Sarah never thought much about cybersecurity. Online shopping? Sure. Social media? All the time. But "hackers" felt like movie villains, targeting billionaires and governments, not ordinary people like her, until the email came. "Click here to review important account activity." The link looked official enough. Her finger hovered, then tapped. Her heart sank as the screen flared, flashing a sickening message: YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED. Frantic calls to tech-savvy friends brought the same harsh truth: Her photos, work documents, and years of memories were held hostage by strangers. They wanted a ransom, in cryptocurrency, no less. Sarah's anger burned hotter than the shame. She wasn't careless, just busy, like everyone else. Now, her digital life was a war zone, and she had no armor, no training. That was the day she decided things would be different. Cybersecurity wasn't optional anymore. It was a survival skill. If a simple email could wreck her world, she needed to understand how, why, and most importantly-how to fight back.
If Sarah's story makes you a little uneasy, it is suitable. This book is your shield. Let's dive into the essentials, the strategies, and the mindset to outsmart the threats out there... and ensure you never become the next Sarah.