In this series of posts, we will take a deep dive into digital security, equipping you with the knowledge and tools necessary to assess your unique risks and build a personalized digital first aid kit. This series is designed to meet you at your current level of preparedness and guide you step-by-step toward a safer and more secure online experience. Are you ready to take the first step? Let's do this!

Step 1: Assess Your Digital Risks

The first step is to identify the potential risks you face. What potential risks do you face? How likely are they to occur? Some common risks include:

• Identity theft and online fraud

• Hacking and malware attacks

• Data breaches and leaks

• Device loss or theft

• Social media threats such as cyberbullying and reputation damage

• Online harassment and cyberstalking

Take some time to consider your risks and the potential consequences of those threats. What data could be compromised if your device is hacked or infected with malware? How could this affect you personally and professionally?

It may be beneficial to make a chart to assess these risks.  Click here to download a template and instructions for evaluating your risks.

Step 2: Identify Your Digital Needs

Once you have assessed your digital risks, the next step is to determine your needs. What tools and resources do you need to protect yourself from potential threats and recover in an emergency? Some may include:

• Password management tools

• Antivirus and firewall software

• Data backup and recovery tools

• Encryption tools for sensitive data and communication

• VPNs or mesh networks for privacy and security

• Two-factor authentication for account security

Consider your needs and prioritize the tools that are most important to you. For example, encryption tools and data backup solutions are essential if you use online banking or handle sensitive client data. If you are residing in or traveling to a country that may arrest you because of the websites you visit, a VPN with obfuscated servers will be pretty high on your priority list.

For now, jot down the type of tool or resource you need for each risk. Later in this series, we will discuss some options for various needs.

Mitigating digital risks before disaster strikes is key to preparedness. Determine your risks and needs now so that you are not scrambling to put your life back in order later.

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(Read about the ordeal of Jeff Bercovici, the SanFran Bureau Chief of Inc.com back in 2015 for a taste of what’s possible.)

For those of us in the preparedness community, we know that being prepared for the unexpected is critical and that we must take a comprehensive approach to preparedness. This means not only considering physical emergencies, but also digital ones. By doing so, we can ensure that we are fully prepared for any situation that may arise.

In today’s world, we are more connected than ever before, our life online is inextricably tied to our life in the “real world.” We rely on technology to stay in touch with loved ones, access critical information, and even manage our finances and healthcare. This reliance also means that we are vulnerable to digital risks and threats. As a result, it’s more important than ever to consider the risks we may face during an emergency and take proactive steps to protect ourselves.

A good place to start is to recognize how advancements in technology will continue to impact the types of emergencies we will face. Sure, we will still encounter natural disasters, illness, and power outages, but we will also face cyber attacks on critical infrastructure; phishing scams and data breaches that put us at risk of fraud or identity theft; or even censorship, media bias, and disinformation that can make it difficult to access information on any emergencies or potential threats we may face.

Additionally, with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), an ever-increasing number of devices are being connected to the internet, creating potential vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit. Imagine a scenario where a hacker gains control of your home security system during an emergency, making it impossible for emergency responders to access your home and provide aid. Or perhaps you remember back in 2016 when an untold number of Nest Thermostats just stopped working mid-winter with temperatures in some places nearing 0°F. And in June 2019, Google experienced an outage that found many Nest devices offline, including thermostats, baby monitors, and even front door locks!

By considering these and other potential dangers, we can take steps to prepare ourselves for digital emergencies. Here’s a few tips to get started:

1. Secure your devices: Make sure all of your devices are password-protected and up to date with the latest security patches. This includes not just your computer and phone, but any IoT or Smart devices in your home.

2. Have a backup plan: In the event of a power outage or internet disruption, have backup methods for communication and accessing important information.

3. Stay Informed: Keep up to date on the latest threats and best practices for digital security. This can help you stay ahead of any potential risks and prepare for emergencies.Check out Zero Day, self-described as “staying on top of the latest,” they really do live up to that promise.

Digital security and preparedness should be a critical component of any emergency preparedness plan. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the potential risks and scenarios we face. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves, we can ensure that we are prepared for whatever the future holds.

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