Cyber threats are everywhere. Learn nine expert-approved cybersecurity practices, from password hygiene to phishing prevention, that help protect your data, privacy, and peace of mind.
In today’s hyperconnected world, being hacked isn’t just a risk — it’s a near inevitability if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re an individual, a small business owner, or part of a larger organization, protecting your data should be a daily habit, not an afterthought.
Hackers exploit the smallest cracks: weak passwords, outdated software, and misplaced trust. The good news? A few consistent habits can make you a far harder target.
Here are nine proven ways to reduce your risk of being hacked, simple, practical, and backed by modern cybersecurity best practices.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak or reused passwords remain one of the top causes of account compromise.
A strong password should be:
- At least 12 characters long
- Include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid personal details like your pet’s name or birthday
Pro Tip: Use a password manager to create and store unique credentials safely — it’s far more secure than your memory (or sticky notes).
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If passwords are your front door, MFA is your deadbolt.
This simple tool requires an additional verification step — like a text message code or an authentication app prompt — before granting access.
Even if a hacker steals your password, MFA can stop them cold.
Enable it everywhere you can: email, banking, social media, and especially your work accounts.
- Keep Software and Systems Updated
Cyber attackers love outdated software — it’s like an open window.
Enable automatic updates on your devices, browsers, and security tools to patch vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.
Updates aren’t annoyances; they’re armor.
4. Spot and Stop Phishing Scams
Phishing remains the #1 way users get hacked.
Attackers use fake emails or messages that mimic trusted sources to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing credentials.
Stay sharp:
- Check sender addresses carefully
- Hover over links before clicking
- Be skeptical of urgent or emotional language (“Your account will be suspended!”)
- When in doubt, contact the organization directly
Education here pays off, once you’ve spotted a good phish, you’ll never unsee the patterns.
- Secure Your Home Network
- Your Wi-Fi router is the gateway to everything on your home network.
- Change the default password immediately after setup.
- Use WPA3 encryption (the most secure standard).
- Disable WPS and consider hiding your SSID.
- Set up a guest network to isolate visitors and IoT devices.
A few minutes of setup can close the door on thousands of automated attacks.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
When connecting to public Wi-Fi (airports, cafes, hotels) use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. This prevents hackers from intercepting data like login credentials and personal info.
Choose a reputable, paid VPN provider. (Free ones often collect your data instead of protecting it.)
7. Be Mindful of What You Share Online
Every social post is a breadcrumb. Hackers use personal details to guess passwords, craft phishing messages, or reset your accounts.
Limit what you share publicly, especially location check-ins and birthdates.
Remember: oversharing fuels social engineering — the human side of hacking.
- Regularly Back Up Your Data
Ransomware doesn’t work if your data is safely backed up.
Use the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 total copies of your data
- 2 different storage types (cloud + external drive)
- 1 kept offline
Automate backups and test them occasionally — a broken backup is no backup at all.
9. Educate Yourself and Your Circle
Technology changes fast — human habits change slowly. Stay updated on emerging threats, and share what you learn with coworkers, friends, or family.
Security awareness training and cybersecurity newsletters are excellent ongoing resources.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s job. The more we all understand, the safer we all become.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding being hacked isn’t about paranoia — it’s about preparation.
Each of these habits strengthens your security posture one layer at a time.
Think of cybersecurity as compound interest: small daily actions, multiplied over time, create unbreakable resilience.
Stay curious. Stay cautious. Stay secure.
*Updated October 2025: refreshed to reflect updated security practices for the modern threat landscapes.
Matt Shannon, Security Pro 