Cyber Defense
Best Practices for Digital Safety
1st Edition
Published on 31. July 2025
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-1-394-33701-9 (ISBN)
Description
Practical and theoretical guide to understanding cyber hygiene, equipping readers with the tools to implement and maintain digital security practices
Cyber Defense is a comprehensive guide that provides an in-depth exploration of essential practices to secure one's digital life. The book begins with an introduction to cyber hygiene, emphasizing its importance and the foundational concepts necessary for maintaining digital security. It then dives into financial security, detailing methods for protecting financial accounts, monitoring transactions, and compartmentalizing accounts to minimize risks. Password management and multifactor authentication are covered, offering strategies for creating strong passwords, using password managers, and enabling multifactor authentication.
With a discussion on secure internet browsing practices, techniques to avoid phishing attacks, and safe web browsing, this book provides email security guidelines for recognizing scams and securing email accounts. Protecting personal devices is discussed, focusing on smartphones, tablets, laptops, IoT devices, and app store security issues. Home network security is explored, with advice on securing home networks, firewalls, and Wi-Fi settings. Each chapter includes recommendations for success, offering practical steps to mitigate risks.
Topics covered in Cyber Defense include:
Data protection and privacy, providing insights into encrypting information and managing personal data
Backup and recovery strategies, including using personal cloud storage services
Social media safety, highlighting best practices, and the challenges of AI voice and video
Actionable recommendations on protecting your finances from criminals
Endpoint protection, ransomware, and malware protection strategies, alongside legal and ethical considerations, including when and how to report cyber incidents to law enforcement
Cyber Defense is an essential guide for anyone, including business owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises, IT staff and support teams, and students studying cybersecurity, information technology, or related fields.
Cyber Defense is a comprehensive guide that provides an in-depth exploration of essential practices to secure one's digital life. The book begins with an introduction to cyber hygiene, emphasizing its importance and the foundational concepts necessary for maintaining digital security. It then dives into financial security, detailing methods for protecting financial accounts, monitoring transactions, and compartmentalizing accounts to minimize risks. Password management and multifactor authentication are covered, offering strategies for creating strong passwords, using password managers, and enabling multifactor authentication.
With a discussion on secure internet browsing practices, techniques to avoid phishing attacks, and safe web browsing, this book provides email security guidelines for recognizing scams and securing email accounts. Protecting personal devices is discussed, focusing on smartphones, tablets, laptops, IoT devices, and app store security issues. Home network security is explored, with advice on securing home networks, firewalls, and Wi-Fi settings. Each chapter includes recommendations for success, offering practical steps to mitigate risks.
Topics covered in Cyber Defense include:
Data protection and privacy, providing insights into encrypting information and managing personal data
Backup and recovery strategies, including using personal cloud storage services
Social media safety, highlighting best practices, and the challenges of AI voice and video
Actionable recommendations on protecting your finances from criminals
Endpoint protection, ransomware, and malware protection strategies, alongside legal and ethical considerations, including when and how to report cyber incidents to law enforcement
Cyber Defense is an essential guide for anyone, including business owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises, IT staff and support teams, and students studying cybersecurity, information technology, or related fields.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 258 mm
Width: 185 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
993 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-394-33701-9 (9781394337019)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2025
1st Edition
Wiley-ISTE
€73.99
Available for download
E-Book
03/2025
1st Edition
Wiley-ISTE
€73.99
Available for download
Person
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.
