Every January, we eagerly set resolutions to improve our physical health, finances, or personal growth. But in today’s connected world, our digital lives deserve just as much attention. Think about it: How often do you reuse passwords, ignore software updates, or overlook privacy settings? These small oversights can leave your personal data vulnerable to cyber threats.
This year, let’s broaden our resolutions to include digital wellness. After all, a fresh start isn’t just about physical or financial goals – it’s about safeguarding every aspect of your life, including the one that lives online. Here are 5 tips to help you kick off the year with stronger data privacy:
1. Update your passwords
Why it matters: Weak or reused passwords are like an open invitation for hackers. If your password is easy to guess or used across multiple sites, it makes it much simpler for cyber criminals to gain access to your accounts.
What to do: Make it a habit to reset your passwords regularly, starting with your most critical accounts, like banking, email, and social media. Aim for strong, unique passwords – think 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A friendly reminder to never reuse your banking password for other accounts.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Why it matters: Even if a password is compromised, 2FA adds an extra layer of security. It ensures that even if someone gets your password, they still can’t access your account without that second verification step.
What to do: Turn on 2FA for all accounts that offer it – especially banking, email, and social media. Most platforms make this easy to set up in your security settings.
3. Review app and website permissions
Why it matters: Many apps and websites collect more data than they actually need. Over time, this can lead to unnecessary privacy risks if that data falls into the wrong hands.
What to do: Take a few minutes to check your privacy settings on your apps and other accounts. Limit permissions like location tracking, microphone or camera access, and data sharing wherever they aren’t essential. While you’re at it, remove apps from your devices that you no longer use. This helps protect your information and saves you some device storage!
4. Scour and protect your socials
Why it matters: Social media accounts are commonly hacked. They include a wealth of information about you – photos, names of family and pets, birthdays, etc. All of this is intel that a hacker can use to steal your identity or engineer a scam targeted to you.
What to do: Protect your socials by reviewing your privacy settings – set your profiles to private and turn off geotagging/location in your device’s settings. Delete accounts that you don’t check or engage with. For accounts you’re keeping, take a moment to review your posts, and remove any unnecessary information.
5. Be wary of phishing attempts
Why it matters: Phishing is a common online scam where an email is sent attempting to trick you into revealing sensitive information by pretending to be a trusted source, like your bank or a service provider. The fraudster then gains access to your accounts or computer system.
What to do: Treat unsolicited communication with caution, it’s likely not legitimate. Don’t click on any link, attachment, or provide information if you can’t confirm with certainty who’s contacting you. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask for information in this manner. Simply ignore the email and delete it. When in doubt, contact the company directly via the contact information on their official website.
Stay Proactive
New year, new you; but don’t forget your digital self. Just like decluttering your home or starting a fitness routine, a digital detox or data hygiene check-up can protect your identity, finances, and peace of mind. By adopting smarter habits – like strengthening passwords, reviewing app permissions, or auditing your social media accounts – you’ll build a safer, more resilient digital persona in 2026.
It is critical that we all become more cyber aware and safeguard our online activities. Visit Be Cyber Aware for more tips.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
