5 simple things you should do to protect your privacy before 2025 ends

If you do just these 5 things, you’ll already be ahead of 90% of people online. Do not ignore this if you don’t want to lose money!

The Internet is no longer secure. Was it ever? Probably not, but now we have everything online, everything digitized.

We demand convenience. We want everything online.

That also means that we share our data everywhere. And that’s why you need to start taking it seriously.

Protecting your privacy is an endless struggle.

And the worst part?

If you do it right, nothing happens.

The best result you can get is that everything goes as it is supposed to.

But if you ignore these 5 things, chances are you will lose money, your accounts, or your dignity.

The good news? It is completely free, and it will only take you about 20 minutes!

20 minutes for a piece of mind? That is a good trade, isn’t it!

Do you need a piece of advice on privacy protection? Feel free to reach out to me!

Why should you read this article?

Here is the thing. Having a master’s degree, CISSP, and working as a Cybersecurity manager, I have spent years studying privacy protection.

But you don’t have years to study how to protect your accounts.

You need simple, actionable steps you can do by yourself.

And that’s what I am offering you.

Big benefits, for very little effort.

5 actionable steps to ruin a scammer’s day

1. Audit your app permissions

You never know who really created the app you are using.

And being honest, you don’t even know what data the app gets about you. That’s why you should limit access to the least possible amount.

Your flashlight doesn’t need your contacts. The stupid game doesn’t need your microphone.

Remove everything that isn’t essential and be extra careful about location, camera, and microphone access.

And while you’re at it, delete all apps you don’t use!

2. Kill password reuse (for real)

If one service gets breached, reused passwords turn it into 10 breaches.

Here’s how it usually plays out:

1. A random service gets breached

2. Your email + password leaks

3. Attackers try the same combo everywhere else

4. One success is all they need

You don’t get hacked because someone targeted you.
You get hacked because automation found you.

The fix:

• Use a password manager (iCloud Keychain, Microsoft Authenticator…)

• One unique password per service (Generated)

• Never “slightly modify” old passwords

This single change removes a massive class of attacks.

What password manager do you recommend?

3. Use that goddamn 2FA

This is a big one, so I want you to focus here. Password is no longer enough!

Sooner or later, it will leak, and someone will try to access your account.

And all you need to do to stop it is to set up two-factor authentication.

Yes, it will take you like 30 seconds every time you log in, but it will prevent the majority of attacks.

Chances are that attackers would rather find an easier victim than attempt to overcome your 2FA.

Bonus: Use an authentication app, not SMS.

What authentication app do you use, and why? Let me know in the comments!

4. Secure your email first (everything depends on it)

Your email is the reset button for your entire digital life.

If someone controls your inbox, they can:

• Reset passwords

• Take over accounts

• Lock you out permanently

• Pretend being you

Yet email security is often an afterthought.

Do this:

• Enable multi-factor authentication

• Review recovery email addresses

• Remove old linked apps and services

Think of email as your digital passport.
Protect it accordingly.

5. Reduce your data exhaust (Delete old accounts)

Every unused account is a future problem.

Old forums.
Abandoned SaaS tools.
Apps you forgot existed.

Each one:

• Stores your data

• Can be breached

• Can leak years later

You don’t need to delete everything.
Just start with what you no longer use.

Less stored data means:

• Less exposure

• Less cleanup later

• Less damage when (not if) breaches happen

An account that doesn’t exist can’t be stolen!

And while you’re at it, unsubscribe from everything you don’t use too!

Do you find this article useful! Let me know in the comments! Any feedback is appreciated!

Conclusion

If you’re reading this, Congratulations! That means you take your privacy seriously. According to all of the known statistics, cybercrime skyrocketed and continues to grow.

Trust me, it’s time to start taking this seriously!

But here is the good news! Attackers usually pick the easiest target. And if you follow the steps above, the chances are you will be safe. And all it takes is 20 minutes a year!

Tell me, isn’t it stupid to risk your money and privacy for 20 minutes?

I think we both know the answer!

Let’s connect

If you want to collaborate, discuss, or just geek out over virtualization and cloud security, reach out to me:

• Email: erich.winkler@decodedsecurity.com

• LinkedIn: Erich Winkler

Enjoyed this article? Like it or drop a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions!

Let’s learn and grow together!

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