Content
About the Author xiii
Introduction xv
1 Why Cyber Safety Matters Today 1
The Rise of Digital Connectivity 2
The Expanding Threat Landscape 3
Personal Implications of Cyber Insecurity 6
The Importance of Proactive Cyber Safety 8
Recommendations 12
Conclusion 13
Chapter Questions 14
2 Understanding Cyber Safety in the Digital Age 17
Defining Cyber Safety and Security 17
Fundamentals of Digital Literacy 20
Developing Critical Thinking Skills Online 22
The Human Element in Cybersecurity 24
Recommendations 27
Conclusion 28
Chapter Questions 29
3 Understanding and Preventing Identity Theft 31
What Is Identity Theft? 31
Recognizing Signs of Identity Theft 34
Understanding Data Breaches 37
Preventing Identity Theft 40
Responding to Identity Theft and Data Breaches 43
Recommendations 45
Conclusion 46
Chapter Questions 47
4 Protecting Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and MFA 51
The Importance of Strong Passwords 51
Creating and Managing Strong Passwords 54
Understanding MFA 55
Advanced Account Security Measures 57
Protecting Business and Shared Accounts 59
Recommendations 61
Conclusion 62
Chapter Questions 63
5 Email Security Best Practices 67
Understanding Email Threats 68
Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Attempts 70
Securing Your Email Accounts 73
Safe Email Practices 76
Professional Email Etiquette and Security 77
Recommendations 79
Conclusion 81
Chapter Questions 81
6 Managing Your Digital Footprint and Online Reputation 85
Understanding Your Digital Footprint 85
Monitoring and Controlling Your Online Presence 88
Building a Positive Online Reputation 90
Privacy Considerations 92
Future Implications of Your Digital Footprint 94
Recommendations 95
Conclusion 96
Chapter Questions 97
7 Safe and Professional Use of Social Media 101
Navigating Social Media Platforms Securely 101
Protecting Personal Information 104
Professional Conduct on Social Media 106
Dealing with Social Media Threats 107
Leveraging Social Media Safely 108
Recommendations 110
Conclusion 112
Chapter Questions 112
8 Dealing with Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 115
Understanding Cyberbullying and Harassment 116
Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying 117
Strategies for Victims 119
Preventing Cyberbullying 121
Supporting Others and Advocacy 123
Recommendations 125
Contents ix
Conclusion 126
Chapter Questions 127
9 Children's Online Safety and Parental Controls 131
The Digital World of Children and Teens 132
Communicating with Children About Cyber Safety 134
Implementing Parental Controls and Monitoring 137
Educating Children on Safe Online Practices 139
Collaborating with Schools and Communities 141
Recommendations 142
Conclusion 143
Chapter Questions 144
10 Avoiding Online Scams and Social Engineering Tricks 147
Understanding Social Engineering 148
Common Online Scams 150
Recognizing Red Flags 152
Protecting Yourself from Scams 155
Educating Others and Staying Informed 158
Recommendations 159
Conclusion 160
Chapter Questions 161
11 Using AI Securely and Protecting Your Privacy 165
The Role of AI in Everyday Life 166
Privacy Concerns with AI Technologies 168
Secure Use of AI-powered Devices and Services 170
Protecting Personal Data in the Age of AI 173
Preparing for Future AI Developments 175
Recommendations 177
Conclusion 178
Chapter Questions 179
12 Securing Your Devices and Wearables 183
Mobile Device Security Essentials 183
Protecting Against Mobile Malware 186
Securing Wearable Devices 187
Physical Security and Theft Prevention 190
Disposal and Recycling of Devices 192
Recommendations 194
Conclusion 195
Chapter Questions 196
13 Managing Software and App Security on All Devices 199
Importance of Software Security 199
Safe Installation and Use of Applications 202
Configuration and Hardening of Software 203
Application Whitelisting and Blacklisting 206
Responding to Software Vulnerabilities 208
Recommendations 210
Conclusion 211
Chapter Questions 212
14 Defending Yourself Against Ransomware and Malware 215
Understanding Malware and Ransomware 215
Preventing Malware Infections 218
Recognizing Signs of Infection 221
Responding to a Malware Attack 223
Mitigating the Impact of Ransomware 225
Recommendations 227
Conclusion 228
Chapter Questions 229
