Cyber Smart: Five habits to protect your family, money, and identity from cyber criminals

by Bart. R. McDonough

Wiley     2019

267 pages     Nonfiction

The Shortlist

The rise of powerful mobile phones, fitness trackers, smart appliances and other new technologies over the last decade has vastly improved our lives. Yet every new device, application and online service we use now leaves us vulnerable to a black market of criminals eager to exploit this new landscape by hacking and selling our passwords, bank accounts, personal photos, and, in some cases, our biggest secrets. 

In Cyber Smart, McDonough uses his extensive cybersecurity experience consulting for the FBI, major financial institutions, and his clients to answer the most common question he hears: “How can I protect myself at home, on a personal level, away from the office?” 

McDonough simplifies the process of digital security, identifying five simple habits that will allow you to protect yourself and your family from:

·         Identify fraud

·         Device hacking

·         Financial account theft

·         Breached email and social media accounts

 

When it comes to cybersecurity and data privacy, the good news is you don’t need to be a tech genius to protect yourself like one. With clear instructions, a friendly tone, and practical strategies, Cyber Smart will help you rest easy, knowing you and your family are protected from cyberattacks.

The author, Bart R. McDonough is a cybersecurity service provider. Certainly he is an expert, and the book reflects his expertise. It is pretty easy to read and understand.  I passed Cyber Smart along to my husband, who is in charge of our cyber security.