{"id":293772,"date":"2025-01-14T08:55:31","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T16:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=293772"},"modified":"2025-07-01T15:33:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T22:33:46","slug":"5-security-resolutions-for-2025-to-stay-protected-online","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/5-security-resolutions-for-2025-to-stay-protected-online\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Security Resolutions for 2025 to Stay Protected Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2025 has just begun, and many people are setting all sorts of goals for the year. They often include everything from joining a gym and eating healthier to the classics\u2014quitting smoking and drinking. Many forget that the new year is also a great time to start building a cybersecurity routine that meets the demands of 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But why should we be cautious when it comes to cybersecurity? The simple answer is hackers and cybercriminals. Each year is worse than the last in terms of online attacks and scams, with the internet teeming with traps, fraud, and phishing campaigns. Safe online browsing is more challenging by the day.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"sc-card-program\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-program__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sftcdn.net\/images\/t_app-icon-s\/p\/2088fa52-9b27-11e6-9591-00163ec9f5fa\/1408299994\/avast-Avast_Symbol_V2_Positive_Orange_256x256.png\" alt=\"Avast Free Antivirus\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-title\">\r\n        <span class=\"sc-card-program__title\">Avast Free Antivirus<\/span>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-program__button sc-card-program-internal\" href=\"https:\/\/avast-cpi.en.softonic.com\/cpi-download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Download<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-rating\">\r\n        <svg class=\"rating-score__content\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path class=\"rating-score__background rating-score--good\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><path class=\"rating-score__value rating-score__value--0\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-dashoffset=\"0\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><text class=\"rating-score__number\" content=\"\" text-anchor=\"middle\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 25 31.0837)\" data-auto=\"app-user-score\"><\/text><\/svg>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <span class=\"sc-card-program__description\"><\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__bigpic\" src=\"\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-program__link track-link sc-card-program-sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/avast-cpi.en.softonic.com\/cpi-download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why, in this article, we\u2019ll outline and explain the five cybersecurity resolutions you should make for 2025\u2014because staying protected while browsing the web, using email, or working is crucial to keeping the new year from becoming a nightmare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Avast protects you from every CyberThreat\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rTgPPZkdx3c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Scan Your Computer Every Week<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can\u2019t ignore the first step: ensuring our computer (desktop or laptop) is free from viruses, trojans, and other malware. Many people want to build their \u201chouse\u201d from the roof down, but that\u2019s not how it works. You must start from the bottom\u2014cybersecurity begins with a clean, malware-free device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To ensure your computer&#8217;s security, start by using a scanning tool to detect any suspicious files or programs. You can rely on Windows\u2019 built-in security features or, for enhanced protection, opt for a dedicated antivirus solution like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download?full_trSrc=mmm_sft_dlp_008_318_m&amp;utm_source=softonic&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sft_dlp_008_318_m:january\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">Avast Free Antivirus<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve done the initial scan and verified that your computer is malware-free, you\u2019ll want to repeat the process at least once a week\u2014say, on Monday mornings while checking your emails. That way, you\u2019ll know if your system remains clean and trustworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1008\" height=\"672\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2025\/01\/avast-securityreasons-ui-14012025.png?GoogleAccessId=wp-stateless%40kubertonic.iam.gserviceaccount.com&#038;Expires=1779667666&#038;Signature=WvJJwbCRX5GVqmJnVSxeyhp6dfV3BIWm2MydkNeHdYDTZSvkaHlduQuqQO79D3npd6zrDdq%2Fme%2Bsj5yfXzRKRaxdkE2CzdnwyQbA6rilrZH4PuM4tsT373R8UFrg6nNugYXykD4SgA2ifqyRLpJLh6KVRmNP20f3%2By6xeprNUF3CVge9vHZ1ElYB3puCdiYErwvh71PFmXqeAv9LR6HtvWoFCiHSDWqWo5VlsffkRGn%2Bib6N2FvFJspmYWg1oojNKeia2EqbQ%2FWjZiYF%2B1WQtWWllh9o%2BUdpZvUzVG1gKlhRcTtSx9rEBZjKpMR4FQtMYh8NzcmQ7G%2B3rXwd%2FMHWgw%3D%3D\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-293774\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Keep Software Up to Date: Operating System and Applications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most common ways hackers infiltrate our computers is by exploiting known vulnerabilities in software and operating systems. Fortunately, the companies behind these products strive to update them continually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From in-house security teams to \u201cwhite-hat hackers\u201d who look for vulnerabilities, many people work together to keep programs and operating systems secure\u2014whether it\u2019s Microsoft Word, Windows 11, Google Chrome, or Photoshop. All software and OS get frequent updates to add new features and enhance cybersecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why, in 2025, we recommend that you consistently look for updates to all the programs you use daily\u2014whether at work or at home\u2014and update whenever possible. If you notice that an app you use regularly hasn\u2019t updated in a while, do a proactive check to see if there\u2019s an update you missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a final tip, in Windows 10, Windows 11, and many other programs, you can configure the system to install updates as soon as they\u2019re released without asking you first. This is almost always the safest option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Avoid Phishing by Following These Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phishing attacks generally take the form of fraudulent emails, often posing as trusted individuals or organizations. The emails may request personal information or send links and attachments that lead to malicious websites or software\u2014this type of attack scams millions of people every year around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even seasoned professionals can be fooled by a well-crafted, high-level phishing attack; after all, anyone can make a momentary mistake. However, experts say that most phishing attempts are clumsy, aiming to trick less-savvy users into giving up whatever the criminals want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a healthier cybersecurity habit in 2025, implement \u201cdouble verification.