The new year is the perfect time to start fresh—not just with personal goals, but with digital ones too. One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your online safety is by updating your passwords. As we rely more on online accounts for banking, shopping, communication, and entertainment, protecting them with strong, unique passwords becomes essential.
Start by making a list of important accounts: email, online banking, shopping sites, and social media. If any of these still use a simple password like a pet’s name or “123456,” it’s time for an upgrade.
A good password is long (at least 12 characters), includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoids personal information like birthdays. If keeping track of multiple strong passwords seems overwhelming, consider using a password manager—a secure tool that remembers them for you.
Don’t forget to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available. This adds an extra step to logins, like receiving a code via text or app, making it harder for scammers to access your accounts even if they get your password.
Think of this digital reset as a form of housekeeping—just like organizing paperwork or clearing out the junk drawer. Taking 15–30 minutes now can protect you from a lot of hassle later.
Here’s to a safer, smarter, and more secure new year.
