Blog

Breaking Into Cybersecurity: What I Wish I KnewBy Ryan Alexander Wainz | Cybersecurity &amp; AI AdvocateHey everyone, welcome back to the blog! Today I want to step away from the technical side and talk about something more personal: what it’s really like to break into cybersecurity.If you’re reading this and wondering whether you need to be a hacker, a genius, or have a decade of IT experience before you can even apply—take a deep breath. You don’t. What you do need is curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning.Cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Nobody knows it all (and if they tell you they do, they’re lying). What matters most is developing a mindset of growth, resilience, and communication.&nbsp; What Surprised Me Early On🗣️ Communication Matters More Than You ThinkWhen I first started, I thought cybersecurity was all about the tools, the configs, and the logs. Don’t get me wrong—those matter. But I quickly learned that much of the job is explaining those tools to others:End users: Why MFA or a password policy is in place Leadership: Why a tool is necessary for the business Non-technical teams: Why any of this matters The skill to translate technical risk into business value is one of the most underrated, but powerful, abilities you can develop. People already know cyber threats are real—they see it on the news every week. Your job is to calmly explain: this could happen to us, and here’s why we need to be prepared.🧠 You’ll Never Know Everything (And That’s OK)One of the first lessons I learned was the Dunning-Kruger effect. In short: the less you know, the more confident you feel. But as you gain real experience, you realize just how massive this field really is.That’s not a bad thing—it means you’ll never be bored. It also means you’ll always bring a unique expertise to your team or industry. Stay curious, stay humble, and keep sharpening your “cyber brain”—your ability to learn and adapt quickly. 🎓 Certifications vs. Hands-On SkillsCertifications matter. They prove you have knowledge in a specific area and often help you land interviews. But hands-on skills are just as important—if not more.If you’re going the college route, look closely at the curriculum. Does it actually align with the career you want? Feel free to message me—I’d be happy to review a program with you and give feedback.At the same time, don’t sleep on certifications. They show hiring managers you’ve put in the effort to learn. Just balance them with practice. My Top Tips for Breaking In1️⃣ Learn from Free Tools and Platforms YouTube, Wireshark, TryHackMe, HackTheBox—even blogs like this one. There’s so much out there. Don’t let money be the reason you don’t start; there’s an abundance of free resources online.2️⃣ Practice Writing and Explaining This is huge. Write reports. Explain threats in plain English. Practice telling a friend what a phishing email is without using jargon. If you can talk to non-technical people confidently, you’re already ahead of the curve. It will also help in interviews, since hiring managers want to see you’re not only technical.3️⃣ Get Out and Network Attend conferences, meetups, and local cybersecurity groups. You’ll meet people from every corner of the industry—from healthcare security to cloud defense—and they’ll share perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.4️⃣ Build Your LinkedIn Presence Follow security leaders, connect with peers, and yes—talk to salespeople. Hearing their pitches isn’t just about buying tools; it’s a way to learn what’s new in the market and where the industry is heading. Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)Thinking I had to know everything before applying to jobs Avoiding networking because I thought I wasn’t “ready” (just go—you are!) Focusing too much on technical skills and not enough on communication Don’t fall into the same traps. The truth is, everyone’s path is different—and that’s what makes this field so exciting. Final Words: There’s Room for Everyone in CybersecurityCybersecurity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people come from IT, some from the military, and some from completely unrelated fields. Your path will be your own.I’d love to hear how you got into the field—or, if you’re trying to break in, what challenges you’re facing. Drop a comment or DM me anytime. I’d be happy to answer questions or even do a Q&amp;A post in the future.Remember: you don’t need to be a genius—you just need to stay curious, keep learning, and never stop growing. The field needs more people like you. Until next time, Ryan Alexander Wainz Cybersecurity Professional | AI Enthusiast | Advocate for Responsible AI

