Thursday, January 10, 2019

What is Your Digital New Year's Resolution?

Millions of Americans make new year's resolutions every year and you probably did too. Most of us think of things related to eating healthier, getting more exercise or saving more money. Something about one year ending and another beginning causes us to reflect on our habits and want to improve ourselves. While we usually consider life style choices, we seldom think about our information online and how we interact with technology every day. Some of us have vowed to cut down on screen time for our family but do we really think about protecting our online lives?


MarketWatch published an article in August 2018, reporting on a new Nielsen study that suggests American adults spend more than 11 hours per day watching, reading, listening to or interacting with media. With so much of our time spent in front of screens (probably more than we would ever think to exercise), it seems surprising that protecting our digital life is not one of the first things we think about.

Maybe it's time to rethink our New Year's Resolution this year and we have some suggestions for you!

  • Since the majority of people don't stick to personal promises like vowing to exercise and saving more money, consider kicking of 2019 with one simple habit - follow the #UpdateMeow campaign on our Facebook and Twitter pages to receive regular reminders to update your software and devices. It doesn't take long, but will significantly enhance your security and user experience!

  • Lock down your login! One of the most critical things you can do to prepare for a great year is creating unique passphrases for each online account paired with a second factor, such as a one-time code sent to your phone. Simple usernames and passwords are not enough to protect your important online accounts, especially email, banking, and health care. Learn more at lockdownyourlogin.org

  •  Manage your privacy settings! Want to change your settings but can't find them? Visit staysafeonline.org and use the direct links listed there.
    Data Privacy Day is coming up on January 28, so stay tuned for details!
Are you ready for your Digital New Year's Resolution?