Cybersecurity & Toilet Tank Repair: They Don’t Have to Stink

Do you know what cybersecurity and toilet tank repair have in common—other than occasionally involving some extremely unpleasant 💩? They both share October as their national awareness month. 

I know what you’re thinking—how can a single month hold so much elation? Shouldn’t the powers that be have mercy on us and distribute the fun more evenly, with ample time to recover in between? Alas, we must play with the hand we’ve been dealt. Try to contain your excitement. 

In all seriousness, though, does anyone really get fired up about cybersecurity—or toilet tank repair, for that matter? Even innovators in the field likely see it more as a means to an end than something worth celebrating—although few would admit it. 

At the same time, I think many would also agree that it’s critically important for keeping organizations and individuals safe. That importance only grows as we live more of our lives in the digital realm, especially as work and shopping habits have changed since the beginning of the pandemic. 

According to a 2019 survey, 57 percent of Americans are concerned about cybersecurity. And for good reason. Credit card fraud, specifically the card-not-present variety, continues to increase. 

Last year alone, 155.8 million Americans were affected by data breaches, resulting in $11 billion in losses. Not to mention the cost to businesses—the global average is $4.24 million per breach, or about $161 per record, according to IBM’s 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report. 

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So, what do these numbers mean? 

Well, they’re pretty compelling evidence that you should be looking to improve your cybersecurity practices or at least start taking them seriously.

Just as you should regularly be evaluating and maintaining the condition of your toilet tank—stay with me—you should always be prioritizing sound practices for cybersecurity. 

Although it might seem boring or off-putting, that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. Trust me, I get it. They’re both a pain. They might make you want to hold your nose. And you’d almost certainly rather spend your time doing something else. 

But when addressed appropriately, sufficient cybersecurity and consistent toilet tank repair both represent opportunities to keep things running smoothly and to save money in the long run—without all the stink. 

So, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate all the plumbers and cybersecurity professionals out there who have to roll up their sleeves and do our dirty work. They’re often considered thankless jobs, but they keep us safe and clean. No 💩.