7 Things You Should Do Right Now to Secure Your Tech & Protect Your Identity

7 Things You Should Do Right Now to Secure Your Tech & Protect Your Identity

Most of these protections are free and simple to set up. A few minutes today can save you from months of stress, financial loss, or identity theft later.

1. Use a Password Manager, Strong Passwords & Passkeys

Passwords are still the #1 way hackers break in.

• Password Manager: Securely stores and generates unique, random passwords for every account so you never have to reuse one.

• Strong Passwords: At least 12+ characters with numbers, symbols, and mixed case.

• Passkeys: A modern, passwordless login option that uses biometrics (fingerprint/face ID) or device-based encryption. Passkeys are now supported by Apple, Google, Microsoft, PayPal, and others—making your logins nearly unhackable.

Threat Example: Hackers buy stolen passwords on the dark web and try them across multiple accounts. If you reuse the same password, one breach could expose your entire digital life.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere

Even the strongest password can be stolen. MFA adds a critical second layer—like a text message, authentication app, or hardware key. It makes unauthorized logins very difficult, even if criminals have your password.

Remember: any communication site—like email or social media—can be used against you. If attackers gain access there, they can reset logins or trick their way into more critical accounts such as your banking and financial services.

Threat Example: Criminals hack a social media account, then use it to phish your contacts or reset your banking password through linked email.

3. Turn On a Mobile Carrier Number Lock

Your phone number is often the recovery method for bank, email, and social accounts—making it a prime target for SIM-swapping attacks. Criminals convince carriers to move your number to their SIM card, giving them access to MFA codes and accounts.

• Call your carrier and request a number lock or port-out PIN.

• Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer this protection at no cost.

Threat Example: A scammer convinces your carrier to transfer your number. Suddenly, your MFA codes go to their phone, and they drain your bank accounts within minutes.

4. Keep Devices, Apps & Security Tools Updated

Outdated systems are hacker goldmines. Exploits are published daily for unpatched devices.

• Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, browsers, and apps.

• Keep firmware (routers, smart devices, etc.) updated as well.

• Install and maintain an up-to-date antivirus/endpoint security solution. Modern antivirus includes real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts.

 Need help? TMD Technology Managed IT Services will keep your systems up to date with centrally managed Antivirus and Endpoint Protection. Learn more: Managed IT Services

Threat Example: Hackers release malware that takes advantage of an unpatched browser bug. Without updates, your device could be compromised just by visiting a website.

5. Secure Your Wi-Fi & Mobile Devices

Your home network and mobile devices are your front line.

• Change the default router password and use WPA2/WPA3 encryption.

• Lock devices with a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.

• Enable Find My Device (Apple or Android) for remote wipe if lost or stolen.

• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities—or use a VPN.

Threat Example: Attackers on public Wi-Fi intercept your logins and steal banking credentials because the network wasn’t encrypted.

6. Back Up Your Data Securely

Losing data to ransomware, theft, or hardware failure can cripple your business or personal life. A secure, tested backup means you can recover quickly.

• Use a cloud backup with version history.

• Pair it with an encrypted local backup for extra protection.

• Test your backups regularly—many people only discover failures when it’s too late.

Need help setting this up? TMD Technology Services provides secure, automated, business-grade backup solutions. Learn more: TMD Cloud Backup Solutions

Threat Example: A ransomware attack locks all your files and demands $5,000 to unlock them. With backups, you simply restore your data and ignore the ransom.

7. Monitor Your Accounts & Freeze Credit

Identity theft is often caught too late. Take proactive steps:

• Turn on free alerts for logins, withdrawals, and purchases.

• Place a credit freeze with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to block criminals from opening accounts in your name.

• Consider professional monitoring with LifeLock or Aura, which add dark web monitoring, fraud alerts, insurance coverage, and dedicated recovery support.

Threat Example: Hackers use stolen SSNs to open credit cards in your name. Without alerts or a freeze, you may not find out until debt collectors call.

Pro Tip: Each of these steps only takes minutes, but together they create a strong, layered defense against today’s most common cyber threats.