15 How to Stay Safe While Browsing the Internet 231
Secure Browsing Practices 231
Avoiding Malicious Websites and Content 234
Protecting Personal Information Online 236
Mental Health and Digital Well-being 239
Safe Participation in Online Communities 241
Recommendations 243
Conclusion 244
Chapter Questions 244
16 Network Security 247
Securing Your Home Network 248
Protecting IoT Devices 250
Safe Use of Public Wi-Fi Networks 252
Encryption and VPNs 254
Cybersecurity for Remote Work and Home Offices 256
Securing Online Gaming and Virtual Reality Platforms 258
Recommendations 260
Conclusion 261
Chapter Questions 262
17 Safeguarding Your Financial Assets and Secure Online Transactions 265
Secure Online Banking Practices 265
Safe Online Shopping 268
Protecting Against Financial Fraud 270
Understanding Cryptocurrency Security 273
Planning for Financial Security 275
Recommendations 277
Conclusion 278
Chapter Questions 278
18 Protecting Your Data: Backups, Cloud Storage, and Disaster Recovery 281
Importance of Data Protection 282
Effective Backup Strategies 284
Secure Use of Cloud Storage 285
Disaster Recovery Planning 287
Data Disposal and Destruction 290
Recommendations 292
Conclusion 293
Chapter Questions 294
19 Cybercrimes and How to Report Them 297
Understanding Cybercrimes 298
Recognizing When You're a Victim 300
Reporting Cybercrimes 303
The Investigation and Legal Process 305
Preventing Future Incidents 307
Recommendations 308
Conclusion 309
Chapter Questions 310
20 Preparing for Emerging Cyber Threats 313
Emerging Cyber Threats 313
AI and ML in Cybersecurity 315
Adapting Security Practices 318
Personal Strategies for Future-proofing Security 320
The Role of Individuals in Shaping Cybersecurity 323
Recommendations 325
Conclusion 326
Chapter Questions 326
21 Teaching and Empowering Others in Cyber Safety 329
Sharing Knowledge and Resources 330
Encouraging Safe Practices in the Workplace 332
Supporting Friends and Family 335
Mentoring and Community Involvement 336
Continuing the Journey of Cyber Safety 338
Recommendations 340
Conclusion 341
Chapter Questions 341
Appendix Answers to Chapter Questions 345
Glossary 375
Index 381
Introduction xv
1 Why Cyber Safety Matters Today 1
The Rise of Digital Connectivity 2
The Expanding Threat Landscape 3
Personal Implications of Cyber Insecurity 6
The Importance of Proactive Cyber Safety 8
Recommendations 12
Conclusion 13
Chapter Questions 14
2 Understanding Cyber Safety in the Digital Age 17
Defining Cyber Safety and Security 17
Fundamentals of Digital Literacy 20
Developing Critical Thinking Skills Online 22
The Human Element in Cybersecurity 24
Recommendations 27
Conclusion 28
Chapter Questions 29
3 Understanding and Preventing Identity Theft 31
What Is Identity Theft? 31
Recognizing Signs of Identity Theft 34
Understanding Data Breaches 37
Preventing Identity Theft 40
Responding to Identity Theft and Data Breaches 43
Recommendations 45
Conclusion 46
Chapter Questions 47
4 Protecting Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and MFA 51
The Importance of Strong Passwords 51
Creating and Managing Strong Passwords 54
Understanding MFA 55
Advanced Account Security Measures 57
Protecting Business and Shared Accounts 59
Recommendations 61
Conclusion 62
Chapter Questions 63
5 Email Security Best Practices 67
Understanding Email Threats 68
Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing Attempts 70
Securing Your Email Accounts 73
Safe Email Practices 76
Professional Email Etiquette and Security 77
Recommendations 79
Conclusion 81
Chapter Questions 81
6 Managing Your Digital Footprint and Online Reputation 85
Understanding Your Digital Footprint 85
Monitoring and Controlling Your Online Presence 88
Building a Positive Online Reputation 90
Privacy Considerations 92
Future Implications of Your Digital Footprint 94
Recommendations 95
Conclusion 96
Chapter Questions 97
7 Safe and Professional Use of Social Media 101
Navigating Social Media Platforms Securely 101
Protecting Personal Information 104
Professional Conduct on Social Media 106
Dealing with Social Media Threats 107
Leveraging Social Media Safely 108
Recommendations 110
Conclusion 112
Chapter Questions 112
8 Dealing with Cyberbullying and Online Harassment 115
