As we head into 2025, here are some simple but effective cybersecurity solutions you can adopt to avoid the same fate as many Americans who fall victim to hacking, phishing, and identity theft.
2024 was another year of major data breaches, ransomware attacks, and hacks that exploited trivial software vulnerabilities, impacting both resource-rich businesses and individuals. . For example, Change Healthcare fell victim to ransomware, exposing sensitive medical data and causing chaos at the hospital. But while large-scale hacks targeted businesses, sophisticated hacking operations also targeted individuals.
Sometimes these take the form of social engineering scams, such as scammers who trick seniors into believing they are actually talking to Johnny Depp, a Hollywood star, and then request a loan. However, many hacks follow the traditional route of using techniques such as phishing to access financial accounts and other personal information.
Your family doesn't have to fall victim to hackers in 2025. Some of the simplest security measures can help keep malicious hackers at bay. Here are five important cybersecurity resolutions to make in the new year.
#1: Passwords on steroids
Weak passwords are a blessing to hackers. Many people are unable to change their passwords even after they are compromised as part of a data breach. As a rule of thumb, if you're still using the same password to log into your investment account as you did 10 years ago, it's time to change it. popular websites “Have I been captured?” is a useful tool for determining whether your passwords have already been exposed on the web.
The second most important aspect of good password security is to avoid repeating the same password across many websites and applications. That way, if one password is compromised, all your accounts are not vulnerable. This can be difficult to manage, so password manager This also has the added benefit of allowing you to generate complex passwords that criminals cannot break.
#2: Check twice
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all important accounts (including those that allow financial transactions), ideally using an authenticator app rather than a text code. MFA makes it much harder for hackers to break into your account even if they steal your credentials. Many MFA systems have a “Trust this device” option, so you don't have to pull out your authenticator app every time you access your account from a known safe device, such as your home computer.
#3: Keep everything patched up
Keep all software up to date and apply security patches promptly. Many harmful breaches in 2024 exploited long-standing, unpatched vulnerabilities in software, from Windows itself to web browsers and other third-party applications. The programs we use every day are frequently updated with new security threats, but the typical American can be lazy and slow to update them. In 2025, stop clicking “update later” and get serious. The more frequently you use the program, the more important it is to complete this step.
Breitbart News suggests using programs such as: malware bytes Protect against accidentally downloading malicious files. It's important to keep your defense programs updated as well, as they're useless against new threats if they're not running the latest version.
#4: Treat all calls as suspicious
Be wary of unexpected calls, even if they appear to come from a legitimate source. Some hacker groups use scam calls as their main attack vector. Never share sensitive information over the phone without confirming otherwise.
As Breitbart News previously reported, hackers have begun targeting families with “grandparent scams,” where victims call victims pretending to be a loved one in need, using AI voice cloning technology. . These calls inevitably ask for money or access to sensitive online accounts.
In all cases, whether the caller is a relative, your bank, or someone you do business with, verify the other person's identity by other means before taking an action you are sure to regret.
While no security strategy is perfect, implementing these basic best practices can make you and your loved ones less likely to be targeted by cybercriminals. In a climate of threats that is bringing even the biggest corporations to their knees left and right, these resolutions are more important than ever for individuals who want to protect their privacy and financial security. Make 2025 the year you prioritize ensuring your cybersecurity posture is in top shape.
Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering free speech and online censorship issues.
