It’s already well into the new year and a fresh year usually brings fresh goals—exercise more, spend less, maybe try a new hobby. But one resolution that deserves a permanent spot on everyone’s list is tightening up your personal cybersecurity. And this isn't one you should ever quit when February comes around.
Cyberthreats don’t take holidays, and scammers aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re getting bolder, trickier, and faster at finding new ways to get into your accounts and steal your money or data. The good news? A few steady habits can make you far less appealing to cybercriminals.
Start with your passwords. Strong, unique passwords or passphrases are still your first line of defense. Mix letters, numbers, and symbols—and never recycle the same one across accounts. And while it may seem obvious, don’t share your passwords with anyone. Tech support, financial institutions, and reputable companies will never ask for them.
Phishing emails remain one of the easiest ways for scammers to trick users. They may look polished these days, but old red flags still apply: Strange attachments, unexpected links, odd grammar, or messages from out-of-the-blue senders. Give anything suspicious a wide berth.
Keep an eye on your financial activity. Checking your banking and financial statements and credit reports regularly can help you catch fraud early. Freezing your credit reports is an added layer of protection if you don’t need frequent access. You can always unfreeze the reports, if needed.
Turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible can stop attackers even if they get your password. And remember to use different login credentials for every account. Logging in with Facebook or Google might seem convenient, but it creates a single gateway to multiple accounts.
Don’t forget that passkeys are a great way to secure your accounts and not have to remember so many passwords. Keep in mind that passkeys and storing your passwords in your browser are NOT the same and storing them in the browser is not a recommended option.
Finally, don’t let your devices fall behind. Keep anti-malware tools updated, install software patches promptly, and replace unsupported devices. Back up your data regularly, and stay aware of new scams circulating online and in your community.
Cybercriminals follow the money, and they’ll keep trying as long as it pays. Don’t make it easy for them.
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