Cybersecurity 101: A beginner’s guide to protecting yourself online Par :Kiana Seitz June 12, 2025 Estimated reading time: 6 minutes. Why cybersecurity matters in everyday life So much of our lives is lived online: shopping, banking, learning, working, and socializing. With this convenience comes increased vulnerability. Cybercrime is on the rise, with millions of personal records compromised every year. Canada’s Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Bill Blair, says “in the last two years, we have witnessed a sharp increase in both the number and severity of cyber incidents, many of which target our essential services.” Yet many people still believe they're not at risk. The truth is, if you're online, you're a potential target. This guide will walk you through what cybersecurity means, why it matters, and how you can take immediate steps to protect yourself. It's also a gateway into an exciting and growing field with endless career potential. What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. These attacks can take many forms, including: Malware: Malicious software like viruses or spyware. Phishing: Fraudulent messages designed to trick you into giving away personal information. Ransomware: Software that locks your files until a ransom is paid. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it's a personal responsibility. Every time you log in, click a link, or open an email, you play a part in your own digital safety. Every day risks you face online Think cyber threats don’t apply to you? Think again. Many everyday behaviours expose you to significant online risks, often without you realizing it. Here’s why these common actions can be dangerous: Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN: Public networks (like those in cafés, airports, or hotels) are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. Without a VPN (Virtual Private Network), sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and emails can be exposed to cybercriminals. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts: If one site is breached, attackers can use the same credentials to access your other accounts—this is called credential stuffing. It’s a fast way for hackers to take over your email, bank, and social media profiles. Clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious files: Phishing emails and fake websites often contain links or attachments that install malware or ransomware on your device. One wrong click can compromise your system or give hackers access to your private data. Oversharing on social media: Posting your birthdate, travel plans, or even your pet’s name (a common password choice) can help hackers guess your login credentials or security questions. It also increases the risk of identity theft and targeted phishing. Neglecting software updates: Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities. Delaying or ignoring updates leaves your devices exposed to known threats that hackers actively exploit. Even small oversights can open the door to identity theft, financial loss, or worse. 9 practical tips to protect yourself right now 1. Use strong, unique passwords A strong password is your first line of defence. Aim for a combination of at least 12 characters using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t reuse passwords across sites. Consider using passphrases—e.g., “CoffeeMug$OnTheDesk2025!” is stronger and easier to remember than random strings. Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to securely generate and store your login credentials. 2. Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just a password, but a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Use 2FA on email, banking, and social media accounts. Prefer authentication apps (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy) over SMS when possible, as they’re less vulnerable to SIM-swap attacks. 3. Keep your software up to date Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Take the time to free up some of your phone storage and update that device, you don’t want to regret not doing it. Set your devices and apps to auto-update. Regularly update your browser, antivirus software, operating system, and even smart home devices. Pay attention to security patches—they’re often released in response to active threats. 4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it's also a hotspot for cybercriminals looking to intercept your data. Avoid logging into bank accounts or sensitive platforms on unsecured networks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet connection. Turn off auto-connect features to prevent your device from joining sketchy networks automatically. 5. Be wary of phishing emails and messages Phishing remains one of the most common cyberattack methods. Hackers impersonate trusted sources to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. Check for typos, suspicious links, and odd email addresses. Be diligent because hackers can use different alphabets to imitate the look of popular website URLs and it can be difficult tell the difference sometimes. If it’s a site you log into regularly and your username typically autopopulates and it hasn’t, it’s likely not the true website. Don’t download unexpected attachments or click on links from unknown senders. When in doubt, verify directly—call or email the person/company from their official contact page. 6. Secure your devices Your smartphone, laptop, and tablet contain loads of personal data. Make sure they’re locked down. Enable screen locks with biometrics or passcodes. Install anti-virus or anti-malware software. Encrypt your hard drive and turn off Bluetooth or location services when not in use. 7. Limit what you share online What you post online can be used to answer security questions, steal your identity, or track your location. Avoid sharing details like your birthday, location, school, or travel plans publicly. Review your privacy settings on social media. Use pseudonyms or private accounts if you want more control over your digital identity. 