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Your Digital Armor: Empowering Your Online and Inline Security
It’s been a while since my last CyberSafe presentation at Ahiah, and in the interim I’ve been thinking a lot about a catchy title for a wisdom talk comparing the layers of digital security to spiritual and emotional defenses. I’m calling one the online security system and the other the inline or internal security system.
There are a lot of similarities between the two topics. For example, internet safety has firewalls, virus protection, and anti-virus software. It is most effective when there is awareness of the threats and risks. Your spiritual and emotional defense system has boundaries, like firewalls, and requires self-awareness and spiritual support systems. It is also most effective when there is awareness of the thoughts and belief systems that threaten our emotional and spiritual well-being.
When we think of health and well-being in the mind, body, and spirit, we must consider the best practices we devote to spiritual security and our observance of principles that support health, prosperity, vitality, and balance. Likewise, our digital defense systems are concerned with the integrity of our external security posture, including the health, integrity, and operational effectiveness of our computer and network systems. To that end, our task is to become aware of the potential threats so we can reduce the risks and take advantage of opportunities to increase our systems' security effectiveness.
So how do we do that, you ask? I’m glad you asked.
One of the most important defense mechanisms is awareness. If you are aware that certain websites will attempt to download viruses onto your computer, then you can take the step to install anti-virus or anti-malware software, which will block these attacks and inform you when there is a threat. Some other attack vectors, or doorways to infection, are fake emails (called phishing) and fake text messages (called smishing) that try to get you to take action based on a scenario that is not true. Perhaps you have received messages similar to these: “We have a work-from-home job that pays $500 per day! Are you interested?” or “Your bank account is compromised, please enter your social security number to confirm your identity.”
If you are aware of these types of threats, then you are much less likely to click on the links they offer or take action on their requests or demands. Most of these malicious messages are designed to manipulate you emotionally so that you will take action before you THINK.
Likewise, there are thought viruses floating around in social media, print media, and television that evoke an emotional response that could be detrimental to your well-being if you believe them and act on them before you THINK. You need to arm yourself with your “anti -thought virus software” and implement security practices to block and remove these types of attacks from your consciousness. Awareness can serve as your personal firewall to block infection by these thought viruses.
Decide to adhere to your own personal security policy that reminds you that 1) If you get an email, text message, or phone call that evokes some emotional response, then you should always “STOP, THINK, and DON’T CLICK that LINK!” Instead of taking action that they demand, call someone for help and support. 2) If you get triggered by something you read or see on the news, hear about, or read about, then STOP, THINK, and take a moment to execute your spiritual practice. Prayer, meditation, and spiritual journaling can help you “jump to center” so you can ground yourself in the truth that right where you are, God is, and that all is well in your world right now. This can ground you in a space of safety and make you much less vulnerable to upset and discord.
Summary: Drawing parallels between online security systems and emotional/spiritual defenses can help us better protect ourselves. Just like antivirus software and firewalls safeguard our computers, self-awareness, boundaries, and spiritual practices protect our emotional and spiritual well-being. Both require constant vigilance and awareness to recognize and neutralize threats before they can cause harm. Remember: Awareness is your personal firewall. STOP, THINK, and don't click that link - apply the same caution to your emotional responses and stay centered in your truth.