Scam Alert! Tips for avoiding online marketplace scams. Scam Alert! Tips for avoiding online marketplace scams.

5 Cybersecurity Influencers to Follow in 2026 (So You Don’t Have To Be a Tech Expert)

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Let’s be honest: staying cyber safe can feel overwhelming.

New scams pop up constantly, passwords are a mess, and most cybersecurity advice sounds like it’s written for IT professionals — not real people with busy lives, multiple logins, and limited patience.

The good news?
You don’t need to become a tech expert to protect yourself online.

One of the easiest ways to stay informed is by following creators who actually know how to explain cybersecurity in plain language. These influencers break down digital safety in ways that are clear, relatable, and practical — without fear tactics or jargon overload.

Whether you’re on TikTok or Instagram, these are five cybersecurity voices worth keeping on your feed in 2026.

Caitlin Sarian

Platforms: TikTok & Instagram (@cybersecuritygirl)

Caitlin’s content is cybersecurity made for real people — not industry insiders.

What makes her stand out is her storytelling. She doesn’t just list tips; she walks you through why something matters and how people actually get caught up in scams or data breaches. Caitlin makes cybersecurity feel accessible through strong storytelling. Her content is designed for everyday users, not industry insiders, which is why people actually watch — and learn — all the way through.

If you want cybersecurity education that feels engaging instead of intimidating, Caitlin is a must-follow.

Chris Southerland Jr

Platform: TikTok (@chrisjr404)

Chris takes a community-first approach to cyber education. His advice feels empowering and approachable, like guidance from a friend who genuinely wants you to stay protected online.

If you’ve ever thought cybersecurity felt too corporate or inaccessible, Chris’s content is a great place to start.

Sandra

Platform: Instagram (@cyberwithsandra)

Sandra specializes in making cybersecurity click.

Her explanations are clear, friendly, and easy to digest — especially for Instagram users who like quick reads and save-worthy carousels. Her content is perfect if you want to understand digital safety basics without spending 20 minutes watching a video.

Think: straightforward advice you can skim, save, and come back to later.

Jas Wong

Platform: Instagram (@cyberjasbytes)

Jas delivers clean, consistent cybersecurity education with zero fluff.

Her captions are thoughtful, her advice is focused, and her content respects your attention span. There’s a lot of signal and very little noise — which makes her page especially useful if you want to learn, not just scroll.

If you like clear takeaways and well-written explanations, Jas is a strong follow.

Venicia Solomons

Platform: Instagram (@cyber.queen)

Venicia blends authority with approachability.

Venicia blends authority with a personal, approachable tone. Her content feels human, confident, and informative — cybersecurity without the corporate vibe.

If you want cybersecurity education that’s confident, human, and accessible, Venicia is one to watch.

Final takeaway? 

Staying cyber safe in 2026 isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about staying informed consistently.

Following the right creators means cybersecurity tips show up naturally in your feed, explained in ways that make sense for everyday life. No jargon. No fear tactics. Just information you can actually use.

Start with one or two of these accounts, and let your feed do some of the work for you. 

New Year Reset: 5 Things to Do Before the End of the Year to Stay Cyber Safe in 2026

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New year, new habits — and that includes your digital life.

Between holiday shopping, travel plans, end-of-year deals, and “new year, new me” sign-ups, your personal data has probably been working overtime. Before you roll into 2026, take a moment to clean up your cyber habits. Think of this as a digital reset that actually protects you.

Here are 5 simple things you can do before the year ends to make sure you’re cyber safe heading into 2026.

1. Change Your Passwords (Yes, Even THAT One)

If you’re still using the same password you made in college… it’s time.

Hackers rely on old, reused, or weak passwords. If one account gets breached, they often try that same password everywhere else.

What to do before the year ends:

  • Change passwords for your email, banking, social media, and shopping accounts
  • Stop reusing the same password across platforms
  • Use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords

CyberFlex tip:
A strong password is long, unique, and random — NOT your dog’s name plus “123”.

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Passwords alone aren’t enough anymore. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step — like a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app.

What to do:

  • Enable 2FA on:
    • Email accounts
    • Social media
    • Banking & payment apps
    • Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)

Why it matters:
Even if someone steals your password, 2FA can stop them from getting in.

3. Audit Your Apps & Accounts (Digital Declutter)

If you’ve ever signed up for a free trial “just to try it” and forgot about it… same.

Old accounts and unused apps still hold your data — and that’s a risk.

