In today’s connected world, your digital identity is just as important as your physical one. From email and banking to work systems and personal photos, much of our lives exist online. Cybercriminals know this and actively look for easy ways to exploit weak security habits. However, a few practical steps can dramatically reduce your risk.

Start with strong, unique passwords

Passwords are still the front door to most accounts, and weak ones are easiest to break. A strong password should be long, unique to each account, and hard to guess. Avoid using personal information like birthdays, a pet’s name, or reused passwords. Password managers can help by securely storing them so you don’t have to remember them all.

Add an extra layer with multifactor authentication (MFA)

Multifactor authentication adds a protective second layer, such as a fingerprint, before access is granted. This greatly lowers the chance of unauthorized access, which is especially essential for email, financial accounts, and work systems.

The rise of passkeys

Passkeys are a newer, more secure alternative to traditional passwords by using biometrics or a device PIN, which can’t be easily phished or reused. As more services adopt passkeys, enabling them can simplify logins while improving security.

Stay alert to phishing

Be aware that attackers often trick people into giving up credentials by pretending to be trusted organizations or colleagues. Be cautious of requests to reveal information or click links urgently and always verify through a known, trusted channel.

Protecting your identity doesn’t require deep technical knowledge, just consistent habits. Strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and passkeys work together to form a powerful defense and safeguard personal information, finances, and digital reputation.