The Shield

THE SHIELD

(PROTECTING SENIORS FROM HACKERS)

Written By Michael A. Echols

Cyber-attacks are increasing in scope and complexity. Our goal is simple, to create awareness among older citizens and empower them to better protect themselves.

About The Shield

“The Shield is a collective of cybersecurity professionals who care about the most precious people on earth, our seniors. In today’s technological age, our virtual existence is growing and to some extent will soon be the same as our physical existence. Your digital footprint is quickly becoming sometimes far more valuable to criminals than a physical presence. Theft over the internet is relatively easy. The old approach to robbing someone has new complexities with the number of cameras and potential witnesses on the street at any time. You may recover your possessions following a robbery, however, theft across the internet is not witnessed and probably results in a permanent loss.

Michael A. Echols (Mike) is the CEO of Max Cybersecurity LLC and author of The Shield. He developed his passion for helping people reduce cyber risk as a Cyber Director for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mike has led several White House national security and risk reduction initiatives. He chaired the Network Security Information Exchange consisting of cybersecurity experts from Canada, UK, Australia, Canada, and the U.S, and served as the U.S. Representative to the NATO CCPC in Brussels.

He is the author of the 2020 book, Cybersecure Life, The Government Is Not Coming to Save You, and a speaker on national cybersecurity resilience. The Shield represents the act of protecting oneself from the illegal or unauthorized use of electronic data. Taking these steps is a critical part of self-care. But, the hardest part of helping people protect themselves is helping them understand the connection between their technology use and protections to make technology safer.
Senior citizens are a major target. The Department of Homeland Security advises that in 2024 and beyond, “Financially motivated criminal cyber actors will likely impose significant financial costs on the U.S. economy.” Mike is using his voice to highlight this issue and change the current number of successful attacks and scams. Mike uses his voice as a Board Member of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the Prince Georges County, Community Foundation, and the University of Maryland, Smith School, to help in building community resilience. Protecting seniors is a critical part of assuring resilient communities.”