Breaking Into Cybersecurity: What I Wish I Knew

The Safe and Responsible Use of AIBy Ryan Alexander Wainz | Cybersecurity &amp; AI AdvocateHi friends, welcome back to the blog! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s not just exciting but also really important: how to use AI safely and responsibly.AI is becoming part of our daily lives—from fixing typos to powering complex business decisions. But as powerful as it is, there are risks if we’re not careful. Let’s break it down together.&nbsp; 🧠 Everyday Use: Where AI Shines&nbsp; One of the best and safest ways to use AI is for spell check, grammar help, and rewording. These tools save time and polish your writing without requiring you to share anything sensitive. Think of it as your smart assistant for communication—not your vault for private data.Helpful Link: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttv13ayscGQ" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttv13ayscGQ" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Using Generative AI for Spelling and Grammar Checking</a>&nbsp; 🏢 At Work: Protecting Sensitive Information If you work at a company dealing with trade secrets or confidential data, you need to be extra careful.✔️ Only use company-approved AI platforms—the ones your organization pays for and has vetted. ✔️ Remember, many new AI startups lack strong security and compliance. Don’t just trust the shiny new tool. ✔️ Always check your company’s policies before feeding anything into AI.A single upload of sensitive data to the wrong service can cause a major breach.Helpful Link: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMAT_QHZcuQ&amp;t=72s" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMAT_QHZcuQ&amp;t=72s">DeepSeek AI is a Privacy Nightmare for Businesses</a> (This AI platform, DeepSeek, has been flagged by multiple security experts for significant privacy risks and security vulnerabilities.)&nbsp; 🔒 Personal Use: Guard Your Information Treat AI tools like any other online service: don’t put in details you wouldn’t post publicly. That means no Social Security Numbers, birthdays, credit card info, or health records.Think before you share. If in doubt, leave it out.Helpful Link: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ7GbXGQsHU&amp;t=5s" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ7GbXGQsHU&amp;t=5s">How to embrace AI while protecting personal information and data</a>&nbsp; 📢 Don’t Believe Everything You Read AI can create an echo chamber effect, repeating what you want to hear based on your wording. To avoid falling into the trap:- Use “temporary chat” or “private mode” when possible - Compare results across multiple AI tools - Cross-check with books, the open web, or human experts - Always double-check important facts before acting on them Helpful Link: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsOUgS7Iwqc&amp;t=322s" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsOUgS7Iwqc&amp;t=322s">The AI Echo Chamber: Are We Training Our Manipulators?</a>&nbsp; 🧩 AI and Mental Health Some people turn to AI for emotional support—but here’s where caution is key.Studies (including ones from Stanford and MIT, 2023) show that while AI can provide comfort, it also risks reinforcing negative thoughts, giving oversimplified advice, or missing serious warning signs. AI simply can’t replace trained professionals as of today.If you’re struggling with mental health, lean on AI only lightly—and always pair it with real, human help.Helpful Link: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEaYy7MeoZU" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEaYy7MeoZU">The risks and benefits of Chatbot Therapy</a>&nbsp; 👶 Children and AI Kids are growing up surrounded by AI, from chatbots to learning apps. But unsupervised exposure has risks:Misinformation and inappropriate content - Overreliance on AI instead of developing critical thinking - Privacy concerns with how children’s data is stored and used - Parents and teachers should set boundaries, monitor usage, and teach kids how to question what AI tells them.Helpful Link: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojjn9T_fuUw" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojjn9T_fuUw">Exploring Children’s Rights and AI</a>&nbsp; 🚀 Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness. AI has huge potential to improve healthcare, education, business, and daily life. But the key is using it safely and securely.If we stay cautious—protecting our data, double-checking information, and guiding the next generation—AI can be a tool that makes life better for all of us.Thanks for reading, and let’s keep working toward a safer, smarter digital future!Until next time, Ryan Alexander Wainz Cybersecurity Professional | AI Enthusiast | Advocate for Responsible AI

