Many people continue to rely on longstanding cybersecurity advice such as changing passwords frequently or avoiding public Wi-Fi, yet much of this guidance is now considered outdated by leading experts in the field. With technology constantly evolving, some traditional recommendations no longer address current threats and, in some cases, may even distract from more effective security measures. A new project aims to bridge this gap by sharing updated, evidence-based guidance with a broad audience, providing clarity in a space long muddled by myths and hearsay.
Coverage about cybersecurity recommendations has often featured debates between adherence to habitual practices and the adoption of newer security strategies. Previously, public and private sector campaigns have tried to offer improved guidance, but none highlighted the community-wide consolidation and open letter approach seen with hacklore.org. Unique to this initiative is the collective backing from over 80 security professionals and executives who are working to steer users and software makers away from outdated advice, bringing consensus to the forefront in cybersecurity knowledge sharing.
What Drives the Launch of Hacklore.org?
Bob Lord, well-known for his cybersecurity leadership at Yahoo, the Democratic National Committee, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), introduced hacklore.org to address the ongoing problem of security superstitions. By assembling a coalition of over 80 experts—including senior voices from Okta, Microsoft, and CISA—the initiative seeks to correct common misconceptions that persist despite changes in digital threats and best practices. The project’s purpose is to consolidate reliable information and make it accessible for individuals and small organizations.
Which Myths Are Being Addressed?
Hacklore.org targets advice that has proven ineffective, such as never scanning QR codes, shunning public USB ports, and routinely deleting browser cookies. Instead, it promotes practical methods like enabling multi-factor authentication, regularly updating software, and utilizing password managers. The site highlights that the continued focus on myths can complicate digital safety efforts for users who have limited time and resources to dedicate to security.
How Does the Initiative Aim to Influence Security Practices?
The campaign combines expert consensus with straightforward tips to make digital safety more accessible and less intimidating for everyone. Its open letter also encourages software developers to prioritize well-established engineering practices, mentioned as “secure by design” and “secure by default.” Hacklore.org aspires to support users and technology providers where they most need it—hands-on security steps and architectural improvements alike.
Bob Lord summed up the aim of the project by stating,
“Our goal is to help everyday people and small organizations focus on the simple, fact-based steps that truly protect their data and devices.”
He also expressed optimism about the approach, adding,
“By replacing fear with facts, we can make digital safety advice more accurate, actionable, and effective for everyone.”
Although he acknowledges the scale of the challenge in shifting public perceptions, Lord hopes hacklore.org will make noticeable progress over time.
As more campaigns focus on updating public understanding of digital threats, the approach of organizations such as hacklore.org could help limit the confusion caused by persistent myths. Users benefit from clear, consensus-driven advice, which prioritizes actions that go beyond superstition and address real-world risks. Awareness and education are key for both users and technology developers, as following accurate and current security advice can reduce vulnerabilities. Adopting practical strategies—such as keeping software up to date, using unique passwords with a manager, and enabling multi-factor authentication—is often the most effective way to mitigate threats rather than relying on outdated recommendations. For anyone navigating digital environments, understanding which protective behaviors truly matter can lead to more reliable digital safety outcomes.
