Imagine scrolling through your phone and seeing a familiar face—someone who’s not just dishing out the latest fashion trends or travel tips but is giving you practical advice on staying safe online. That’s Cathy Pedrayes, known to her followers as “The Mom Friend,” a TV host turned social media influencer who’s made it her mission to make cybersecurity both accessible and, believe it or not, a little fun.
Cathy didn’t set out to become a cybersecurity advocate. It all started when she began noticing just how easy it was for strangers to dig up personal information online. As she dug deeper, what she uncovered was eye-opening—and a bit terrifying. She realized that many of us, herself included, were leaving ourselves wide open to digital threats simply because we didn’t know any better.
In this feature, Cathy opens up about her personal journey into the world of cybersecurity, sharing insights and everyday habits that can help everyone —whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who spends a lot of time online—navigate the digital world with more confidence and less worry. In her own words, it’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being smart. Cathy’s journey into cybersecurity might have been unplanned, but her advice is spot-on for anyone looking to protect their digital life in a world where cyber threats are increasingly hard to ignore.
Cathy Pedrayes Journey into Cybersecurity
Cathy’s foray into cybersecurity wasn’t planned; it was born out of necessity. During her time on live national television, she witnessed firsthand the unsettling experiences of colleagues dealing with stalkers and overzealous fans. “I saw many of my colleagues deal with people showing up at their homes, and it made me wonder how they were finding their information to begin with,” she recalls.
This unsettling reality prompted Cathy Pedrayes to dive into the world of online safety, seeking out tips and strategies to protect herself and others from similar threats. With a tech-savvy family to bounce ideas off of, Cathy began sharing her findings, helping others take back control of their digital lives.
Daily Cybersecurity Habits for Everyone
When it comes to cybersecurity, Cathy emphasizes the importance of practical, everyday habits that anyone can adopt, regardless of their technical skills. While strong passwords and multifactor authentication are essential, Cathy Pedrayes shares some lesser-known tips that can significantly boost online security.
- Use Different Emails and Phone Numbers: Cathy advises using different emails and even phone numbers for different tasks. “A phone number is tied to a ton of your information, so use VoIP numbers for things that aren’t important, like a grocery store rewards program,” she suggests. This simple strategy can help protect against data breaches and reduce spam.
- Change Your Name on Shipments: One of Cathy’s favorite hacks involves changing her last name or adding a code to her shipping address. This allows her to trace the source of her data if it’s ever sold. “If I start receiving junk mail with that name, I’ll know it came from my magazine subscription,” she explains.
- Use E-Wallets and 3rd Party Payment Tools: To reduce the risk of data breaches and skimming devices, Cathy recommends using e-wallets or payment tools like PayPal. These options allow you to pay without sharing your payment details directly with vendors.
Making Cybersecurity Accessible
Cathy’s approach to sharing cybersecurity advice is rooted in her deep understanding of her audience. She knows that her followers are often busy moms, students, and everyday individuals who might be vulnerable to online threats due to a lack of awareness.
“The real threat for people like us is making a mistake when we get an unsuspecting text or email,” she says. By focusing on education and relatable examples, Cathy helps her audience identify red flags before it’s too late.
Securing Social Media: Tips from The Mom Friend
Social media platforms are a common target for cybercriminals, and Cathy has some practical advice for keeping these accounts secure:
- Use Strong Passwords and Multifactor Authentication: These basics are essential for any online account.
- Limit Access to 3rd Party Apps: Cathy advises against giving unnecessary access to apps that want to pull data from social media. If access is no longer needed, be sure to revoke it.
- Use Filters to Protect Personal Information: Cathy recommends using filters to prevent others from sharing your personal information, such as your street address or phone number, in public comments.
- Trust Less and Verify More: With so many scams on social media, Cathy encourages a healthy dose of skepticism. “Be more suspicious. Look at reviews, find access to the site from another browser rather than clicking on the direct link,” she advises.
The Overlap of Physical and Cyber Safety
Cathy sees a clear connection between physical safety and cybersecurity, noting that the instincts we use to stay safe in the physical world should also apply online. However, she acknowledges that when people are scrolling in the comfort of their own homes, those instincts often fade. “My goal is to break down some of that comfort and remind people how they would act in the physical world is exactly what they should be doing online too,” she explains.
Debunking Cybersecurity Myths
One of the most common misconceptions Cathy encounters is the belief that “I have nothing to hide” or “I’m not important enough to get hacked.” Cathy firmly counters this notion, reminding everyone that we all have a right to privacy and that our data is incredibly valuable. “It’s literally a multi-billion-dollar industry,” she emphasizes.
Educating Through Entertainment
Cathy’s unique approach to educating her audience about phishing and online scams involves adding a touch of fun and creativity. Whether through skits, direct-to-camera news segments, or comedy, she finds engaging ways to make these serious topics more accessible and memorable. For example, she enjoys using the humor of extended warranty scam memes to highlight the underlying educational message.
Smart Home Security Tips
With the rise of smart home devices, Cathy offers practical tips to keep these gadgets secure. She prefers buying smart devices from reputable U.S.-based companies, avoids those that use third-party data storage, and keeps her smart devices on a separate email account. Regularly updating devices is another key practice she follows, as many security breaches occur due to outdated software.
Cathy is dedicated to staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats by being “chronically online,” following industry experts, and using tools like Google Alerts. She carefully curates the information she shares with her audience, focusing on new tactics or updates to ongoing threats.
The Role of Influencers in Cybersecurity Awareness
As a social media influencer, Cathy believes that influencers have a significant role to play in raising cybersecurity awareness. However, she also acknowledges the challenges of presenting information ethically in a landscape that often rewards clickbait and fearmongering. Cathy encourages her audience to verify the information they consume and to remain open to changing their perspectives with new knowledge.
Despite her expertise, Cathy Pedrayes admits that she’s not immune to digital challenges. Her cautious approach, rooted in her background as a scientist and journalist, has helped her avoid scams so far. However, she shares a humorous anecdote about how her skepticism led her to triple-check the legitimacy of a book deal with Simon & Schuster, only to find out it was genuine.
Looking ahead, Cathy Pedrayes is particularly concerned about the rise of misinformation online and the role of foreign influence. She emphasizes the importance of verifying information and remaining vigilant in the face of these emerging threats.
Cybersecurity as a Shared Responsibility
Cathy’s approach to cybersecurity is refreshingly relatable—she’s been there, learning along the way just like the rest of us. She reminds us that staying safe online isn’t about being paranoid but about being smart with our choices. Whether it’s using a different email for your online shopping or pausing before you click on that suspicious link, her advice is grounded in common sense.
In a world where our lives are increasingly digital, Cathy’s message is clear: a little caution can go a long way. We all have a role to play in protecting our data and helping those around us stay safe too. It’s not about being an expert; it’s about making small, mindful decisions every day. After all, cybersecurity isn’t just for tech gurus—it’s for everyone.
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