Speaking at a Times Square event on Wednesday to promote NordVPN, brand ambassador Shaquille O’Neal emphasized the critical need for everyday individuals to prioritize digital security and protect their privacy. While humorously noting that he has private footage of a sparring match with Charles Barkley that he prefers to keep off the internet, O’Neal stressed that everyone deserves agency over their personal data.
The four-time NBA champion revealed that his commitment to cybersecurity education became personal after he was targeted by fraudsters posing as real estate agents attempting to facilitate a home purchase. Describing the incident as his first experience with hacking, O’Neal admitted he initially did not know how to respond, which prompted him to investigate the threat landscape more seriously.
Despite his fame, the media personality stated that he does not store highly sensitive information on his devices and strives to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle. However, when asked if his high profile requires additional protective measures for himself and his family, he confirmed that he constantly considers these risks. He noted, however, that he refuses to let anxiety dominate his life, choosing instead to focus on developing strong reactive strategies should an incident occur.
O’Neal, an early investor in artificial intelligence and technology, highlighted that his collaboration with NordVPN is centered on public education and empowerment. The company offers a suite of consumer-friendly tools beyond its well-known virtual private network, including antivirus software and scam detection services.
Marijus Briedis, NordVPN’s chief technology officer, pointed out a significant gap in public understanding revealed by a recent survey: 73% of Americans overestimate the protective capabilities of traditional antivirus software against threats like identity theft and online tracking. Briedis described the human element as the primary vulnerability in security systems and indicated that the company is currently prioritizing educational initiatives to address this persistent challenge.
I just want to see that sparring match footage with Barkley. Please tell me the cybersecurity awareness is the only reason we won’t.
Does NordVPN actually help with real estate scams? The article mentions it but doesn’t explain how a VPN stops fraudsters posing as agents.
Wait, the 73% statistic about antivirus is wild. I thought my Norton was doing enough. Time to reassess my security setup.
Imagine getting scammed despite being Shaq. Great to see him using that platform for digital literacy instead of hiding it.