Cybersecurity resolutions to act on for a safer 2026 online experience

We couldn't let 2025 end without one last reminder about digital security. Cybercriminals never slow down. In fact, the holidays and the start of a new year often cause a spike in scams, account takeovers, and data theft. The good news is that cybersecurity doesn't have to feel overwhelming. You don't need advanced skills or expensive tools. With a few smart habits, you can reduce risk and protect your digital life through 2026. To help you start the year strong, here are 10 simple cybersecurity solutions that actually work.

Subscribe to my FREE CyberGuy Report

Get my best tech tips, breaking security alerts, and exclusive offers straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

THE MOST USED PASSWORD IN AMERICA IN 2025 REVEALED

1) Start the year with strong passwords

Passwords remain your first line of defense. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to hack multiple accounts at once. Use a unique password for each account. Longer passphrases work better than short, complex strings. A strong password manager can generate and store passwords securely so you don't have to remember them. One rule matters most. Never reuse passwords.

Next, see if there is your email has been exposed for past violations. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) includes a built-in breach scanner that checks to see if your email address or passwords have appeared in known breaches. If you find a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.

Check out the best password managers of 2025, reviewed by experts, at Cyberguy.com.

2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step after your password. This is usually a code from an application or a physical security key. Even if someone steals your password, 2FA can block access. App-based authenticators provide stronger security than text messages. First, enable it for your email, banking, social media, and shopping accounts.

3) Audit your digital presence

Old accounts create new risks. Take time to review shopping sites, forums, apps, and subscriptions that you no longer use. Remove what you don't need. Update the privacy settings of what you store. Whenever possible, share less personal information, especially birthdays, locations, and phone numbers. A smaller digital footprint limits abuse.

5 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY

4) Keep your software and devices up to date.

Security updates address real vulnerabilities that are actively exploited by attackers. Skipping updates leaves doors open. Enable automatic updates for operating systems, browsers, apps, routers, and smart devices. This habit blocks many common attacks without any extra effort. Outdated software remains one of the main reasons for successful hacks.

5) Use the personal data deletion service

Your personal information appears on hundreds of data broker sites. These sites collect names, addresses, phone numbers and relatives and then sell access to anyone willing to pay. The Identity Removal Service helps you find and delete this information. This step reduces the number of scam attempts, phishing emails and identity fraud risks throughout the year. Less exposed data means fewer threats.

While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is indeed a smart choice. They don't come cheap, and neither does your privacy. These services do all the work for you, actively monitoring and systematically removing your personal information from hundreds of websites. This is what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk that scammers will link leaked data to information they can find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top data removal services and get a free scan to see if your personal information has already been published online by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to see if your personal information has already been published online: Cyberguy.com

6) Consider identity theft protection

Identity theft often starts quietly. A violation occurs. Data leaks. The scam occurs several months later. Identity theft companies can track personal information such as your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. Many services can also scan accounts linked to multiple email addresses, making cleanup easier. Early warnings can help you act before damage spreads.

Check out my tips and best practices on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SNEAKY WEB SCAMS INTRODUCING FRAUDS

7) Think before you click and use reliable antivirus protection.

Most cyber attacks still start with a mouse click. Fake delivery notificationsRefund alerts and urgent messages force people to act quickly. Pause before clicking on links or opening attachments. Many scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create realistic messages, fake voices and convincing images, so it's even more important to pause before you click. Instead, check messages through official websites or apps. Powerful antivirus software adds another layer of protection by blocking malware, ransomware, and malicious downloads from reaching your devices, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for 2025's top antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

8) Secure your home Wi-Fi network.

Your Wi-Fi network connects everything. This makes him a valuable target. Change your router's default password immediately. Enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. Keep your router firmware updated and avoid sharing your network with unknown devices. A secure network protects every connected device.

9) Back up your data regularly

Backups protect you from ransomwarehardware failure and accidental deletion. Many people still miss them. Use cloud backupsexternal hard drive or both. Automate the process so it happens without reminders. If something goes wrong, backups allow you to quickly recover.

10) Freeze your credit if you don't need it.

A loan freeze prohibits the opening of new accounts in your name. In 2026, this will remain one of the strongest protections against identity fraud. The credit freeze is free and reversible. You can temporarily remove it when you apply for a loan or credit card. This single step completely blocks many crimes using personal data. To find out more about how to do this, follow the link Cyberguy.com and search for “How to freeze your credit.”

Pro tip: Lock your email and use aliases.

Your email account controls password resets, alerts, and account recovery. If intruders get inside, they can get to almost everything else. Protect your primary email with a long, unique password and two-factor authentication. Next, create email aliases for purchases, subscriptions, and registrations. Pseudonyms limit information disclosure in the event of a company data breach and make phishing easier to detect. This email protection enhances all other cybersecurity measures.

By creating email aliases, you can protect your information and reduce spam. These aliases redirect messages to your primary address, making it easier to manage your incoming messages and avoid data leaks.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers offering aliases, see Cyberguy.com.

Kurt's key takeaways

A safer digital life starts with small, consistent decisions. Strong passwords, updates, backups and awareness are important. By making these cybersecurity resolutions, you can ensure a safer 2026. You'll also make it harder for criminals to profit from stolen data. There's no better time to start than now.

Which of these cybersecurity habits are you still putting off, and what can you do to break them today? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Subscribe to my FREE CyberGuy Report

Get my best tech tips, breaking security alerts, and exclusive offers straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Copyright CyberGuy.com 2025. All rights reserved.