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In the modern age, we need our devices to interact with the rest of the world, to get news, to make purchases, to have jobs. Being enmeshed in civilized society generally means being on the grid, and in turn means feeling a deeply rooted sense of vulnerability to data breaches and compromised privacy that many of us have grown to accept as our inevitable reality.
And the truth is that such vulnerability is very real. In 2023, over 353 million people in the U.S. were impacted by data compromises and cyberattacks. Cyberattacks can lead to identity theft, damage to financial security, loss of personal information or accounts, and outside access to personal devices. When such attacks take place, victims often feel psychologically impacted on top of it all, like they can’t even be safe from prying eyes in their own homes. That’s why experts like Whedly Beautelus – a multilingual cybersecurity and international security expert – are working to build safer, more educated and connected communities. Whedly is passionate about pushing solutions for important security challenges and protecting American communities from cyberattacks, especially underserved communities with limited access to technological education and the resources to protect themselves.
As someone born and raised in a community with inadequate access to technology, he holds a firm belief that technological progress should be more accessible across the board regardless of factors such as race, religion, gender identity, and socioeconomic status. The digital age of the 2020’s comes with many benefits as well as downfalls, and the modern workforce feeds opportunities to those who are technologically proficient. That is one of many reasons why Whedly became a cybersecurity technologist; it’s important to him to contribute to expanding technological progress throughout communities and protecting the privacy of their information and local economies.
Millions of people annually are exploited due to lack of widespread knowledge, particularly on how to protect themselves from attacks. “I have been educating individuals and institutions about cybersecurity and bridging the gap between communities,” Whedly shares. “My multilingual and cross-cultural skills, my international experience in working with people from different backgrounds and walks of life, and my experience in working to empower families in underserved communities contribute to ensuring that these communities have access to cybersecurity opportunities. I also advocate for partnerships between educational institutions and businesses to expand affordable cybersecurity education to larger and more inclusive communities.”
He advises people to never forget that each time they are using a device, there is a possibility of data exposure and identity theft. Getting too comfortable with having all one’s private information on a device could mean making oneself extra vulnerable to hackers. Whedly has no desire to instill paranoia; simply a hope for a future in which there is widespread education and technological literacy and where it becomes second nature to have a healthy amount of skepticism when it comes to devices and the internet. “I also believe that people should be able to access the Internet in a safe manner and rest assured they are not being taken advantage of,” he explains. “Safer and more inclusive communities will contribute to helping their members pursue their dreams and improve their living conditions.” With the right cocktail of inclusive technological access and cyber awareness, individuals will have the tools necessary to thrive in both their careers and personal lives, contributing to an ever-changing society and keeping their personal information and their families safe.
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This content is brought to you by Melissa Moraes.
Photo provided by the author.