The Safe and Responsible Use of AI

By Ryan Alexander Wainz | Cybersecurity &amp; AI Advocate🎣 Still Falling for Phishing? You’re Not Alone.Hi friends, welcome back to the blog!Phishing has been around for decades—and despite all the awareness campaigns, filters, and training tools, it’s still the #1 way hackers get in.The truth is, phishing doesn’t work because people are careless. It works because it preys on being human—our curiosity, sense of urgency, and trust. And lately, it’s gotten way more convincing thanks to AI tools that can write emails, mimic voices, and even generate deepfake videos.So today, let’s break down why phishing still works, how attacks are evolving, and what you can do—whether you’re a casual internet user or a security pro—to outsmart them.&nbsp; 🧠 Why Phishing Still Works in 2025Even with all the awareness, phishing keeps succeeding for four big reasons:1️⃣ It’s Cheap and Easy for Attackers Anyone can download a phishing kit, spoof a website, or use AI to write convincing emails. The barrier to entry is low—and the rewards can be huge.2️⃣ It Plays on Emotion Phishing emails are designed to make you feel something quickly: fear, urgency, guilt, or curiosity. The goal is to bypass logic and get you to click before you think.3️⃣ It Keeps Evolving Gone are the days of “Nigerian prince” scams. Today’s phishing emails look like password reset requests from Google, Slack invites from coworkers, or shipping updates from Amazon. Some even use AI-generated text or clone real login pages down to the pixel.4️⃣ People Are Tired Between work notifications, personal emails, texts, and social media pings, most of us are running on alert fatigue. When you’re busy or distracted, phishing has a much higher chance of working.&nbsp; 🎭 What Makes Modern Phishing Harder to SpotToday’s phishing messages can look and sound just like legitimate ones: ✅ Perfect grammar and tone, thanks to AI writing tools ✅ Legit-looking sender names, like “HR Department” or “John from IT” ✅ Real company logos, cloned footers, and matching color schemes ✅ Urgent messages, like “Update your account,” “Unauthorized login detected,” or “Final notice before suspension” Even tech-savvy people are falling for these.🧠 Why? Because the difference between a real and fake email might be a single misplaced letter in a domain name (e.g., secure-login.google.com vs. secure-login.g00gle.com). Or a message that hits at just the right time—like the morning your company really is rolling out a new benefits portal.&nbsp; 📹 Check out this video! <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHetr8xTWIU" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHetr8xTWIU">How to Spot a Phishing Email</a>&nbsp; ✅ Easy Steps Anyone Can Use to Outsmart PhishingYou don’t need to be in IT to avoid a scam. Here are practical tips anyone can start using right now:🔍 1. Slow Down If something feels urgent or alarming (“Your account is locked!”), pause. That urgency is often the trick.👁 2. Check the Sender Hover over the email address—or tap it on your phone—and look for subtle typos or unfamiliar domains. Real companies won’t email you from support-ryan123@gmail.com.🔗 3. Don’t Click—Go Direct Instead of clicking links in emails or texts, go to the website directly. For example, if you get a notice from your bank, open a new browser window and type in the URL yourself.🧠 4. Trust Your Gut If something feels off—even if you can’t explain why—don’t click. Forward it to your IT team or the actual company through their verified support page.📞 5. Confirm Out-of-Character Requests If your “boss” texts you asking for gift cards, call them. If your friend messages you from a new number, verify on another app. A quick check can save a big headache.