The third session of the RE-FEM Talk series, titled Cybersecurity in Everyday Life: Stay Safe Online, was successfully held on the 8th of April, 2025. Veronika Blizman Servilová, Manager of International Activities from the Slovak Business Agency facilitated this conversation, during which this session’s esteemed speaker, Bibiana Žigová, shared practical guidance and valuable insights on how to safeguard digital environments in the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Bibiana Žigová is a Senior Information Security Manager at TPA Slovakia, bringing extensive expertise in IT management, cybersecurity, and product management. With a background in implementing and auditing information security systems based on international standards, she actively contributes to the fields of information and cybersecurity, as well as personal data protection. As a certified cybersecurity manager, Bibiana is also engaged in consulting, coaching, and participating in professional discussions related to cybersecurity and information management. Her practical knowledge and experience were key in leading the RE-FEM Talk session on cybersecurity.
The event provided a detailed and insightful examination of the increasingly crucial topic of cybersecurity in both personal and business contexts. One of the primary themes of the session was the importance of using strong, unique passwords to protect sensitive online data. Bibiana Žigová pointed out that many individuals still rely on simple and easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password,” which are among the most commonly exploited by hackers. Attendees were urged to create more complex passwords, using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, the session stressed the dangers of reusing passwords across multiple platforms and recommended implementing password management tools to securely store and generate strong passwords.
The issue of phishing attacks was also extensively discussed. Participants learned how cybercriminals often manipulate individuals into disclosing sensitive information by pretending to be trusted entities. With phishing becoming more sophisticated, it was emphasized that users must exercise caution and carefully examine emails, links, and websites, especially on mobile devices, where fraudulent URLs are often less noticeable. The importance of security awareness within organizations was also highlighted, as even a single lapse in judgment can have dire consequences for data security.
A particularly striking point in the discussion was the simple yet vital advice to “Think before you click.” This phrase encapsulated the essence of the session, emphasizing the need for users to pause and critically evaluate the legitimacy of online interactions before proceeding. Taking a moment to question the authenticity of an email, link, or website can be the difference between staying safe and falling victim to a cyberattack.
Throughout the event, Bibiana Žigová underscored that cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT professionals but a shared responsibility that requires vigilance from everyone. While organizations may invest heavily in advanced IT systems, human error remains one of the most significant vulnerabilities. The session called for organizations to foster a proactive security culture, ensuring that employees are trained to recognize and respond to threats effectively.
In closing, the event reinforced the idea that a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity involves both technological solutions and personal responsibility. Participants were encouraged to adopt practices such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to regularly update their passwords, and to remain vigilant to the constant evolution of cyber threats. By taking these necessary precautions and integrating them into daily habits, individuals and organizations can significantly enhance their ability to protect sensitive data and ensure safer digital interactions. The session ultimately highlighted that safeguarding our digital lives is not just a technical challenge, but a shared commitment to staying secure in a digital world that is becoming ever more complex.
If you missed the session, or wish to revisit it, the recording is available on our YouTube channel.
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