Today’s blog is about a habit I began about eight years ago and I stick to even more loyally than any new year’s resolutions. I am no techie, but I have had the fortune to have worked alongside people who have taught me a thing or two over the years, and in this digital age it is more important than ever to be cyberfit. So whether you just have a mobile phone, or a tablet, or manage multiple devices, read along and hopefully take away a byte of wisdom or two.
A new year often comes with fresh goals disguised as fitness plans, financial resolutions, productivity systems. But one habit deserves a permanent place in your annual reset: reviewing and strengthening your personal cybersecurity. Cyber threats evolve constantly, and small neglected habits can quietly become major vulnerabilities. The good news is that a once-a-year cybersecurity tune-up can dramatically reduce your risk. Think of it as a digital health checkup that protects your identity, finances, and personal data for the year ahead.
One of the most valuable habits to begin each year with is refreshing your most important passwords. Many people reuse passwords across services and devices, and that single habit remains one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access to multiple accounts. Updating passwords for your primary email, banking services, cloud storage, and work-related logins creates an immediate security upgrade. Using a password manager to generate strong, unique passwords makes this process manageable and far more secure than relying on memory.
Another critical step is confirming that two-factor authentication is enabled wherever possible. Even strong passwords can be stolen, but 2FA adds a second barrier that blocks most account takeover attempts. Taking a few minutes at the beginning of the year to verify that your key accounts have 2FA enabled, replacing text-message verification with authenticator apps where available, and storing backup recovery codes securely can prevent serious future problems.
Devices also deserve an annual security check. Phones, tablets, and computers quietly accumulate outdated software, unused applications, and misconfigured settings over time. Updating operating systems and apps, removing software you no longer need, checking that security features such as firewalls and encryption are enabled, and retiring devices that no longer receive security updates all help close vulnerabilities that attackers look for.
It’s also worth reviewing app permissions at the start of each year. Many apps retain access to your camera, microphone, contacts, or location long after you stop actively using them. Revoking unnecessary permissions and deleting apps you no longer need reduces the amount of personal data available if an app is compromised.
Because data breaches have become so common, checking whether your email addresses or passwords have appeared in known breaches is another smart annual habit. Discovering a breach early and changing affected passwords immediately can prevent a chain reaction of compromised accounts.
Old, unused accounts are another overlooked risk. Accounts you no longer use may still store personal information or saved payment methods, making them attractive targets. Closing unnecessary accounts and cleaning up old cloud backups reduces your digital footprint and limits potential exposure.
Backing up important data remains one of the simplest but most effective cybersecurity habits. Whether through cloud services, external drives, or a combination of both, verifying that backups are running properly and testing file restoration at least once a year ensures you are protected against ransomware, device failure, or accidental deletion.
Cybercrime often leads to financial fraud, so reviewing bank statements, credit card activity, and identity protection services at the beginning of the year helps catch suspicious activity early. Enabling transaction alerts adds another layer of visibility and control.
Finally, staying informed about current scam and phishing tactics strengthens your most important defence: awareness. Spending even a short time each year reading about emerging threats and sharing basic tips with family members helps prevent costly mistakes. Setting calendar reminders for future password updates, device checks, and backup reviews ensures these habits stay consistent throughout the year.
Cybersecurity doesn’t require paranoia or technical expertise, just routine attention. A few hours of focused effort at the beginning of each year can significantly reduce your risk and give you peace of mind. Make cybersecurity part of your annual reset ritual, and your future self will thank you.
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