Why and how to manage your passwords safely this season
Quick question: when was the last time you changed your passwords?
If it’s been since Santa’s last sleigh, it’s time for a refresh.
Why should you update your passwords?
We’re not denying updating your passwords is an annoying process. It certainly can be! However, if there are passwords you haven’t changed in years, and especially if you’ve been re-using versions of the same one, you owe it to yourself to tighten your security.
Plus, a password reset only takes a couple of minutes. You know what’s much more time-consuming? Experiencing a data breach at the busiest time of year! If a cybercriminal gets the right password of yours, you could absolutely experience a loss of business continuity, which could leave you offline for hours or days at a time. Resetting a password and securing your accounts now could be the difference between the best end of year and the worst.
A safe holiday season is easier than you’d think.
While you’re organizing shopping lists—perhaps with a hot chocolate—here are some quick tips to pass around the office and the home. Do 2025 you a favor and dig in!
- Start with a refresher on how to create a strong password. Requirements and best practices have changed in the past few years, so it’s worth a quick review!
- Embrace multi-factor authentication wherever you can—because even with the most secure passwords, a data breach could still put you at risk.
- Traveling this holiday season? Get prepared to stay secure with these tips on what not to do while you’re on the go!
- If you have to work from unfamiliar locations (including a family member’s home!), consider using a VPN to protect yourself from unsecured networks.
- To make all things passwords easier for yourself, make 2025 the year you get a password manager. LastPass and 1Password are two good options!
During the holidays, everyone gets busy—including cybercriminals, who tailor their attacks this time of year when they know people are distracted and vulnerable. Updating your password to something less crackable than “Admin123!” could truly be the difference between stolen business credit cards and a relaxing vacation. By prioritizing your online habits, you’re setting yourself up for the best chance of defense.
Help us spread the word! Send this article to a couple of folks you think need a cyber boost without things getting scary.
And in the meantime, have a terrific season, wherever you are in the world!
