End The Year Securely

Weak passwords are an open door for cybercriminals. The end of the year is a great time to audit your online accounts and update passwords to ones that are strong, unique, and not reused across platforms. A strong password combines upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

To further safeguard your passwords, consider adding an encrypted vault to your device. This allows you to store and manage passwords directly on your device and away from prying eyes.

Digital documents containing sensitive information like tax records, medical files, or financial statements should always be securely stored. IDSeal Pro-Tec's Sensitive Document Detection tool can scan your devices for these types of files and move them to an encrypted storage vault. For physical documents, consider a locked file cabinet or safe, and shred any paperwork you no longer need.

Keeping an eye on your statements is a proactive way to spot fraudulent activity before it spirals into a bigger problem. Take time to review bank and credit card statements from the past year, looking for unfamiliar charges or transactions that could indicate fraud. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your financial institution immediately.

Your credit report is a critical tool for tracking your financial health. Review your reports for errors, unfamiliar accounts, or incorrect personal information, as these could be signs of identity theft.

If you’re planning big purchases in 2025, such as a home or car, maintaining a healthy credit score is vital. Credit monitoring services like those offered by IDSeal can alert you to changes in your credit report, helping you catch issues early.

Phishing scams, where cybercriminals pose as trusted entities to steal your information, remain one of the most common online threats. These scams often increase during the holidays as fraudsters take advantage of busy schedules and increased online shopping. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal or financial information. Always verify the legitimacy of any request before sharing sensitive details.

Outdated antivirus and malware protection software can leave your devices vulnerable to cyberattacks. Make sure all your devices have up-to-date security software installed and running. Also, ensure your operating systems and apps are current. Many updates include security fixes that protect against the latest threats.

There were a lot of data breaches this year, with more continuing to happen — making services like IDSeal of increased importance. If you suspect you’ve been impacted by a data breach and aren’t planning any major financial moves in the immediate future, freezing your credit can be a powerful way to prevent identity theft. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it nearly impossible for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name. It’s free to do and can be temporarily lifted if you need access.