8 Cyber Security Resolutions to Keep Your Home and Family Safe in 2025

1. Defend Your Network & Devices

A cyber attack occurs every 39 seconds, meaning your home network and devices are prime targets for cybercriminals. These devices are most likely some of your most valuable possessions – so they should be protected. 

• Secure Your Wi-Fi: Use a router with updated firmware, change default passwords to unique ones, create separate networks for guests and IoT devices, and enable WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) encryption, which protects each individual device connected to your home network. 
• Update Devices Regularly: Enable automatic software updates on all devices to protect against vulnerabilities. 
• Install Antivirus Software: Ensure all devices have reputable antivirus programs installed and updated like Norton, McAfee and Bitdefender. 
• Monitor Connected Devices: Check your network regularly for unauthorized devices connected to your network. Make sure all of your owned networks are password protected; and set up notifications to be made aware if new devices join or attempt to join your networks. 
• Back Up Important Data: Use the 3-2-1 rule – three copies, two different storage types, one offsite backup. 

2. Password Protection, Reimagined

Weak passwords are the gateway to cyber breaches. Kaspersky data revealed a 243% increase in password breach attempts in the first six months of 2024 – with the security software firm saying it blocked over 4 million such attempts in this period alone, and warning of a dramatic rise in the number of password-stealing attacks on specifically Amazon, Facebook and, most of all, Google email users. 

It’s time to up your game: 

• Use Passphrases: Create complex passphrases instead of simple passwords – check out our helpful guide to password do’s and don’ts. 
• Implement Passkeys: Adopt password-free technologies where available. 
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts. 
• Utilize Password Managers: Store passwords securely using reputable password managers such as 1Password or LastPass. 

3. Stay One Step Ahead of Phishing Scams

Phishing isn’t limited to deceptive emails; cybercriminals are increasingly employing smishing (SMS or text phishing) and vishing (voice phishing through phone calls or voice messages) to exploit unsuspecting individuals. These scams aim to trick you into clicking on fraudulent links, revealing sensitive data or transferring money. With over 90% of all cyber incidents resulting from human error or behaviour – like falling for a phishing attack or using weak passwords – it’s essential to stay a step ahead. 

• Be skeptical of unexpected communications: Whether it’s an email, text or phone call, approach unsolicited messages with caution, especially those creating a sense of urgency. 
• Verify the source: Contact the person or organization directly using known contact information. 
• Use call screening and SMS filtering services: These tools can help block potential scam attempts. 
• Report suspicious activity: Inform your bank or relevant authorities about phishing, smishing or vishing attempts. 

4. Be Aware of AI-Driven Scams

Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular Generative AI, enables cybercriminals to craft more sophisticated and personalized scams at scale – making such scams increasingly harder to spot.  

McAfee’s 2025 cybersecurity predictions warn of advanced AI-driven threats, including deepfakes, live video scams and highly personalized phishing, smishing and malware attacks. 

• Stay Informed: Learn how AI is being used maliciously and keep up with the latest scam tactics. 
• Verify Identities and use Code Words: Be cautious of unsolicited communications, even if they seem personalized or come from familiar sources. Establish code words with family members to verify identities during unexpected calls or messages. 
• Enable Security Features: If AI-driven malware slips past outdated antivirus programs, your personal and financial data is exposed. Protect yourself with spam filters, call blockers, back up critical data offline and use AI-based security tools that improve threat detection, prevention and response.  

5. Social Media Smarts

Social media is a treasure trove for cybercriminals, who exploit overshared information to personalize their scams, easily trick you out of money with bogus links on shopping deals or maliciously access your personal information through fake friend requests that aim to take over your accounts. Over 1.4 Billion social media accounts are hacked every month. 

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts. 
• Limit Audiences: Adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts, and don’t share personal information like birthdates, home addresses or travel information. 
• Audit Third-Party App Access: Regularly review and revoke unnecessary app permissions. 
• Review Security Settings Quarterly: Stay updated with platform security features and adjust settings accordingly. Delete any old profiles no longer in use. 

6. Empower Your Family

With children accessing the internet at younger ages, fostering a culture of cyber security within your family is more critical than ever. 

• Educate About Online Safety: 30% of parents admit they’ve never talked to their children about cyber security. Talk to your kids about the importance of keeping personal information private. Teach them how to spot phishing attempts, fake profiles, suspicious links, deal with cyberbullies and how to avoid romance scams. 
• Implement Parental Controls: Use tools like Boomerang Parental Control or Net Nanny to monitor device activity, block inappropriate content, and set time limits for apps and websites. Customize settings to align with each child’s age and maturity level. 
• Use Shared Password Management: Introduce password managers to ensure everyone follows strong password practices without having to remember complex strings. 
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) safety: Using a VPN can safeguard your online activity by encrypting connections and blocking harmful websites, but know when and how to use a VPN. 

7. Build a Resilient Defence with Cyber security Tools and Insurance

Cyber threats are evolving, and no matter how vigilant you are, breaches can happen. A strong defence doesn’t just rely on prevention – it’s about having the right tools and protections to bounce back quickly. 

• Adopt Comprehensive Cyber security Software: Invest in solutions that go beyond basic antivirus. Look for programs that include real-time malware detection, ransomware protection, and phishing safeguards to ensure all-around security. 
• Leverage Threat Detection Services: Many cyber security solutions now include AI-powered threat detection to spot unusual activity and block attacks before they happen. 
• Utilize Network Security Tools: Firewalls, DNS filtering, and VPNs can create an extra layer of protection for your home network and online activity. 
• Invest in Cyber Insurance: Even the best defences can’t guarantee absolute security. Invest in cyber insurance to predict threats, prevent breaches and insure against online safety and cyber risk events at home including protection against cyberbullying, extortion and more. Be sure to check for value-added services like 24/7 incident response teams or apps that keep your family’s personal, sensitive and private information secure while you’re online. 

8. Invest in Cyber Education

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself: 

• Follow Trustworthy Cyber security Blogs: Stay updated with the latest news and tips. Check out BOXX’s many resources and tips to help you stay safe online. 
• Attend Virtual Security Workshops: Learn from experts about protecting your digital life. Engage with experts on proactive risk management tools to assess vulnerabilities in your home, strengthen your defences and reduce your exposures to threats. 
• Regularly Update Your Knowledge: Stay informed on emerging cybercrime trends and threats, including the top 10 online safety tips and knowing what to do when you get hacked. 

A Safer, Smarter 2025 

Cyber security resolutions don’t have to feel overwhelming. Each small step adds up, creating a safer digital environment for you and your family. Simple things like setting up a dedicated network for doing work, or staying off public wi-fis, make a big difference. 

In a world where cyber attacks happen much more frequently, it’s important to start 2025 with confidence, knowing you’ve taken action to stay ahead of threats. 

But cyber security is not about fear – it’s about empowerment. By taking steps to protect yourself, your family and your home, this year can be the one where you take charge of your digital safety and outsmart cybercriminals before they have the opportunity to trick you. 

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