Author: Jeff Weeks, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer
- Why cybersecurity matters more than ever
- Practical habits to strengthen your digital safety
- Steps you can take to protect your information and finances
As the year draws to a close, it’s worth reflecting on the broad spectrum of cybersecurity challenges we have witnessed. From increasingly sophisticated phishing campaigns to credential-stuffing attacks and deepfake-enabled fraud, the threat landscape has evolved rapidly. Individuals, families, and businesses now operate in an environment where personal information, financial assets, and even digital identities face continuous exposure.
If there is one consistent lesson from the past year, it is this: cybersecurity is no longer optional. It should be a daily practice requiring awareness, discipline, and proactive behavior.
Now is the ideal time to commit to strengthening your digital resilience. Establishing cybersecurity resolutions can help you transform good intentions into actionable habits that protect you, your family, and your business.
Cybersecurity Resolutions for a Safer Digital Year
1. Build a Cybersecurity Checklist
A structured, repeatable checklist acts as your baseline cyber-hygiene routine. It may include:
- Monthly or more frequent reviews of financial accounts
- Quarterly security audits of your devices
- Routine updates to privacy settings on social media
- Confirmation that all devices are running the latest operating system and application patches
A checklist can keep your defenses consistent and reduce the chance that security gaps linger unnoticed.
2. Review and Update Passwords on a Regular Cadence
Weak or reused passwords remain one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals. Strengthen your password strategy by:
- Using passphrases instead of short, complex strings
- Ensuring every account has a unique password
- Storing passwords in a reputable password manager
- Rotating passwords at least annually or immediately after any suspected breach
When in doubt, assume your credentials have already been exposed somewhere and act accordingly.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere It Matters
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective ways to block unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. Prioritize MFA for:
- Banking and investment accounts
- Email accounts
- Social media profiles
- Online shopping sites
- Cloud storage services
- Work accounts and hardware
Whenever possible, use an authentication app or hardware key over SMS-based codes, which are more vulnerable to interception or SIM-swapping attacks.
4. Stay Alert to Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics
Phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, SMS scams (“smishing”), and voice deepfake schemes continue to grow more convincing. Strengthen your vigilance by:
- Verifying unexpected requests for money, sensitive information, or account access
- Hovering over links before clicking to inspect the destination
- Avoiding downloads or attachments from unknown senders
- Confirming requests through an alternate communication channel
Adopting a posture of healthy skepticism is one of your strongest defenses.
5. Keep Up with Emerging Cybersecurity Threats
Cyber threats change quickly and staying informed helps you respond proactively rather than reactively. Consider:
- Subscribing to cybersecurity newsletters from trusted organizations
- Following consumer alerts from your financial institution
- Monitoring advisories from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or the Federal Trade Commission
- Watching for recalls, patches, or vulnerabilities affecting your devices
Awareness transforms you from a passive target into an informed, prepared digital citizen.
6. Commit to Continuous Cybersecurity Education
Cybersecurity literacy is not a one-time task. Make learning an ongoing resolution:
- Take short online courses on digital safety
- Attend webinars hosted by banks, libraries, or security organizations
- Encourage family discussions about online safety
- Teach children and teens age-appropriate cyber-hygiene practices
- Visit our Security Center regularly for more safety information
Your knowledge protects more than just your accounts, it safeguards the digital ecosystems of your household and workplace.
A Proactive Start to a More Secure Year
As we welcome a new year, strengthening your cybersecurity posture is one of the most impactful commitments you can make. Building better digital habits now reduces your exposure to fraud, identity theft, and financial loss throughout the coming year. By embracing structured checklists, improving password hygiene, enabling multifactor authentication, staying alert to scams, and investing in continuous education, you set the foundation for a safer digital life.
Make cybersecurity a priority not only for yourself, but also for your family and your work life. A few deliberate resolutions today can yield long-lasting protection in an increasingly complex digital world.
About the Author
Jeff has been with First National Bank of Omaha for more than 26 years and is currently the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer. The executive leadership and oversight provided by Jeff in the development, management, and execution of information security for FNBO enables the company’s ability to posture and protect private, personal information, and assets of the company’s clients, employees, and business partners.
