How to Explain Cybersecurity to Your Technophobe Aunt (Without Eye-Rolling)
1 min read
Summary
The author advises on how best to explain cybersecurity to a non-technical relative or friend, referencing their own experience educating their aunt on the subject.
skips the use of jargon in these conversations, instead opting for relatable metaphors and analogies
Three examples used are passwords (emphasise using uniqueness like physical keys), phishing (evoke discomfort and wariness equal to that of telemarketers), and cookies (explaining the Invasion of privacy involved compared to eating the chocolate chip variety).
hackers are framed more as opportunistic burglars than genius-level villains, and their tactics emphasised to show how basic measures can thwart them, such as strong passwords, careful use of public wifi, and keeping software up to date.
The goal is to instill a basic understanding and awareness of the need for vigilance and good practice without overwhelming the recipient with complexity or boilerplate security terminology.