Cyber hygiene is super important—it’s like brushing your teeth but for your online life. Good cyber habits help keep you safe from hackers on the internet. Let’s check some easy ways to stay safe online in 2025.

Cyber hygiene refers to the care you give to your online activities. This includes keeping your devices and information clean and safe. Just like washing your hands stops germs, good cyber behavior prevents digital threats like viruses and hackers.

Criminals online are constantly finding new ways to access your information or disrupt your devices. Good cyber hygiene protects your personal data and keeps your devices functioning well.

Passwords are the keys to your online accounts, so it’s essential to make them strong. Here are some tips:

• Use long passwords that are harder to guess. Try a sentence like, “I love eating pizza on Fridays!”

• Mix up characters, including numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. For example, “I<3EatingPizza0nFridays!”

• Avoid reusing passwords. Each account should have its unique password to protect the others if one is compromised.

Updating your software is like getting a flu shot—it shields you from new threats. Updates typically fix security vulnerabilities, improve functionality, and add new features. Set automatic updates whenever possible to stay protected without having to remember.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, much like using two locks on a door. It requires two forms of verification, such as a password and a code sent to your phone or your fingerprint. Enable 2FA on important accounts like email, banking, and social media to enhance your security.

Public Wi-Fi can be risky because it’s easy for others to intercept your information. Stay safe by using a VPN, avoiding sensitive activities like banking or shopping on public networks, and turning off auto-connect features to prevent connecting to untrusted networks.

Phishing scams are attempts to trick you into sharing sensitive information. To avoid them:

• Check the sender’s details carefully, as scammers often use fake names.

• Avoid clicking suspicious links and verify their destination by hovering over them.

• Be cautious of messages urging immediate action, as legitimate companies rarely do this.

Backing up your data ensures you won’t lose important information if something goes wrong. Backups protect against ransomware, accidental deletions, and other issues. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data on two different storage types, with one copy stored off-site.

Privacy settings allow you to control what others see online. Review them regularly by scheduling periodic checks, revisiting all your accounts, and limiting the information you share to minimize exposure.

Cyber safety is essential for everyone, including your family. Teach good practices by making it fun with games or stories, leading by example, and having open discussions about online experiences.

Good cyber hygiene is your shield against online threats in 2025. By using strong passwords, updating software, staying cautious on public Wi-Fi, watching for phishing scams, backing up data, checking privacy settings, and teaching your family about cyber safety, you’ll protect your digital life.

Want to know more about staying safe online?We love helping businesses and residential customers with their cybersecurity. Not matter if you are in the Chicago area or beyond, let’s make your online life easier and safer together!