How Cybercrime Changed My Global Perspective

When life presents challenges, it offers us the chance to rebuild, learn, and emerge stronger than before. It’s our resilience that drives us to seek better outcomes, even in the face of adversity.

My own disruptive experience with cybercrime and identity theft opened my eyes to a reality I never imagined—one where we are all vulnerable targets in an increasingly dangerous digital world.

This eye-opening experience ignited a sense of urgency and purpose within me, fueling my determination to take action in the fight for digital safety. It wasn’t just about fixing what was broken for me—it was about preventing others from experiencing the same devastating consequences.

Like most journeys to a new mission, mine began with a few simple yet unrelated powerful questions—and a path longer than I had anticipated to where I am today. Can I succeed as an entrepreneur after holding leadership roles in successful ad-tech companies? Should I continue playing it safe, or take the leap into the unknown? Could I build something from the ground up—especially abroad?

The decision wasn’t easy. My peers questioned me. “Are you crazy?” they asked. But I couldn’t shake the pull to take a risk, to test my entrepreneurial spirit, and to do something bold. I moved overseas to launch my venture, Stitch, despite the skepticism.

The risk paid off when we successfully sold the technology we developed. But even as Stitch was behind me, I ventured into the emerging fields of crypto and digital identity, eager to innovate and partner with a longtime friend. This was an exciting time. It felt like a chance to build something impactful and meaningful in an industry poised for transformation.

However, life had other plans. Unbeknownst to me, my family’s digital and financial security was being compromised by people I trusted. This blindsiding betrayal marked the beginning of one of the hardest battles of my life—fighting cybercriminals in another country while working tirelessly to reclaim my identity.

This experience was more than just a setback—it was a wake-up call. It fundamentally shifted my perspective on digital safety. I realized how vulnerable we all are, and how poorly prepared many of us are for these growing threats. The world was changing rapidly, and the tools to protect ourselves were lagging far behind current threats.

This awakening led to the publication of my book Privacy Pandemic and the creation of DFend. I’m now on a mission to help as many people as possible protect themselves from the devastating consequences of cybercrime and identity theft through education, innovative technology, and advocacy.

At DFend, we focus on proactive security solutions that help people stay ahead of the threats. We are building tools that can actively protect users, ensuring they don’t have to wait for a breach to occur before they take action.

DFend may be a long way from my ad-tech roots, but the journey has been worth it. As my football coaches used to say, “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.”

If my story resonates with you, follow me here on LinkedIn for more insights on safeguarding your digital identity. Let’s work together to create a safer digital world for everyone. And if you have a similar story or insights on digital security, I would love to hear from you—let’s collaborate and share what we’ve learned.

What’s your go-to tip for protecting against cybercrime?

Stay Safe,

Chris


Privacy Pandemic: https://www.amazon.com/Privacy-Pandemic-Cybercriminals-Privacy_and-Policymakers/dp/1645433935/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1701181551&sr=8-1