&nbsp; ⚠️ Be Careful—Even With People You KnowIt’s easy to assume that emails from people you regularly work with are safe—but that’s not always true.If someone you trust gets hacked, attackers can use their real email account to send personalized phishing messages that seem completely normal. This is known as business email compromise (BEC)—and it’s one of the most financially damaging cyberattacks in the world.Even “safe” emails can be dangerous if:The person starts asking odd questions or making strange requests The language or tone feels off There’s unusual urgency, secrecy, or pressure to act quickly Example:Your accounting rep suddenly asks you to change wire instructions for a vendor. The email looks real. The name matches. But the bank info is fraudulent—and the rep never sent it.✅ Pro tip: If a trusted contact starts acting oddly or making high-stakes requests, take it offline. Call them or message through a different platform to confirm.Remember: trust is important—but so is verification.&nbsp; 🧰 Bonus Tools for the Tech-Savvy CrowdIf you’re in IT, a SOC analyst, a cyber geek, or just cruious, here are some extra layers to keep phishing in check:🛠 Email Header Analysis: <a data-mce-href="https://mxtoolbox.com/EmailHeaders.aspx" href="https://mxtoolbox.com/EmailHeaders.aspx">Link</a> Use tools like MXToolbox Header Analyzer to inspect the true path of an email.🧪 VirusTotal: <a data-mce-href="https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload" href="https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/upload">Link</a> Paste any suspicious URL or attachment into VirusTotal to check if it’s been flagged by antivirus engines.🕵️‍♂️ Use DMARC, DKIM, SPF: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8NUW3CZRvw" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8NUW3CZRvw">Link</a> Make sure your company is using these email authentication protocols. They help reduce spoofing and give you better visibility into who’s impersonating your domain.🧑‍💻 Run Phishing Simulations: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNOWpBnxiFs&amp;list=PLSYjic9wepXhUGWtn6fYiqN3pxG4-zvP7" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNOWpBnxiFs&amp;list=PLSYjic9wepXhUGWtn6fYiqN3pxG4-zvP7">Link</a> Use tools like KnowBe4 or Microsoft Attack Simulator to train employees and spot your weak points—before real attackers do.&nbsp; 🔄 A Real Phishing Example I’ve SeenSubject: “Action Required: Your Benefits Portal Has Moved” From: hr-portal@company-benefits.co Body: “We’ve upgraded your benefits system. Please log in using the link below to update your coverage by end of day.” (Includes perfect branding, fake login button)At a glance, this looked like an internal email. But the link led to a fake Microsoft login page. It was caught only because an employee double-checked the sender domain.💡 Lesson: It wasn’t misspelled, but it was fake—and timed perfectly during open enrollment season.&nbsp; 🔐 Final Thoughts: Be Skeptical, Not CynicalYou don’t need to live in fear online—but you do need to be aware. Phishing succeeds when it catches us off guard. The more we build habits like slowing down, verifying, and asking questions, the more resilient we become.In cybersecurity, we often say: “People aren’t the weakest link—they’re the first line of defense.” Let’s empower people, not blame them.Got a suspicious message you want reviewed? Send it my way—I’m always happy to take a look or share a second opinion.Thanks for reading and stay sharp out there!Until next time, Ryan Alexander Wainz Cybersecurity Professional | AI Enthusiast | Advocate for Accessible Digital Security

