As 2024 wraps up and we prepare to embrace 2025, it's a great time to set some resolutions—not just for your personal life but for your digital life too. Cyber hygiene is the online equivalent of brushing your teeth—essential for staying safe and keeping digital "germs" like hackers and malware at bay. Here’s how to ring in the New Year with better online safety habits.
What Is Cyber Hygiene?
Think of cyber hygiene as the care and maintenance you give to your digital world—devices, accounts, and personal information. Just as washing your hands protects you from germs, good cyber hygiene helps safeguard your data and devices from digital threats.
Why Cyber Hygiene Matters
The online world is constantly changing, and so are the tactics of cybercriminals. Good cyber hygiene reduces the risk of breaches, keeps your devices running smoothly, and protects your private information.
Resolutions for Better Cyber Hygiene in 2025
Strengthen Your Passwords
Passwords are the keys to your digital life, and strong ones are essential.
- Use Longer Passwords: Create passphrases like “I love hiking at sunrise!”
- Mix It Up: Add symbols, numbers, and capital letters—e.g., “I<3Hiking@Sunrise!”
- Unique Passwords for Each Account: Reusing passwords can put all your accounts at risk.
Keep Your Software Updated
Updates aren’t just about new features—they fix security vulnerabilities.
- Turn On Automatic Updates: Let your devices handle updates for you.
- Stay Protected: Updates patch security holes that hackers exploit.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security is like using a double lock on your door.
- What It Does: Requires a second form of verification, like a texted code.
- Where to Use It: Set it up for important accounts, including email and banking.
Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is convenient but risky.
- Use a VPN: It encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe.
- Avoid Sensitive Tasks: Save banking or shopping for a secure network.
Recognize Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks are common and sneaky, but there are red flags.
- Check the Sender: Look for slight misspellings in email addresses.
- Be Wary of Urgency: Scammers often pressure you to act fast.
- Hover Over Links: Check where a link leads before clicking.
Back Up Your Data
A backup is your safety net when things go wrong.
- Use the 3-2-1 Rule: Three copies of data, two types of storage, one copy off-site.
- Protect Against Ransomware: A backup ensures you’re not at the mercy of hackers.
Review Your Privacy Settings
Your privacy settings control how much of your life is visible to others.
- Check Regularly: Schedule a review every few months.
- Close Old Accounts: They can be weak spots for breaches.
Teach Your Family Cyber Safety
Online safety is a family affair.
- Make It Fun: Use games or stories to teach kids about phishing and passwords.
- Set an Example: Your habits shape theirs.
Let’s Make 2025 Safer Together
Starting the New Year with better cyber hygiene is a resolution worth keeping. Stronger passwords, smarter habits, and safer devices make for a worry-free digital life.
Want personalized advice on protecting your online world? Layer 2 Computers is here to help. Give us a call, and let’s make 2025 your safest year yet!