Before 2026:

  • Delete apps you no longer use
  • Close accounts you don’t need anymore
  • Revoke permissions for apps connected to your Google, Apple, or Meta accounts

Ask yourself:
 “Does this app really need access to my location, contacts, or camera?”

4. Update Your Devices (Stop Ignoring That Notification)

Those update reminders aren’t just annoying — they’re important.

Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers already know about.

Do this before the year ends:

  • Update your phone, laptop, tablet, and smartwatch
  • Update browsers and apps
  • Enable automatic updates where possible

CyberFlex reality check:
Outdated software = easy target.

5. Watch Out for New Year & Holiday Scams

Scammers love the end of the year just as much as we do.

Expect:

  • Fake delivery notifications
  • “Too good to be true” end-of-year sales
  • Phony job offers and giveaways
  • New Year crypto or investment scams

Stay safe by:

  • Not clicking links from unknown texts or emails
  • Double-checking URLs before entering payment info
  • Being skeptical of urgency (“Act now or lose access!”)

If it feels rushed or emotional, pause — that’s usually the point.

Start 2026 Protected, Not Panicked

Cyber safety doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few intentional steps now can save you from major stress later.

Think of this as closing out the year with your digital house in order — so you can focus on your goals, not recovering hacked accounts.

New year. New habits. Same data — better protected.

Stay smart.

Stay #CyberFlexed

Cookies: Should You Accept Them?

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If you’ve ever landed on a website and immediately gotten hit with “Accept All Cookies?” you’ve probably been tempted to smash that blue button just to make the pop-up go away.
But… should you?

Let’s break it down in a way that’s quick, clear, and actually useful.

What Are Cookies, Actually?

Cookies are tiny files websites save to your device. They remember your activity so next time you visit, the site instantly knows:

  • Your log-in info
  • What was left in your shopping cart
  • Your settings and preferences
  • Your browsing habits
  • Your approximate location

Some of this is helpful. Some… not so much.

Think of cookies like the friend who remembers your Starbucks order (cute), but also remembers every convo you’ve ever had and sells that info to strangers (not cute).

Why Websites Ask You

Because of privacy laws like GDPR, websites need your permission before tracking your data.
Saying yes or no is totally up to you—though some sites won’t let you in without acceptance.

First-Party vs Third-Party Cookies

🍪 First-Party Cookies (Mostly Safe)

These come from the website you’re actually on. They help with:

  • Staying logged in
  • Remembering your settings
  • Saving your cart

These are generally fine and make browsing smoother.

🍪 Third-Party Cookies (Proceed With Caution)

These come from advertisers or unknown companies hiding in the background.
They track:

  • What you click
  • What you buy
  • How long you stay on a page
  • What else you browse

Then they share or sell that data. That’s how you end up being stalked by the same shoe ad for 3 weeks straight.

When You Shouldn’t Accept Cookies

🚫 The website isn’t secure
Modern browsers (like Chrome) no longer show the little lock icon, so the easiest way to check security is by looking at the URL. If the web address starts with http:// (no “s”), the site is not encrypted. Only accept cookies on sites that start with https://, which means your data is protected.

🚫 They’re third-party cookies
 These often track you across apps and sites and can be shared or sold to advertisers.

🚫 You’re entering sensitive info (banking, SSN, address)
Don’t leave extra data trails around personal information.

🚫 Your antivirus flags it
 If your security tools warn you, trust the warning and decline.

🚫 Your device is slowing down from too many cookies
 They take up storage over time and can affect performance.

When Cookies Are Helpful

Cookies aren’t the bad guy 24/7. Sometimes they make life easier.

✅ 1. Website access

Some sites literally won’t load the content unless you accept.

✅ 2. Personalized experience

“Hey, didn’t you leave these sneakers in your cart?”
That’s cookies.
Convenient, if you’re shopping—not so much if you’re trying not to spend money.

✅ 3. Faster log-ins

Cookies keep you logged in or autofill your info so you don’t have to remember 87 passwords.

Do You Have to Accept Cookies?

Short answer: No.
You’re in control.
But declining might limit what you can do on certain sites.

Quick Cookies Cheat Sheet

SituationAccept?
Shopping on a legit site👍 First-party only
No lock icon 🔓❌ Hard pass
Sharing sensitive info❌ Decline
Third-party advertisers❌ Mostly no
Want faster log-ins👍 Yes (if secure)
Hate targeted ads❌ Decline third-party

CyberFlex Tip

If you want fewer decisions and more privacy, use tools that block online tracking and protect your digital fingerprint.