Why Phishing Still Works—And How to Outsmart It

By Ryan Alexander Wainz | Cybersecurity &amp; AI AdvocateHi friends, welcome back to the blog! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s becoming more relevant by the day—how to spot AI-generated content.Whether you're scrolling through social media, reading product reviews, or even applying for a job, chances are you’ve come across something created by AI. It could be a fake image, a convincing video, or an article that just feels “off”—but you can’t quite explain why.So how do you tell what’s real and what’s synthetic—without needing a PhD in computer science?Let’s break it down in plain English, with tips anyone can use.&nbsp; 🧠 Why This Matters More Than EverWe’re entering an era where AI can mimic human behavior almost perfectly—writing blog posts, generating headshots, even cloning voices. While these tools have incredible upside (I use some myself!), they also introduce serious risks:Disinformation / Fake News: AI-generated videos and images can spread quickly, especially during elections or global events. Scams &amp; Phishing: AI-written messages are now more convincing and personalized than ever. Trust Erosion: If anything can be faked, how do we know what’s real? This is becoming one of the biggest issues in today’s world. That’s why learning how to spot AI content is becoming a basic digital literacy skill—just like recognizing a phishing link or knowing how to protect your password.&nbsp; ✍️ How to Identify AI-Written TextAI text generators like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are impressive—but not perfect. Here are a few red flags to watch for:🔹 Too polished or robotic tone: AI often writes with flawless grammar, but the tone can feel generic or oddly emotionless.🔹 Lack of specific details or personal experience: If something reads like a summary without real anecdotes or firsthand insight, it might be synthetic.🔹 Clickbaity or emotionally charged headlines: Both AI and people use exaggerated language to drive clicks. It’s often a sign of manipulation, not authenticity.🔹 Repetition or redundancy: AI content sometimes repeats points in slightly different ways to appear longer or more “thorough.”🔹 Outdated or made-up facts: Even top AI tools can hallucinate facts—like fake quotes, stats, or sources.🛠️ Quick Test Tools:<a data-mce-href="https://gptzero.me/" href="https://gptzero.me/">GPTZero</a> <a data-mce-href="https://copyleaks.com/" href="https://copyleaks.com/">Copyleaks AI Detector</a> <a data-mce-href="chatgpt.com" href="chatgpt.com">ChatGPT</a> itself: Paste in the text and ask, “Was this AI-generated?” Your gut: If it feels off, it probably is. 🖼️ How to Catch AI-Generated ImagesAI tools like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stability are now capable of creating hyper-realistic images. But there are still clues:🔹 Hands and fingers: Still a weak spot for many models. Look for extra fingers, warped joints, or unnatural positions.🔹 Weird background details: Mangled text, blurry shadows, or repeating patterns are common signs of AI image synthesis.🔹 Facial symmetry and reflections: Real faces are rarely symmetrical. Reflections in sunglasses or mirrors are often wrong.🔹 Odd lighting and depth: If the scene looks “too perfect” or strangely bright, it might be generated.🛠️ Quick Tools:<a data-mce-href="https://huggingface.co/spaces/Ateeqq/ai-image-detector" href="https://huggingface.co/spaces/Ateeqq/ai-image-detector">Hugging Face AI Image Detector</a> – Hugging Face is a great resource but constantly changing&nbsp; <a data-mce-href="https://optic.xyz/" href="https://optic.xyz/">Optic (formerly Bioptic)</a> Google Reverse Image Search: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7IF5Su9DZI" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7IF5Su9DZI">How To Reverse Image Search (Google)&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; 🎥 How to Spot Deepfake Videos and Voice ClonesThis is the fastest-evolving space—AI-generated videos and audio can fool even trained eyes. Here’s what to look for:🔹 Lip-sync mismatch 🔹 Unnatural blinking or eye movement 🔹 Flat or robotic emotional delivery 🔹 Background flickering or ghosting🛠️ Tools to Try:<a data-mce-href="https://www.deepware.ai/" href="https://www.deepware.ai/">Deepware Scanner</a> <a data-mce-href="https://www.realitydefender.ai/" href="https://www.realitydefender.ai/">Reality Defender</a> ⚠️ Note: Some tools may switch from free to paid later. Always double-check before relying on one.&nbsp; 🧭 Final Thoughts: Stay Curious, Not ParanoidAI-generated content is only going to get more realistic—but that doesn’t mean you need to panic. The goal isn’t to distrust everything, but to build sharp instincts for the digital world we’re now living in.In cybersecurity, we say: “Trust, but verify.” The same goes for AI.🔍 Double-check the source 🤖 Run a quick test 🧠 Ask yourself: Does this feel human?If you’re ever unsure, feel free to send it my way—I’m always happy to help break it down.Thanks for reading and stay sharp out there!Bonus Video: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7akzhpx0EIU" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7akzhpx0EIU">How to spot deepfakes and AI-generated images</a>Until next time, Ryan Alexander Wainz Cybersecurity Professional | AI Enthusiast | Advocate for Accessible Digital Security

