By now there’s a good chance that many of the New Year’s resolutions made at the start of January have already fallen by the wayside. But, one you can adopt today that can still make a huge difference to 2025 is protecting yourself against the ever-growing threats that lurk online. Here’s how to make a fresh start to your digital life with a few simple cybersecurity habits and reliable tools that will help keep your data and sanity safe in the year ahead.

What are the biggest online threats you need to know about?

Cybersecurity is something that never sits still, with new threats or more-powerful versions of old ones constantly appearing. AI tools are making it easier for hackers to increase the sophistication of these threats, as well as increasing the frequency that they update.

Phishing is a regular attack people encounter, with messages containing links to fake sites that are there to harvest your account details and other data. Logging onto public Wi-Fi services is also fraught with problems, as pseudo-networks posing as real ones try to trick you into using them and then stealing your information. You can also fall victim to data breaches when companies get hacked, exposing your account details which can lead to identity theft or other serious issues.

Keep your data secure with these online safety tips

Here are some things you can do to stop yourself being easy prey for hackers and data-thieves.

Never click through on a link: If you see a link in a message warning you that you need to log onto your account – don’t click on it. Chances are it’s fake. Instead, go to your browser and navigate to the site manually.

Use one-time payment cards: If you’re shopping on unfamiliar sites, it’s a good idea to use a one-time payment cards instead of giving your bank details.

Use strong passwords: It’s basic, but using strong passwords and updating them regularly is one of the best ways to avoid being hacked.

Be careful on public Wi-Fi: Hackers can create fake networks to steal your data, so check whether the one you’re about to connect to is real or not.

How dedicated software can give you peace of mind

Using the techniques outlined above is a great start, but we’re only human and it’s hard to always remain vigilant, especially when we’re busy or tired. That’s why it’s easier to use dedicated software that’s always looking out for hacks and other threats.

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A VPN is a fantastic addition to your security tools. These provide an encrypted connection to networks, so your data remains private and nearly impossible for anyone else to read. Norton VPN Plus is a prime example as it not only keeps your online activity more private, but also helps protect up to five of your devices and comes with AI-powered scam detection that identifies scams and real-time protection against malware and ransomware that can steal your data.

The software also allows you to create strong passwords, which can be stored in a private digital vault so you know they’ll be safer. Dark web monitoring is included, so you’ll know if your personal information have been compromised.

Norton VPN Plus comes with the added bonus of allowing you to access your favourite content even if you’re travelling, as if you’re still at home. Not to mention that it can reduce the number of targeted ads following you as you browse. No wonder the mantra for Norton VPN Plus is ‘Stream without limits, surf without worries’.

Make 2025 a year to remember, not one to forget

Adopting the habits above will help you avoid falling victim to many of the online attacks that regularly catch people out, often with very distressing results. Adding Norton VPN Plus to your defences will make things noticeably safer, while requiring even less effort. Sign up today for a subscription that covers up to five devices and only costs £24.99/first year.

Don’t give hackers and cyber-thieves a chance in 2025, instead get peace of mind by upping your cybersecurity habits and make this a year to remember.