Your data should stay yours—always.

Shop Safely This Holiday Season: Gen Z’s Guide to Staying Cyber-Smart

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Holiday season = vibes, sales, gift shopping, donation drives, and… way too many scams.

Cybercriminals know you’re busy, stressed, and hunting for deals — which is exactly why this time of year becomes peak season for fake stores, sketchy links, and “your package is delayed” phishing texts. (Yes, even the chaotic UPS texts.)

So before you hit checkout, here’s your CyberFlex-approved guide to staying safe online — because nothing kills the holiday mood like stolen card info.

Why Gen Z Is a Big Target

You’re online more than any other generation. You shop on your phone, you follow links from social, and you love a good sale. Scammers know that.

The Global Cyber Alliance reports that the holiday rush is prime time for cybercriminals — especially because people are scrolling, shopping, and donating on autopilot. Fake charity posts, bogus ads, and AI-driven scams rise fast this time of year.

We’re not here to scare you. We’re here to put you in main-character energy when it comes to cyber safety.

Your Holiday Cyber Safety Checklist

1. Before You Even Think About Checking Out

🔒 Look for the “https://”

If it doesn’t have the “s,” it doesn’t get the “$.”
You need the padlock icon too — that’s basic security 101.

🔐 Turn on MFA everywhere

Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, it helps. A lot!

🔑 Use strong, unique passwords

If your passwords look like “Starbucks123,” change them.
Use a password manager — it’s easier than you think.

💳 Use credit, not debit

Credit cards = more fraud protection and don’t drain your bank if something goes wrong.

🌐 Skip public Wi-Fi for shopping

Unless you’re on a VPN, wait until you’re home.
Your latte isn’t worth identity theft.

2. While You’re Shopping

🛍 Beware of deals that feel…fake

If the price seems impossible, it probably is.

⭐️ Check seller reviews

And not just the five-stars — look for detailed reviews, photos, and real history.

✉️ Don’t shop through random links

You see a cute ad? Great.
Now go to the retailer’s site manually. Don’t click the ad.

🧐 Watch for weird typos or sketchy layouts

A sketch site always feels like a sketch site. Trust your gut.

3. After You Buy

📈 Monitor your accounts

You’d notice if someone used your Netflix login.
Pay the same attention to your bank statement.

📦 Don’t fall for fake tracking texts

“Your package is delayed — click here.”
No. Don’t. Go to the carrier’s official site or app.

🔄 Update your device

Run those updates. They fix security holes you don’t see.

​​Real Talk: There’s No 100% Safety Online

GCA says it clearly: perfection isn’t possible. But reducing risk? Absolutely.
You don’t need to “live in fear” — just build habits that make you way harder to target.

Small actions = big protection.

Your CyberFlex Holiday Promise

If you do nothing else this season, just commit to these three rules:

  1. Think before you click.
  2. Verify before you pay.
  3. Protect before you pay.

Your data, your money, your peace of mind — all worth an extra 30 seconds of caution.

Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the season ✨

 — The CyberFlex Team

What Is a VPN — and Why Is It Important for Your Online Safety?

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In a world where almost everything we do touches the internet — banking, shopping, emailing, sharing photos, booking travel — keeping your data safe isn’t optional anymore. One of the simplest tools you can use to protect yourself is a VPN, short for Virtual Private Network.

But what does a VPN actually do, and when should you use one? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and immediately useful.

What a VPN Actually Does

A VPN isn’t just a buzzword thrown around in tech spaces — it’s a privacy tool that works quietly in the background to give you more control over your digital footprint.

Here’s what it does:

1. Encrypts your internet traffic

Think of encryption like sealing your information inside a locked tunnel.
Your online activity gets scrambled so no one else can read it — not hackers, not Wi-Fi snoopers, not even your internet service provider (ISP).

2. Hides your IP address

Your IP address reveals information about your approximate location and can be used to track your browsing.
A VPN replaces your real IP address with one from their server, making it harder for websites, advertisers, and ISPs to trace your activity back to you.

3. Protects your data on public Wi-Fi

Coffee shops, airports, hotels — public Wi-Fi is convenient, but also one of the easiest places for cybercriminals to intercept your data.
A VPN adds a layer of security so your passwords, banking information, and personal messages stay protected.

When a VPN Is Most Helpful

You don’t need a VPN all the time, but there are specific situations where it’s a smart move for your digital safety.

