Cybersecurity analyst highlights how small choices at home, school, and work build long term safety online and offline

ALPHARETTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / December 22, 2025 / Cybersecurity analyst Marissa Arbour is calling for communities to build stronger digital routines and real world decision making as cyber threats, misinformation, and online risks grow across the country. Drawing from her experience in consulting, fintech, banking, and enterprise security, Arbour says the same habits that protect people online also help them make better choices offline.

"Success in security and in life comes from consistent habits," Arbour said. "I learned early in my career that tools matter less than awareness. When people slow down, check details, and think before reacting, they stay safer everywhere, not just online."

Her message comes at a time when digital errors and poor decision making carry high stakes. The National Cybersecurity Alliance reports that 43 percent of adults have fallen for at least one online scam. The Federal Trade Commission notes that consumers lost more than 10 billion dollars to fraud in 2023, the highest amount ever recorded. Arbour says the numbers show a larger pattern. "It is not just hacking," she said. "People are overwhelmed. They rush. They trust the wrong signals. We need to build stronger thinking habits at the individual level."

Arbour believes success begins with simple awareness skills she first learned through puzzles and problem-solving as a child in Alpharetta. She still uses those same habits today. "Puzzles teach you to pause and test assumptions," she said. "That mindset helps you avoid scams, spot false information, and make better choices in high pressure situations."

She teaches these same principles during volunteer sessions in Fulton County schools. Instead of focusing only on passwords and threats, she encourages students to develop broader skills like identifying patterns, questioning sources, and recognizing emotional triggers. "Kids click fast," she said. "If we teach them how to slow down and think before responding, that stays with them for life."

Arbour says the same approach works for adults. In her experience leading teams, she has seen that people make better decisions when they do three things: understand what normal looks like, ask questions early, and communicate when something feels off. These principles apply to budgeting, workplace communication, and online safety. "People think cybersecurity is separate," she said. "But it is connected to how we make choices in general. Good habits overlap."

She offers several practical steps individuals can take to strengthen both digital and real world decision making:

• Take ten seconds before clicking, responding, or approving anything

• Validate important information with a second source

• Remove unused accounts and outdated apps every few months

• Practice small digital hygiene tasks as part of household routines

• Teach children how to verify information before sharing it

"These steps help people become more aware of their surroundings," she said. "And awareness is protection. It applies everywhere, from checking a suspicious email to reviewing a contract or discussing money with family."

Arbour also sees emotional awareness as a major part of modern safety. During her time in banking, she noticed that many scams succeeded because they created urgency and fear. "If a message forces you to act immediately, that is your signal to slow down," she said. "Success in any area comes from staying calm when pressure rises."

She encourages families and small businesses to create a simple monthly check-in. This can include reviewing finances, cleaning up digital accounts, correcting outdated information, and discussing recent suspicious messages. "These small routines build resilience," she said. "You get better at recognizing risks because you see the patterns."

Arbour's broader message is that personal habits matter more than people realize. Whether protecting a device, navigating online information, or guiding a team, the same practices support long term success. "Cybersecurity is part of it," she said. "But really, we are talking about decision making. When people build strong thinking habits, they protect themselves, their families, and their communities."

Arbour encourages individuals to take three small steps this week: remove one unused account or app, enable multi factor authentication on a key account, and slow down before responding to any message that feels urgent. "These are simple actions," she said. "But they train the brain to pause and think. That pause is what prevents most mistakes."

About Marissa Arbour

Marissa Arbour is a cybersecurity analyst based in Alpharetta, Georgia with expertise in threat detection, cloud security, and risk management. Her background spans consulting, fintech, banking, and enterprise security leadership. She volunteers in Georgia schools teaching digital literacy and mentors young women pursuing STEM careers.

Cybersecurity analyst Marissa Arbour is calling for communities to build stronger digital routines and real world decision making as cyber threats, misinformation, and online risks grow across the country. Drawing from her experience in consulting, fintech, banking, and enterprise security, Arbour says the same habits that protect people online also help them make better choices offline.

"Success in security and in life comes from consistent habits," Arbour said. "I learned early in my career that tools matter less than awareness. When people slow down, check details, and think before reacting, they stay safer everywhere, not just online."

Her message comes at a time when digital errors and poor decision making carry high stakes. The National Cybersecurity Alliance reports that 43 percent of adults have fallen for at least one online scam. The Federal Trade Commission notes that consumers lost more than 10 billion dollars to fraud in 2023, the highest amount ever recorded. Arbour says the numbers show a larger pattern. "It is not just hacking," she said. "People are overwhelmed. They rush. They trust the wrong signals. We need to build stronger thinking habits at the individual level."

Arbour believes success begins with simple awareness skills she first learned through puzzles and problem-solving as a child in Alpharetta. She still uses those same habits today. "Puzzles teach you to pause and test assumptions," she said. "That mindset helps you avoid scams, spot false information, and make better choices in high pressure situations."

She teaches these same principles during volunteer sessions in Fulton County schools. Instead of focusing only on passwords and threats, she encourages students to develop broader skills like identifying patterns, questioning sources, and recognizing emotional triggers. "Kids click fast," she said. "If we teach them how to slow down and think before responding, that stays with them for life."

Arbour says the same approach works for adults. In her experience leading teams, she has seen that people make better decisions when they do three things: understand what normal looks like, ask questions early, and communicate when something feels off. These principles apply to budgeting, workplace communication, and online safety. "People think cybersecurity is separate," she said. "But it is connected to how we make choices in general. Good habits overlap."

She offers several practical steps individuals can take to strengthen both digital and real world decision making:

• Take ten seconds before clicking, responding, or approving anything

• Validate important information with a second source

• Remove unused accounts and outdated apps every few months

• Practice small digital hygiene tasks as part of household routines

• Teach children how to verify information before sharing it

"These steps help people become more aware of their surroundings," she said. "And awareness is protection. It applies everywhere, from checking a suspicious email to reviewing a contract or discussing money with family."

Arbour also sees emotional awareness as a major part of modern safety. During her time in banking, she noticed that many scams succeeded because they created urgency and fear. "If a message forces you to act immediately, that is your signal to slow down," she said. "Success in any area comes from staying calm when pressure rises."

She encourages families and small businesses to create a simple monthly check-in. This can include reviewing finances, cleaning up digital accounts, correcting outdated information, and discussing recent suspicious messages. "These small routines build resilience," she said. "You get better at recognizing risks because you see the patterns."

Arbour's broader message is that personal habits matter more than people realize. Whether protecting a device, navigating online information, or guiding a team, the same practices support long term success. "Cybersecurity is part of it," she said. "But really, we are talking about decision making. When people build strong thinking habits, they protect themselves, their families, and their communities."

Call to Action

Arbour encourages individuals to take three small steps this week: remove one unused account or app, enable multi factor authentication on a key account, and slow down before responding to any message that feels urgent. "These are simple actions," she said. "But they train the brain to pause and think. That pause is what prevents most mistakes."

About Marissa Arbour

Marissa Arbour is a cybersecurity analyst based in Alpharetta, Georgia with expertise in threat detection, cloud security, and risk management. Her background spans consulting, fintech, banking, and enterprise security leadership. She volunteers in Georgia schools teaching digital literacy and mentors young women pursuing STEM careers.

Media Contact

Marissa Arbour
info@marissaarbour.com
https://www.marissaarbour.com/

SOURCE: Marissa Arbour