Understanding Cyberbullying and Harassment 116
Recognizing Signs of Cyberbullying 117
Strategies for Victims 119
Preventing Cyberbullying 121
Supporting Others and Advocacy 123
Recommendations 125
Contents ix
Conclusion 126
Chapter Questions 127
9 Children's Online Safety and Parental Controls 131
The Digital World of Children and Teens 132
Communicating with Children About Cyber Safety 134
Implementing Parental Controls and Monitoring 137
Educating Children on Safe Online Practices 139
Collaborating with Schools and Communities 141
Recommendations 142
Conclusion 143
Chapter Questions 144
10 Avoiding Online Scams and Social Engineering Tricks 147
Understanding Social Engineering 148
Common Online Scams 150
Recognizing Red Flags 152
Protecting Yourself from Scams 155
Educating Others and Staying Informed 158
Recommendations 159
Conclusion 160
Chapter Questions 161
11 Using AI Securely and Protecting Your Privacy 165
The Role of AI in Everyday Life 166
Privacy Concerns with AI Technologies 168
Secure Use of AI-powered Devices and Services 170
Protecting Personal Data in the Age of AI 173
Preparing for Future AI Developments 175
Recommendations 177
Conclusion 178
Chapter Questions 179
12 Securing Your Devices and Wearables 183
Mobile Device Security Essentials 183
Protecting Against Mobile Malware 186
Securing Wearable Devices 187
Physical Security and Theft Prevention 190
Disposal and Recycling of Devices 192
Recommendations 194
Conclusion 195
Chapter Questions 196
13 Managing Software and App Security on All Devices 199
Importance of Software Security 199
Safe Installation and Use of Applications 202
Configuration and Hardening of Software 203
Application Whitelisting and Blacklisting 206
Responding to Software Vulnerabilities 208
Recommendations 210
Conclusion 211
Chapter Questions 212
14 Defending Yourself Against Ransomware and Malware 215
Understanding Malware and Ransomware 215
Preventing Malware Infections 218
Recognizing Signs of Infection 221
Responding to a Malware Attack 223
Mitigating the Impact of Ransomware 225
Recommendations 227
Conclusion 228
Chapter Questions 229
15 How to Stay Safe While Browsing the Internet 231
Secure Browsing Practices 231
Avoiding Malicious Websites and Content 234
Protecting Personal Information Online 236
Mental Health and Digital Well-being 239
Safe Participation in Online Communities 241
Recommendations 243
Conclusion 244
Chapter Questions 244
16 Network Security 247
Securing Your Home Network 248
Protecting IoT Devices 250
Safe Use of Public Wi-Fi Networks 252
Encryption and VPNs 254
Cybersecurity for Remote Work and Home Offices 256
Securing Online Gaming and Virtual Reality Platforms 258
Recommendations 260
Conclusion 261
Chapter Questions 262
17 Safeguarding Your Financial Assets and Secure Online Transactions 265
Secure Online Banking Practices 265
Safe Online Shopping 268
Protecting Against Financial Fraud 270
Understanding Cryptocurrency Security 273
Planning for Financial Security 275
Recommendations 277
Conclusion 278
Chapter Questions 278
18 Protecting Your Data: Backups, Cloud Storage, and Disaster Recovery 281
Importance of Data Protection 282
Effective Backup Strategies 284
Secure Use of Cloud Storage 285
Disaster Recovery Planning 287
Data Disposal and Destruction 290
Recommendations 292
Conclusion 293
Chapter Questions 294
19 Cybercrimes and How to Report Them 297
Understanding Cybercrimes 298
Recognizing When You're a Victim 300
Reporting Cybercrimes 303
The Investigation and Legal Process 305
Preventing Future Incidents 307
Recommendations 308
Conclusion 309
Chapter Questions 310
20 Preparing for Emerging Cyber Threats 313
Emerging Cyber Threats 313
AI and ML in Cybersecurity 315
Adapting Security Practices 318
Personal Strategies for Future-proofing Security 320
The Role of Individuals in Shaping Cybersecurity 323
Recommendations 325
Conclusion 326
Chapter Questions 326
21 Teaching and Empowering Others in Cyber Safety 329
Sharing Knowledge and Resources 330
Encouraging Safe Practices in the Workplace 332
Supporting Friends and Family 335
Mentoring and Community Involvement 336
Continuing the Journey of Cyber Safety 338
Recommendations 340
Conclusion 341
Chapter Questions 341
Appendix Answers to Chapter Questions 345
Glossary 375
Index 381