Georgia-based cybersecurity expert calls for stronger digital literacy and proactive online safety education in local communities
ALPHARETTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / October 23, 2025 / Cybersecurity leader Marissa Arbour, Principal Cybersecurity Analyst at Alphatech Solutions, is using her recent feature spotlight to raise awareness about the importance of digital literacy, online safety, and proactive cybersecurity education for all ages.
Arbour, a Georgia Tech graduate and Alpharetta native, believes that cybersecurity is no longer just a technical field - it's a personal responsibility. "Cybersecurity isn't just defense," she said in her recent feature. "It's building confidence in technology."
In a world where cyberattacks increased 72% globally in 2024 (according to the FBI Internet Crime Report), Arbour emphasizes that awareness and early education can dramatically reduce risk. "We can't expect people to protect what they don't understand," she said. "Teaching basic digital hygiene - from using strong passwords to spotting phishing emails - is one of the best defenses we have."
Empowering Individuals and Communities
Arbour has been active in local schools and community programs across Fulton County, teaching students about online safety, digital privacy, and responsible internet use. She also mentors young women through Alpharetta Women in Technology, helping bridge the gender gap in STEM and cybersecurity.
"Cybersecurity should empower people, not intimidate them," Arbour explained. "When people feel confident online, they make better choices - at work, at school, and at home."
She encourages parents, educators, and small business owners to take small, consistent steps toward safer digital habits. Examples include enabling two-factor authentication, updating software regularly, and learning how to verify online sources before sharing information.
"Security starts with you," Arbour said. "Every action - every click, every password - either strengthens or weakens your digital environment."
The Growing Need for Digital Resilience
Recent studies underscore Arbour's message. A 2025 CyberEdge report found that 83% of organizations experienced a cyberattack in the past year, and nearly one in four Americans had personal information exposed online. Yet, less than half of adults report knowing how to protect themselves from phishing scams.
Arbour believes awareness is the missing link. "Technology evolves faster than people's understanding of it," she said. "We don't just need better firewalls - we need better-informed people."
Her philosophy of "security by design" stresses integrating security measures into daily life and workflows rather than treating them as afterthoughts. "When you think about security early - whether you're designing an app, setting up a home Wi-Fi, or teaching your kids - you prevent bigger problems later," she said.
A Call to Action: Simple Steps Everyone Can Take
Marissa Arbour encourages individuals and families to start small but stay consistent:
Use strong, unique passwords and store them securely with a password manager.
Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Keep devices and apps updated to patch vulnerabilities.
Think before you click - especially on links or attachments from unknown senders.
Talk about online safety with children and older adults who may be more vulnerable.
"Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be," Arbour said. "It's about habits - small actions that make a big difference over time."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Marissa Arbour
Marissa Elaine Arbour is a Principal Cybersecurity Analyst at Alphatech Solutions in Alpharetta, Georgia. A graduate of Georgia Tech, she holds CISSP, CEH, and Security+ certifications. With over a decade of experience in threat detection, cloud security, and risk management, she leads cybersecurity teams serving clients across finance, healthcare, and technology. Arbour is also an active mentor and community advocate, promoting digital literacy and inclusion in tech.
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SOURCE: Marissa Arbour
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