\u201d Whenever you receive an email with a link:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check the email address<\/strong> to ensure it looks legitimate, and <strong>hover over the URL<\/strong> to verify it\u2019s genuine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Go directly<\/strong> to the official page\u2014your bank, Netflix, or any company in question\u2014through your browser rather than clicking any link provided. Never download anything from that email.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cybercriminals can&#8217;t catch you off-guard if you use official sources and go to official websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Make and Update Backups Regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regularly backing up your data\u2014and testing those backups\u2014will reduce the impact and inconvenience of data loss due to theft, physical damage, or malicious software like ransomware. If someone attacks you and steals your information, you can dodge their ransom demands if you have a good, up-to-date backup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make this a healthy habit in 2025, consider performing full backups of your systems and data. If backing up everything is too overwhelming, identify the key data you need to keep functioning and decide how often you need to back it up. Experts recommend doing it every two weeks, at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, store these backups in a different location than your original data\u2014whether in the cloud, on external hard drives, or even on USB sticks or older computers at home that you barely use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Install a Reliable Antivirus on Your Computer or Laptop<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we can\u2019t overlook the most recommended habit to incorporate in 2025: installing a trusted, high-quality antivirus on your devices.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"sc-card-program\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-program__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sftcdn.net\/images\/t_app-icon-s\/p\/2088fa52-9b27-11e6-9591-00163ec9f5fa\/1408299994\/avast-Avast_Symbol_V2_Positive_Orange_256x256.png\" alt=\"Avast Free Antivirus\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-title\">\r\n        <span class=\"sc-card-program__title\">Avast Free Antivirus<\/span>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-program__button sc-card-program-internal\" href=\"https:\/\/avast-cpi.en.softonic.com\/cpi-download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Download<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-rating\">\r\n        <svg class=\"rating-score__content\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path class=\"rating-score__background rating-score--good\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><path class=\"rating-score__value rating-score__value--0\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-dashoffset=\"0\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><text class=\"rating-score__number\" content=\"\" text-anchor=\"middle\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 25 31.0837)\" data-auto=\"app-user-score\"><\/text><\/svg>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <span class=\"sc-card-program__description\"><\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__bigpic\" src=\"\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-program__link track-link sc-card-program-sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/avast-cpi.en.softonic.com\/cpi-download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While most operating systems come with built-in security tools, nothing beats having a dedicated antivirus to ensure you\u2019re protected 100% of the time\u2014whether you\u2019re working or watching movies. The antivirus runs in the background, continuously verifying that everything is safe.We recommend <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download?full_trSrc=mmm_sft_dlp_008_318_m&amp;utm_source=softonic&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sft_dlp_008_318_m:january\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">Avast Free Antivirus<\/a><\/strong> because it has over 20 years of proven history and expertise\u2014and has consistently shown itself to be one of the smartest and most secure options on the market. You can download it via this link if you\u2019re interested.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2025 has just begun, and many people are setting all sorts of goals for the year. They often include everything from joining a gym and eating healthier to the classics\u2014quitting smoking and drinking. Many forget that the new year is also a great time to start building a cybersecurity routine that meets the demands of &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/5-security-resolutions-for-2025-to-stay-protected-online\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;5 Security Resolutions for 2025 to Stay Protected Online&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9265,"featured_media":293773,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":23},"categories":[1015],"tags":[],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[6463],"class_list":["post-293772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","content-category-antivirus"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293772","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=293772"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293772\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":310240,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293772\/revisions\/310240"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/293773"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293772"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=293772"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=293772"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=293772"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=293772"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=293772"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}