How to Spot AI-Generated Content (Without Needing a Computer Science Degree)

By Ryan Alexander Wainz | Cybersecurity &amp; AI AdvocateHi everyone! For post number three, let’s keep it practical: How can you actually stay safer online and in your everyday life without feeling overwhelmed?Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating. Small, consistent actions protect you far more than ignoring security completely. Let’s walk through 10 small but powerful things you can do today, with each section including:✅ Plain English, practical action 🔍 A deeper technical dive if you’re curious&nbsp; 1️⃣ Use Strong, Unique PasswordsPlain English: Using the same password for everything is like having one key that unlocks your house, car, and office—if someone finds it, they have access to everything. Instead, use different, strong passwords for each account to keep your accounts safer, and consider using a password manager to help you keep track.Deep Dive: Reusing passwords enables credential stuffing attacks, where attackers try leaked credentials across many sites. A password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, KeePass) can generate and store complex passwords (6#t7H!@a2Lz) so you don’t have to memorize them.Watch in Action: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUp5S0nBnfc" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUp5S0nBnfc">How to make passwords more secure</a>&nbsp; 2️⃣ Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)Plain English: MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) means you need something you know (your password) and something you have (like a code from your phone) to log in, like adding a deadbolt to your online accounts. This way, even if someone steals your password, they can’t get in without the second step.Deep Dive: MFA blocks 99% of automated account takeovers. Authenticator apps (Authy, Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator) are safer than SMS MFA, and hardware keys (YubiKey) are the most secure. Enabling MFA on your email, banking, and social media accounts is one of the most important steps you can take for your security.Watch in Action: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3rlQVXGKZc" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3rlQVXGKZc">What is MFA?&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; 3️⃣ Update Your Devices RegularlyPlain English: Those update notifications on your phone, computer, and apps might feel annoying, but they’re fixing security holes hackers could use to break into your devices. Think of updates as getting a free security upgrade every time you install them.Deep Dive: Unpatched systems are a major entry point for ransomware and other malware. Updates often patch CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) that are actively being exploited. Turning on automatic updates helps you stay secure without extra effort.&nbsp; 4️⃣ Think Before You ClickPlain English: Take a second before clicking on a link in an email, text, or social media message, especially if you weren’t expecting it. Hackers often use fake links to steal your information.Deep Dive: Phishing attacks are the #1 cause of breaches. To check if a link is safe, hover your mouse over it (on desktop) to see the actual URL it will take you to—if it looks strange, has typos, or doesn’t match the sender, don’t click. On mobile, you can press and hold the link to preview it.Watch in Action: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WWFCHBmRM80" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WWFCHBmRM80">How to check if a link is safe?&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; 5️⃣ Lock Down Your Social Media PrivacyPlain English: It’s fun to share updates with friends, but be careful about sharing personal details like your address, birthday, or travel plans. Bad guys are “scraping” social media more than ever, collecting public information to create targeted scams, so the less they know about you, the safer you are.Deep Dive: Attackers use OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) gathered from social media to guess security questions, create targeted phishing attacks, or even impersonate you. Review your privacy settings and limit what’s publicly visible, especially your personal details and location data.Watch in Action: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsFeExPkD2w" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsFeExPkD2w">How to Secure your Social Media Accounts</a>&nbsp; 6️⃣ Use a VPN on Public Wi-FiPlain English: When using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, airport, or hotel, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to keep your internet traffic private. Public networks are like open water, and bad guys are snooping around looking for data to steal.Deep Dive: Public Wi-Fi can expose your data to “man-in-the-middle” attacks. