Skip to Content
Woman wearing a sweater using a laptop computer at the kitchen table.
Article

Is your personal data protected? Six tips for stronger cybersecurity

May 3, 2021 / 4 min read

As cyberthreats continue to evolve, so does the severity of personal data breaches. Follow these best practices to help prevent identity theft and safeguard your personal accounts.

From phishing attacks, malware, and account hijacking to removable media, denials of service, and intellectual property theft, cybersecurity incidents are constantly evolving, and the impacts are becoming more severe. Here are six tips to help prevent identity theft and computer hacking attempts:


Your MS 365 platform isn’t as secure as you think. Relying on default settings isn’t enough to protect you against cybercriminals looking to exploit your security gaps. An MS 365 assessment can help.    

What should you do if you suspect your computer has been hacked or you’re notified of a breach of an account or your personal information? If you suspect a cyber breach, follow these steps:

  1. Change your passwords immediately. This is especially important for financial accounts.
  2. Alert your financial advisor and bankers. They can watch for any suspicious activity on accounts.
  3. Consider closing and reopening new bank and financial accounts.
  4. Set up alternate password types and PIN numbers where possible. Some custodians will allow you to set up a verbal password for any transactions. You can also set up a personal identification number as a requirement to file tax returns in your name. This provides added security from tax return fraud.
  5. Check your credit report often for suspicious activity. By law, you’re entitled to a free credit report from all three major credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) each year. You can also use monitoring services that provide unlimited access to your credit information year-round.
  6. Consider “freezing your credit” with the credit reporting agencies. If you don’t plan on setting up a new line of credit soon, freezing your credit can prevent cybercriminals from applying for credit in your name.

Cybercrime is on the rise, and so is the need for extreme vigilance over your personal digital security. The measures outlined here — once considered by many to be an overreaction to a negligible threat — are based on the hard experiences of real-life users and are now considered a minimum standard for cyber protection. Remember, cybersecurity starts with you.

Related Thinking