1. When you’re on public Wi-Fi

Airports, cafés, hotels — these networks are convenient but often unsecured.
A VPN encrypts your connection so your data isn’t exposed to anyone nearby.

2. When you’re traveling

A VPN helps you access region-specific apps, banking portals, and websites that may block you when you’re abroad.

3. When you want to keep your ISP from tracking you

ISPs can legally see and log your browsing history in many places. Using a VPN keeps your online activity private.

Why VPNs Matter More Than Ever

Cyber threats have become more sophisticated. Data leaks, identity theft, phishing, and Wi-Fi attacks are all on the rise — and many of them happen silently, without the victim knowing until it’s too late.

While a VPN isn’t a magic shield that stops every threat, it does:

  • reduce how much data websites can collect on you
  • make your connection much harder to intercept
  • protect you in environments where you’re most vulnerable
  • improve your overall digital hygiene

Think of it like locking your front door. You might live in a safe neighborhood, but you still lock it — because it’s the smart thing to do. A VPN is one of the most accessible cybersecurity tools you can use. 

Cyber safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent choices can go a long way toward keeping your information secure — and a VPN is one of the easiest places to start.

Stay Cyber Safe. Stay Cyber Smart. 

Stay #CyberFlexed

Beware of “Ghost Tapping”: The Tap-to-Pay Scam You Didn’t See Coming

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You know that satisfying tap when you pay for coffee, hop on the train, or buy snacks at the gas station? Scammers love it too — because they’ve found a new way to steal your money with a quick bump of a device.

🚨 What’s Happening

“Ghost tapping” 👻 is when a scammer uses a wireless card reader (the same kind stores use for tap-to-pay) to charge your card without permission.

They don’t need to steal your wallet or see your card — if your card or phone has tap-to-pay enabled, and they get close enough (like brushing past you in a crowd or standing behind you in line), their device can trigger a small payment instantly.

You might not even notice it happening — there’s no PIN, no sound, and no receipt. It just quietly pulls money from your account.

⚠️ Why It’s a Problem

Because it’s contactless, there’s no PIN, no alert, and often no receipt — meaning you might not realize anything’s off until you check your statement days later. And let’s be honest… who checks after every iced latte?

💡 How to Protect Yourself

  • Use RFID-blocking wallets or phone cases. They stop wireless scanners from reading your card.
  • Turn off tap-to-pay when you’re not using it — especially on your phone or watch.
  • Set up instant transaction alerts through your bank app so you catch weird charges immediately.
  • Stay alert in crowded spaces. If someone bumps into you a little too close, it might not be an accident.

🧠 The CyberFlex Take

Tap-to-pay is super convenient — but convenience attracts scammers. Don’t let them “ghost” your wallet. Keep your settings tight, your alerts on, and your eyes open. 

Stay smart. Stay scam-free.

Stay #CyberFlexed 💳👀

CyberFlex Guide to Safely Using AI

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AI tools are everywhere now – in our phones, workplaces, schools, and even in creative endeavors. They are powerful helpers, but, just like any tool, they must be used carefully and with caution. Our goal at CyberFlex is to spread awareness not fear – remember to use your “digital sunscreen” so that you can harness its benefits without getting burned. 🔥

DO:

  • ✅ Treat AI as a tool not an oracle. It helps brainstorm, summarize, draft – but it doesn’t magically “know” everything
  • ✅ Be curious: learn how your AI tool works, how it handles data, and what its limits are
  • ✅ Be especially cautious with sensitive topics (race, gender, politics). You can always ask “is this answer skewed?”
  • ✅ Keep sensitive personal info (passwords, financial data, health info, private documents) off public or even semi-public AI tools
  • ✅ When needed, clean your input: remove identifying details before feeding information to AI 
  • ✅ Read the terms of service and privacy policy of your AI tools. Pay attention to how your data is collected, stored, shared, and whether it’s used for training future models 

DON’T:

  • ❌ Don’t take everything AI says at face value. It can be wrong, misleading, or often times biased 
  • ❌ Don’t assume AI is neutral – its creators, data it’s trained on, or design choices might introduce bias or blind spots. Always draw your own conclusions! AI models often reflect the datasets they were trained on. They may tend to confirm popular views or reinforce what we already believe, rather than challenge assumptions.
  • ❌ Don’t overshare (names, IDs, addresses, etc.). Even if the system promises anonymization, policies can change, and data breaches happen
  • ❌ Don’t assume your conversations or data are always private; they may be stored, shared, or used to improve the model. (GCA warns: many platforms retain prompts/responses for model training. Turn off model-training/data sharing options. Delete or anonymize chat histories or logs you don’t want kept.)

