Former director of National Intelligence James Clapper spoke on the subject of cybersecurity at the Making Connections Cyber Security Conference this past month to address cybersecurity education.

Children of the 21st century have grown up with constant access to the internet. The internet for today's adolescent generation is simply another part of life. In his speech, Clapper emphasized the importance of teaching children about cybersecurity from an early age. "The internet is inherently insecure," Clapper said. Invoking last fall's U.S. presidential election and Russia's interference to swing votes in the current administration's favor, Clapper said that Russia's involvement "is a terrible affront to something that is fundamental to this country, [to the] sanctity and security of our election process."

By highlighting what cyberattacks can do to manipulate events, and indeed, even the course of history, James Clapper was working to illustrate why cybersecurity education is vital to the United States' young population and the American citizenry at large.

There is a hot partisan debate concerning Russian involvement in the U.S. election and where cybersecurity measures failed. But no matter what side you're on, one thing is true: to protect the privacy of the people, cybersecurity should be a top priority.

Cybersecurity Education: Arming Against Intrusion
Can you imagine if an enemy of yours was able to access your private data and leak it to the public? Cybersecurity education is important to learn at any age. Though Clapper made a point of saying in his keynote address that cybersecurity efforts should be focused on children, it really should be part of everyone's general knowledge.

Did you know for example that small business owners account for 43 percent of all cyberattacks? Considering this demographic makes up for almost half of all cyberattacks, wouldn't it be pertinent to the business owner to learn more about how to protect their business interests from getting in the wrong hands?

If you're a business owner, or just want to better understand how to protect your cyber privacy, here are a few things to know:

• Maintaining a cybersecurity policy with protective cybersecurity practices will better help protect your business and your peace of mind. If a cybercriminal should be able to infiltrate your network, a cybersecurity policy from CyberPolicy will cover the costs of damages incurred. This includes loss of business, property damage and litigation fees. Just because the hacker pulled the proverbial rug out from under you, that doesn't mean you can't still land on your feet. Cyber insurance helps you to get back to business as usual.
• Understanding the basic methods hackers use to crack data systems will help you to recognize if an electronic trap has been laid for you. Hackers like to use phishing scams, DDoS attacks, watering hole attacks and Trojan horses. By knowing what these scams look like, you'll be better able to avoid them.
• Installing regular software updates, changing passphrases regularly and conducting routine server maintenance checks will help you to keep cybercriminals your system. Never press 'ignore' on a software update!

Protecting your online records and business data with a foolproof cybersecurity plan and insurance will show your clients that you care about their welfare. To find a plan that fits your needs, visit CyberPolicy today.