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic so even if someone intercepts it, they can’t read it. Good VPNs include NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Mullvad. Use them whenever you connect to public networks.Watch in Action: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wQTRMBAvzg&amp;t=41s" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wQTRMBAvzg&amp;t=41s">What is a VPN and How Does it Work?&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; 7️⃣ Back Up Your Important DataPlain English: Imagine dropping your phone in water and losing everything. Regularly backing up your data protects you from losing precious photos, files, and documents.Deep Dive: I personally back up my phone to my laptop, and anyone can do this easily. Plug your phone into your computer, use iTunes (for iPhone) or your preferred software (for Android), and follow the prompts to back up your device. Regular backups protect you from ransomware and accidental data loss, and it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your digital life.Watch in Action: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gd_4VeEzaI" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gd_4VeEzaI">How to back up your iPhone to iCloud</a> &amp; <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fc3dMO_pVE" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fc3dMO_pVE">How to Back up iPhone To PC or Laptop &nbsp;</a>&nbsp; 8️⃣ Use a Password ManagerPlain English: Remembering dozens of passwords is impossible, and writing them down in a notebook is risky. A password manager stores your passwords securely and helps you generate strong, unique passwords for every account.Deep Dive: Password managers (Bitwarden, 1Password, KeePass) use encryption to securely store your credentials. They can autofill passwords on websites and alert you if your passwords have been found in data breaches. Using one is a huge step toward simplifying and strengthening your online security.Watch in Action: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-vn3vcfi2M" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-vn3vcfi2M">What Is a Password Manager, and Why Do I Need One?&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; 9️⃣ Use Antivirus and Enable Built-In Security FeaturesPlain English: Your phone already has good security, but for your computer, make sure your built-in antivirus and security settings are turned on. It’s an easy way to add an extra layer of protection.Deep Dive: Windows has built-in Windows Defender, and macOS includes XProtect and Gatekeeper. Make sure these features are enabled and updated. While they aren’t perfect, they help catch common malware and suspicious activity without requiring additional software for most people.&nbsp; 🔟 Practice Good Physical SecurityPlain English: This might be the most important tip: If you’re at a coffee shop and get up to use the bathroom, lock your computer. If you ever leave your computer and aren’t home alone, lock it. Physical access means full access, so don’t give someone the opportunity.Deep Dive: Physical security is your last line of defense. Lock your screen when stepping away, use a privacy screen in public, and consider laptop locks for travel or public workspaces. It only takes a few seconds for someone to steal data or install malware if your device is left unlocked.&nbsp; Final ThoughtsSecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Taking even a few of these small steps will go a long way toward keeping you safer online and in your everyday life.If you’d like a deeper technical dive into any of these topics or a step-by-step guide on setting up a password manager, VPN, or backups, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help and answer your questions.Also, if you have ideas for future blog topics or people you’d like me to interview, let me know!Bonus Video: <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ni_PWxrsNo" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ni_PWxrsNo">Former NSA Hacker Reveals 5 Ways To Protect Yourself Online</a>Until next time, Ryan Alexander Wainz Cybersecurity Professional | AI Advocate | Making Security Accessible

