As the new year begins, many people focus on personal improvements like health, career goals, or developing new skills. But what about setting resolutions for your digital life? With cyber threats evolving daily, prioritizing your online security is more important than ever. At LayerEight, we believe 2025 is the year to adopt stronger cybersecurity habits that protect you and your information.
Declutter Your Digital Life
Start by organizing your digital accounts, much like you’d organize your home or workspace. Review your online presence, identifying accounts you no longer use, and deactivate them. Each unused or forgotten account could become a vulnerability. Removing these potential weak spots ensures that hackers have fewer entry points into your digital world.
Build Stronger Passwords
One of the simplest ways to enhance your security is by reevaluating your passwords. The latest guidance emphasizes creating strong, unique passwords rather than frequently changing them. Aim for passwords that are at least 12 characters long and incorporate a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If remembering them all feels overwhelming, consider using a password manager to securely store and generate unique passwords. Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) to your logins offers an additional layer of protection and should be part of your routine in 2025.
Review Privacy Settings
Take some time to check the privacy settings on your social media profiles and other online platforms. Sharing too much personal information can make you a target for identity theft or phishing scams. Adjust permissions and limit access to sensitive details to better safeguard your data.
Don’t Forget to Back Up
Backing up your information regularly can save you from devastating data loss. Even the most diligent among us can fall victim to unexpected technical failures. A reliable backup system ensures that your critical files are never out of reach.
Stay Updated and Vigilant
Keeping your software updated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself. Updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities. Additionally, stay alert for phishing scams, which remains one of the most common ways attackers gain access to sensitive information. A healthy dose of skepticism when clicking on links or opening emails from unknown sources can go a long way in keeping you safe.
Cybersecurity for Businesses
For businesses, the new year presents an excellent opportunity to invest in cybersecurity training for employees. With human error being a leading cause of breaches, educating your team on how to identify potential threats and follow security best practices can drastically reduce risk.
Secure Your Home Network
Don’t overlook your home network and connected devices. Updating default passwords and settings on your router and smart devices adds an extra layer of defense. For those who frequently use public Wi-Fi, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide a secure browsing experience, ensuring that your personal information stays private.
Make Cybersecurity Your Resolution
LayerEight is here to help you start the year on the right foot. Whether it’s bolstering your personal cybersecurity practices or strengthening your business’ defenses, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. Make 2025 the year you prioritize cybersecurity!