If you're feeling overwhelmed by the digital world and wondering how to keep your family safe online, you need to hear this. Today, I’m sitting down with cybersecurity expert Yuri Diogenes to break down exactly what every parent should know about protecting their family’s online presence.
We’re cutting through the confusion and getting straight to the point—because let’s be real, cyber threats aren’t going anywhere. From phishing scams to smart home security, we’re covering the practical steps you must take to stay ahead of evolving online risks.
This episode is for you if you're unsure how to keep your kids safe online, have ever second-guessed a suspicious email (hello, phishing scams), or want to lock down your smart home devices and stop hackers in their tracks.
Here’s what we cover:
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What cybersecurity really means in today’s digital age.
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The sneaky ways cybercriminals trick people (and how to protect yourself).
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Why changing default passwords is non-negotiable for your household devices.
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How to teach your kids about online safety without making them paranoid.
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The role AI plays in cybersecurity—and what the future might hold.
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Real-life strategies to combat cyberbullying and protect against online predators.
Look, navigating the internet can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to be a tech genius to keep your family safe. The key? Staying informed, taking action, and making cybersecurity a priority now, before threats become real problems.
Anything that is connected to the Internet nowadays can be a point of entry to a threat actor.
How are you keeping your digital life secure? Let’s talk about it—DM me on Instagram! And don’t forget to subscribe for more real, actionable insights just like this.
Meet Yuri Diogenes
Yuri has a Master's Degree in Cybersecurity and is currently working on his PhD in Cybersecurity Leadership. He is an author with 34 published books, mostly about information security. He is also a University Professor and a Principal PM Manager at Microsoft.
Links & Resources
Kids Internet Safety Resources:
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/keeping-children-safe-online
https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/getting-kids-and-teens-to-care-about-cybersecurity
How to report child exploitation
https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect/how-to-report
Yuri's Latest Book
Building a Career in Cybersecurity
Connect with Yuri
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The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
[Nathalia] Hello, hello there, fam. Welcome to another episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
I'm Nathalia Mello, your host. And today I have a very special guest. He's a friend and he is a badass, actually.
Whenever I saw his bio, I'm like, I didn't know that you were that cool. His name is Yuri. He has a master's degree in cybersecurity and is currently working on his PhD in cybersecurity leadership.
He's an author with 34 books published, mostly about information security. He’s also a university professor and a principal PM manager at Microsoft. Yuri, thank you so much for joining us.
Meeting Yuri and Our Brazilian Connection
[Nathalia] A fun fact—Yuri and I are from the same place in Brazil. We met before I moved to Texas, right?
[Yuri] Yes, it was before you moved. We met at an event while you were still in Ireland.
[Nathalia] That’s awesome! I didn’t remember that. But now, let’s dive into cybersecurity because I know a lot of parents, myself included, feel lost when it comes to keeping kids safe online.
Understanding Cybersecurity
[Nathalia] Can you explain what cybersecurity is and why it's important?
[Yuri] Cybersecurity is a broad term that covers protecting anything connected to the internet from potential threats. Everything from your phone to your fridge can be a point of entry for hackers. The goal of cybersecurity is to ensure these devices are secure and protected from cyber threats.
How People Fall Victim to Cyber Attacks
[Nathalia] I didn’t realize smart appliances could be a cybersecurity risk! What are the most common ways people fall victim to cyber threats?
[Yuri] The number one way is still phishing emails—fraudulent emails designed to trick users into clicking malicious links. Cybercriminals craft these emails to look legitimate, often imitating companies, banks, or even influencers. Always verify the sender’s email and hover over links before clicking.
Tips for Protecting Devices from Malware and Hackers
[Nathalia] How can we keep our devices secure, especially our phones?
[Yuri] The best thing you can do is enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. Also, never use the same password for everything. Using a password manager can help.
Parental Control and Kids’ Online Safety
[Nathalia] How can parents protect their kids from online threats?
[Yuri] Parental control apps like Bark and Aura can monitor online activity and alert parents to potential threats. Educate your kids about the risks of oversharing personal information and interacting with strangers online.
The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
[Nathalia] AI is evolving fast. How is it impacting cybersecurity?
[Yuri] AI can be used both for good and bad. On the positive side, AI helps detect cyber threats before they happen. But cybercriminals also use AI for scams, like deepfake videos and voice cloning.
Understanding Deepfake Technology
[Nathalia] What exactly is deepfake technology?
[Yuri] Deepfake uses AI to manipulate images, videos, and voices to create convincing but fake content. It’s used for scams, misinformation, and even cyberbullying. Parents should educate their kids about the risks and create a system for verifying personal interactions.
AI’s Impact on the Job Market
[Nathalia] With AI evolving so quickly, how do you see it impacting the job market?
[Yuri] Some entry-level jobs, like customer service and data entry, will likely be replaced by AI. However, jobs that require human interaction, creativity, and critical thinking—like coaching and cybersecurity—will remain.
How to Stay Fit While Traveling
[Nathalia] You travel a lot. How do you stay on track with fitness and nutrition?
[Yuri] For domestic travel, I use ICOMUSE to ship my meals to my hotel. Internationally, I stay mindful of my food choices. I always book hotels with a gym or find a nearby one.
Final Thoughts and Where to Find Yuri
[Nathalia] This has been an amazing conversation. Where can people find you?
[Yuri] Instagram: @iTheOriginous
X (Twitter): @YuriTheOriginous
[Nathalia] Thank you, Yuri! I’ll drop all the links in the description for anyone who wants to follow your work. Thanks for being here!
[Yuri] Thank you, Nathalia! It was a pleasure.
