation and Legal Process 305Preventing Future Incidents 307Recommendations 308Conclusion 309Chapter Questions 31020 Preparing for Emerging Cyber Threats 313Emerging Cyber Threats 313AI and ML in Cybersecurity 315Adapting Security Practices 318Personal Strategies for Future-proofing Security 320The Role of Individuals in Shaping Cybersecurity 323Recommendations 325Conclusion 326Chapter Questions 32621 Teaching and Empowering Others in Cyber Safety 329Sharing Knowledge and Resources 330Encouraging Safe Practices in the Workplace 332Supporting Friends and Family 335Mentoring and Community Involvement 336Continuing the Journey of Cyber Safety 338Recommendations 340Conclusion 341Chapter Questions 341Appendix Answers to Chapter Questions 345Glossary 375Index 381