The beginning of a new year is a great time to reset habits, clean up clutter and get organized. While you’re refreshing routines and setting goals, don’t forget one important area that often gets overlooked: your digital security.
From passwords and privacy settings to account alerts and device updates, a quick digital reset can help protect your personal and financial information all year long. Here’s a simple guide to help you feel more secure this year.
Reset Your Passwords and Enable Multifactor Authentication
Passwords are often the first line of defense against fraud, and multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second step to log in, like a code sent to your phone.
Change passwords on key accounts such as email, financial, shopping and social media.
Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
Create strong passwords that are at least 16 characters long and do not contain personal information.
Consider a password manager to store usernames and passwords.
Turn on MFA wherever it’s available. It may take a few extra seconds to log in, but it can stop fraud in its tracks.
Strong passwords and MFA together make it much harder for fraudsters to access your accounts.
Review Account Activity and Set Up Alerts
Regularly reviewing your activity and setting alerts can help you spot problems early and protect your accounts.
Check recent login activity for unfamiliar devices or locations.
Review financial statements for unexpected charges.
Activate alerts through digital banking to receive notifications for withdrawals and card activity, control which transactions are allowed and stay informed about changes to your account.
A few minutes of review now can save you hours of stress later.
Clean Up Apps and Devices
It’s easy for old apps and devices to pile up over time, and they can put your accounts at risk.
Remove apps or services you no longer use and make sure to delete the entire account associated with it.
Take a quick look at shared logins for streaming, shopping or cloud storage and update them if needed.
Double-check that your recovery email and phone number are up to date.
Sign out of any old devices you’re no longer using.
Clearing out old apps and devices helps keep your accounts secure and makes it easier to spot anything unusual.
Lock Down Your Devices
Your devices are the gateway to your accounts.
Install the latest software and app updates.
Use passcodes, Face ID or fingerprint authentication.
Enable remote wipe features in case a device is lost or stolen.
These small steps protect your information even if your device ends up in the wrong hands.
Check Social Media and Privacy Settings
The new year is a great time for a privacy audit.
Review who can see your posts, photos and personal details.
Remove old posts that share sensitive information.
Limit public access to your birthday, address and contact info.
Be cautious with quizzes and trends that ask personal questions.
Scammers often use the information you share online—like your birthday, pet’s name or hometown—to guess passwords, create fake identities or make their scams seem more believable. By limiting what’s public, you make it harder for them to target you or your accounts.
Make Security a Habit
Instead of a one-time reset, turn it into a routine.
Schedule a quarterly security check-in.
Review settings after getting a new device.
Keep a simple checklist so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Regular security check-ins help you stay in control and protect your accounts.
Start the Year Secure
Protecting your personal and financial information doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying aware and making small updates along the way, you can keep your accounts secure throughout the year. If you ever notice suspicious activity or need support, Members 1st is here to help.