8. Install antivirus and firewall protection Antivirus software and firewalls form the backbone of your device’s security system. Antivirus software helps detect, quarantine, and remove malicious software like viruses, ransomware, and spyware before they cause damage. Modern antivirus tools often run in the background and update automatically to recognize new threats. A firewall acts as a barrier between your device and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic. It can block unauthorized access attempts and prevent malicious data from entering your system. 9. Backup your data regularly Cyberattacks like ransomware can lock or delete your data. Backups give you a recovery option. Use a combination of cloud storage and physical external drives. Set automatic backups for your documents, photos, and system files. Make sure your backups are encrypted and stored securely. The role of cybersecurity in modern life Digital safety affects every aspect of our lives. From working remotely to online banking, cybersecurity is no longer optional. Good digital hygiene helps protect not just individuals but families, businesses, and communities. Cybersecurity literacy is becoming as essential as learning to drive or manage money. Even basic knowledge can help you avoid major pitfalls. Red, blue or purple cybersecurity teams are becoming increasingly standard components of organizations. While individual employees do their best to follow basic cybersecurity best practices, the cybersecurity teams are developing offensive and defensive strategies to uncover vulnerabilities before they happen, as well as be ready to protect assets, networks, and systems when an attack happens. Any company, of any size, can be a target of a cybersecurity attack, which is why there is a demand for cybersecurity professionals across Canada. A path to a career in cybersecurity Learning to protect your own information is a great first step toward a career in cybersecurity. But remember, as threats evolve, so does the need for skilled professionals such as: Security Analyst Ethical Hacker Incident Responder Risk Assessor Learn about different types of cybersecurity jobs, from entry-level to senior. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand, offer great pay, and provide meaningful work. Bootcamps and online programs, like the Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp, can help you get started with little to no experience. The Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp can have you job-ready in just 12 or 30 weeks. The 3-month, immersive, full-time schedule will have you spending over 40 hours a week learning industry-aligned cybersecurity concepts. While the flexible, part-time schedule will teach you the same concepts in 30 weeks but you will dedicate about 25 hours a week to the bootcamp. This option is great for people balancing other priorities. Learn more about our Cybersecurity Bootcamp in an upcoming Info Session. How others have transitioned to a career in cybersecurity Lighthouse Labs bootcamps have transitioned over 4,500 Canadians to tech. Just this year alone, Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp graduates have been hired at Amazon, Lululemon, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), KPMG, Telus, Canada Life, Rogers, TD Bank, Canada Armed Forces, Oncology Simplified Inc., EllisDon Construction, Paymentus, Arctic Wolf, Cenovus Energy, Spin Master, and more! Cybersecurity graduate Bernadette's career transition to cybersecurity led to her dream role at her dream company. She says: “Lighthouse Labs gave me the tools and confidence to land my role as a Cybersecurity Awareness Analyst at lululemon, where I help shape security culture and educate teams on cyber threats.” Caleb had built a successful insurance career, but something was missing. He craved work that felt meaningful, something beyond quotas and closing deals, so he enrolled in Lighthouse Labs’ Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Caleb is now Client and Site Services Support at NWR, though he doesn’t feel that title fully reflects the work he does. One of his proudest moments came when he was selected to lead company-wide cybersecurity training, helping employees recognize and respond to phishing and scam attempts. Caleb says: “I’m incredibly fortunate to be part of a supportive team with a manager who values both my training at Lighthouse Labs and my passion for the field. They’ve emphasized that while they can teach me technical skills and fill in any gaps, my enthusiasm and dedication were key reasons for hiring me.” Become a Cybersecurity Professional in as little as 12 weeks! Classes start soon and there's room for you. Learn more Take charge of your online safety Protecting yourself online doesn’t require deep technical knowledge, just awareness and good habits. Implement the tips in this guide to make your digital life more secure. Want to learn more or explore a career in cybersecurity? Start by checking out our Cybersecurity Bootcamp, designed to turn your interest into expertise. Stay safe, stay informed, and take control of your digital future.