Protect Your Online Identity with 5 Proven Cybersecurity Habits to Succeed in 2025
New Year, New cybersecurity Habits: 5 Simple Resolutions to Strengthen Your Online Defenses in 2025
As we near the end of 2024, it’s a great time to reflect on the year that’s been and set our sights on a more secure digital future. Cybersecurity is just as important as a healthy diet or regular exercise, and adopting a few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your online presence.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 5 cybersecurity habits you should pick up in time for 2025. Don’t worry, we won’t make you give up your favorite snacks or take up an extra hour at the gym – just a few small changes to your online behavior can make a big difference.
1. Think Before Clicking
Remember that old phrase "if you think before you speak, you’ll be less likely to say something you regret"? Same idea here. Some links are plain dodgy, and it’s essential to exercise caution. We all know the risks of phishing scams and how they can lead to a world of trouble.
So, before clicking that link, remember:
- Use a search engine to look up the site or service, instead of following a suspect link.
- Check for errors in the URL – are there any typos or incorrect domain names?
- Hover over the URL to see if it’s legit.
- Consider using a free link checker, like NordVPN’s Link Checker, to scan the URL for potential risks.
2. Don’t Assume You Won’t Be Impacted by Cyberattacks
Just because you’re not the type to get up to no good online or you’re just an average Joe doesn’t mean your data won’t interest bad actors. Sadly, cybercriminals don’t care who they target – they’ll go after anyone with an online presence.
To stay safe, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) – it’s like an extra layer of security for your accounts. When you log in, you’ll need to input a code, which will be delivered to you (and only you) via SMS. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your email and password.
3. Don’t Ignore Those Updates
When your phone reminds you of pending updates, it’s tempting to hit that "Remind me later" button, but hold back. These updates often contain crucial patches, solutions to known vulnerabilities, and cutting-edge attacks that could lead to devastating data losses. They also include:
- Solutions to loopholes attackers might exploit
- New features – including security-boosting measures
- Bug fixes
- Quality-of-life improvements
Keep your devices up to date, remove unused apps, and ensure your operating system is current, too.
4. Back It Up
Think of all the digital treasures on your devices – pictures, videos, music, work files, and financial information. Ransomware attacks can wipe out your digital life, making it difficult to recover. That’s why backing up is crucial.
Get an external hard drive to store copies of your files. If disaster strikes, you won’t have to panic, and you can recover your files with ease.
5. Invest in a Secure VPN
The internet isn’t always safe, and data is big business. Hackers might be sniffing around for your personal details, tracking your online activity, or snooping on your online habits.
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) put a stop to this, making it harder for third parties to keep tabs on you. When you connect to a VPN server, you’ll be assigned a new, temporary IP address, making it difficult for anyone to link your online activity to you.
Pick up a reputable VPN, and you’ll also get:
- Unrestricted streaming access
- Geo-restricted content
- P2P downloads
- Throttling prevention
- Region-specific deals and price protection
So, are you ready to boost your digital security and confidence for 2025? Start with these 5 simple habits, and you’ll be well on your way to a safer, more enjoyable online experience.
