If you think that cyber attackers only go after large businesses with valuable assets and resources, then it’s time to reassess that assumption. Not only are cyberthreats growing in both scale and sophistication, they are also increasingly affecting individuals. Criminals target everything from bank accounts, through to your social media to gain valuable information about your whereabouts and lifestyle. Here are some practical steps you can take to strengthen your personal cybersecurity and reduce everyday online risks.
Understand today’s biggest online threats
In 2025, over 3000 data breaches were recorded across the US, with cyberattacks responsible for the majority of incidents. These threats include ransomware, phishing scams, and identity theft. Attackers are also increasingly using automation and AI to target individuals more precisely and make messages harder to detect. Do your research and understand how these threats work so you can protect yourself and take the right action to reduce them.
Create strong passwords and enable MFA
The old advice to create strong password still applies in 2026. Weak or reused passwords remain a common of data breaches. And passwords must be unique – if you use the same one across multiple accounts, it’s much easier for attackers to gain access to sensitive information. Use a password manager to both create complex passwords and store them securely. If it’s available, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra protection so that even if hackers manage to guess your password, they won’t be able to bypass the second form of verification (usually a one-time code sent to your phone).
Stay safe from phishing and AI-powered scams
Phishing has been around for a long time and is still one of the most common ways attackers access your personal information. These scams appear as legitimate-looking emails, messages, or websites designed to trick users into revealing sensitive details. Phishing has become more convincing as cyberattackers use AI-generated content to mimic real communication styles. You may get a message from your ‘bank’ or even from family members or colleagues. To stay safe, always verify unexpected requests for money, passwords or other information, avoid clicking suspicious links, and check the website address matches the real organization before entering any information.
Secure your home network and devices
Cyberattackers don’t just target your social media or other accounts. You also need to protect your devices and home network from intrusion. One simple, often overlooked, measure is to regularly update software with the latest vendor patches (enable automatic updates to easily maintain protection). Also, use antivirus tools and secure your Wi-Fi network with strong passwords. If you use mobile devices or work remotely, install additional tools to strengthen security further. For example, using a free VPN for android will encrypt your connection if you access public Wi-Fi. It’s also important to keep your actual devices secure and locked away to reduce the risk of digital and physical data loss.
Protect your data from modern cyber threats
The cyberthreat landscape is evolving rapidly, and data breaches and other attacks are here to stay. But by understanding modern threats and adopting practical security habits, you can significantly reduce your exposure to cyber risks and protect your personal data more effectively.