AI can supercharge creativity, learning, and productivity — but with great power comes responsibility. The smartest AI users aren’t the ones who avoid it. They’re the ones who understand it, use it thoughtfully, protect their data, and maintain control over their own decision-making. 🕵️

If you’d like to take a deeper dive into using your “digital sunscreen” check out our full AI guide.

Put on your digital sunscreen — stay curious, stay careful, stay in control, and…

Stay #CyberFlexed.

Putting the (Cyber)Security in Home Security Cameras

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You may have seen on social media earlier this year that some security cameras were reportedly hacked, although it may have been the result of an update gone wrong…Either way, if you’re using a security camera at your apartment or house, or you plan to get one, you should know how to keep yourself cyber safe while using them.

These devices run on your local wifi network. Without proper security measures, bad actors have the potential to get into your unprotected camera system and access your home network or even violate your privacy. This can put you and your information at risk. 🛜 

When you get a security camera 📷: 

  • Research before you buy to make sure the default device settings can be changed
  • Login into your new device
  • Change the default password
  • Add two-factor authentication
  • Periodically check the control center in your system’s app, and see which devices are authorized on your account. Remove ones you do not recognize, and reset your password.

These simple steps can save you a lot of hassle AND give you piece of mind!

Stay Safe! Stay #CyberFlexed!

Cyber Aid Kit, Part II: While You’re at College

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Starting college means new opportunities but also new risks online. From shady apps offering “rewards” to suspicious links in your inbox, scammers know how to target students who are busy, trusting, and often looking for freebies and deals. These quick tips will help you spot red flags, protect your devices, and keep your personal information safe on campus.

At school tips and tricks

  • Beware of downloading new apps 📲
    • Start ups are common on and around university campuses, many will give you rewards for downloading or signing up for their app
      • Be careful downloading something new to your phone, make sure they are a legitimate business and only download from trusted app stores 
  • Caution when clicking on links 🔗
    • With new emails and university accounts, be careful when opening emails and messages
    • Scammers send messages with links to hack your devices and steal your information
      • Check the email or number to make sure they are within your university or are a reputable company 
      • If you have a bad feeling about a link – trust your gut, do not click it! 
  • Is anything really free? 💰
    • Every college student loves free food, drinks, and other items, but watch out when giving your phone number, email, or scanning QR codes
      • Make sure they are a real student org or a reputable company  

How to keep up with cyber safety

  • If you have a gut feeling something is wrong, it usually is
  • Make sure to keep your phone and computer up to date, it prevents hackers from accessing your devices as easily
  • Think before you click, check for misspellings and other shady stuff
  • If you do click on a suspicious link, do not type any passwords in, disconnect from the Internet, and do a malware scan

If it’s on your university email, immediately contact the school’s IT department and ask for help

Stay Safe! Stay #CyberFlexed!

young student taking notes

Cyber Aid Kit, Part I: Preparing for College and University

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First semester is just around the corner, and there’s a lot to get ready for. Unfortunately, scammers know this too, and they take advantage of the chaos and excitement to hack devices and steal your money. Don’t let them kill your back-to-school vibe! Check out our tips to stay cyber safe this semester and all year long.

Back to school tips and tricks:

  • New laptop 💻
    • Update the operating system
    • Download an anti-virus
    • Download a VPN (you’ll be using a lot of free wifi at coffee shops)
  • Financial aid 💰
    • Check your financial aid through a trusted source
      • FAFSA, Student Loan Company, CROUS, Ministry of Education, or your University
  • Textbook scams 📚
    • Text books are very expensive, but be careful downloading free e-textbooks
      • Scammers will put malware in the e-books to hack your computer
  • Are you looking for a part-time job? 💼
    • Don’t take a job from an unsolicited email or text that you did not apply to
    • Go to job fairs on or around campus to find part-time jobs
  • QR code scams 🔍
    • Be careful scanning QR codes
      • Inspect the QR code before you scan – does it look tampered with?
      • If you scan it, inspect the link and make sure it is a legitimate site
      • Do not scan QR codes that come through text or email

How to keep up with cyber safety 👉 Sign up for our scam alerts! https://gcacyberflex.org/stay-alert/#text-alert