Little Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online (and in Real Life)

By Ryan Alexander Wainz | Cybersecurity &amp; AI AdvocateHi everyone! Welcome to post number two on the blog. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing a mix of technical, non-technical, and interview-style posts. If you have a preference, please let me know—my goal is to share content that is valuable and practical for you!If you’ve scrolled social media, read the news, or walked into any store, you’ve probably heard people mention “AI.” It’s a term everyone uses, but few fully understand or explain clearly.Is AI going to replace your job? Is it just robots? Is it something to fear, or is it a tool you can use?Let’s break down what AI really is in plain English, while also exploring how it works under the hood, how it will impact your future, and how it’s already influencing social media, daily life, and cybersecurity.&nbsp; 1️⃣ What Is AI? A Simple ExplanationAt its core, Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, like recognizing faces in photos, suggesting your next show to watch, or answering your questions through tools like ChatGPT.If you’ve used Google Maps, Netflix, Spotify, or even the spam filter in your email, you’ve already used AI. It’s not a single program or a magical robot like some think, but a collection of tools designed to help us process information and make decisions more efficiently.&nbsp; 2️⃣ Under the Hood: LLMs and Deep AI ConceptsFor those interested in the technical side, AI includes subfields like machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.Much of the recent excitement around AI comes from Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. These models are built on neural networks trained on massive datasets, learning to predict the next word in a sentence with impressive accuracy.Other important concepts include:- Deep Learning: Multi-layered neural networks that recognize patterns in data, such as identifying objects in images. - Reinforcement Learning: Training AI to make decisions through rewards, used in robotics and gaming. - Transformers: Architectures that allow LLMs to handle context better, enabling human-like conversations. - Generative Models: Tools that can create new content, including images, music, and code.These technologies require significant computing power and vast amounts of data to function effectively. If you’re interested in a deeper technical post, let me know—I would be happy to create one and potentially collaborate with a machine learning engineer to share the most accurate insights. For now, I didn’t want to get too technical and risk boring anyone on post number two.😊&nbsp;&nbsp; 3️⃣ How AI Will Impact the Future and AutomationAI will increasingly automate repetitive tasks across many industries, but it’s not just about replacing people. It will help humans by handling routine work, allowing us to focus on creativity, strategy, and human connection.In healthcare, AI will assist in analyzing scans and medical records to detect conditions earlier. In finance, it will enhance fraud detection (like the work we do at my current company, Oversight). In transportation, AI can optimize traffic and routing—even in cities like St. Louis, where improving traffic flow is no small feat!While some jobs will change, technological advancements historically create new opportunities. The key is staying adaptable and learning to use AI as a tool rather than seeing it as a threat. Change is never easy, but time and again, people have shown their ability to adapt and grow.&nbsp; 4️⃣ How AI Shapes Social Media and Daily LifeEvery time you open Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook, AI is shaping what you see. Algorithms predict the content that will keep you engaged, using your likes, comments, and watch time to feed you more of what you interact with.While this personalization helps keep you updated on what interests you, it can also create echo chambers, limiting exposure to different perspectives—a growing challenge in today’s environment.In daily life, AI powers:- Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa (getting better everyday)&nbsp; - Auto-complete in emails and texts (can help those long emails)&nbsp; - Online shopping recommendations (a little too good sometimes)&nbsp; - Smart home devices that optimize energy usage (still a work in progress haha) AI is deeply embedded in our routines, often unnoticed, guiding many decisions both big and small.&nbsp; 5️⃣ How AI Affects CybersecurityAI is a double-edged sword in cybersecurity:✅ Defense: AI helps detect suspicious activities quickly, identifying phishing attempts, unusual logins, and malware faster than humans alone.❌ Attack: Cybercriminals are using AI to generate convincing phishing emails, automate attacks, and identify vulnerabilities at scale.In St. Louis and around the world, organizations are leveraging AI to build stronger defenses, but the rise of AI-driven attacks means cybersecurity professionals must continuously adapt to stay ahead. This topic is top of mind at nearly every cybersecurity conference I attend and is an ongoing challenge in the industry.&nbsp; Final ThoughtsAI isn’t just a Silicon Valley trend—it’s something you already use, and it’s transforming industries, cities, and daily routines, including right here in my hometown of St. Louis.If you have questions about AI, how it might impact your career, or how to use it responsibly and securely, please reach out. If I don’t know the answer, I will find someone who does and get it answered for you.Thank you for taking the time to learn and grow with me as we explore technology together.&nbsp;Until next time, Ryan Alexander Wainz Cybersecurity Professional | AI Enthusiast | Advocate for Accessible Digital Security

Ryan Wainz | Cybersecurity & AI Advocate

Blog

Breaking Into Cybersecurity: What I Wish I Knew

The Safe and Responsible Use of AI

Why Phishing Still Works—And How to Outsmart It

How to Spot AI-Generated Content (Without Needing a Compu...

Little Things You Can Do to Be More Secure Online (and in...

What Is AI, Really? A Simple (and Honest) Guide