The start of a new year is the perfect time to establish habits that protect your digital life. While many people focus on personal health or financial goals, the Iowa Communications Network encourages you to consider your online safety as well. With the holiday season just behind us, many Iowans are currently setting up new technology and gadgets. This is a critical time because devices that are not configured correctly are often vulnerable to identity theft and hacking.
This surge of new technology is exactly why the technology community looks toward January as a time for renewal and reinforcement. Rather than viewing security as a one-time setup task, professionals across the state treat this month as a dedicated period to strengthen digital defenses. This collective focus has led many experts to recognize January as Password Power Month.
Adapting to a Changing Digital Landscape
As we enter 2026, the landscape of online threats is changing rapidly. We are seeing a rise in sophisticated social engineering attacks where bad actors use artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails or synthetic voice messages. These tools allow hackers to mimic trusted sources with incredible accuracy. Because the tools used by criminals are becoming more advanced, our personal defense strategies must evolve too.
Audit your digital security now before these new gadgets become permanent fixtures in your home. To start your year safely, we invite you to follow this checklist:
Your Password Power Checklist
- Change Default Settings: If a new device came with a simple factory password such as admin or 1234, you should change it immediately. Hackers use automated tools to scan for these common defaults across thousands of devices at once.
- Use Longer Passphrases: Modern advice suggests using a passphrase instead of a single complex word. You can use a string of four or five random words like CornFieldRocketBlueGuitar because it is much harder for a computer to crack but remains easy for you to remember.
- Enable Multi Factor Authentication: For your most important accounts like email and banking, you should enable Multi Factor Authentication. This adds a second layer of protection by requiring a code from your phone or an app to log in. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access even if a password is stolen.
- Protect Family Technology: Before a child starts using a new smartphone or tablet, ensure the parental controls are active. You can set screen time limits and restrict app store purchases or location tracking to keep their information private and their online experience safe.
Why Your Habits Matter for Iowa Infrastructure
These habits are not just for the home because your personal digital safety often impacts your professional environment. ICN provides high speed connectivity to many of the schools, hospitals, and government offices that keep Iowa moving. These institutions are frequent targets for cyber attacks because they hold sensitive data and provide essential services for the entire state.
Whether you work in a classroom or a healthcare facility, you have the chance to be a champion for online safety. When public employees and healthcare workers focus on small details like updating passwords or working closely with their IT department, they help protect the critical infrastructure that all Iowans rely on daily.
Common Questions for the New Year
What is the difference between a password and a passphrase? A password is typically a single word with symbols, while a passphrase is a long string of words. Research shows that length is more important than complexity when it comes to stopping modern hacking software.
Should I use a password manager? Using a reputable password manager is a great way to keep track of unique passphrases for every account. This prevents the dangerous habit of reusing the same password across multiple sites which is a major vulnerability.
How often should I update my devices? You should enable automatic updates whenever possible. Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them. Keeping your software current is one of the easiest ways to stay protected.
Strengthening Our Shared Community
Improving your cybersecurity does not have to be scary or overwhelming. By focusing on these small habits, you protect yourself against common threats and gain the power to stay safe in an evolving digital world. When we all take these steps, we contribute to a more resilient environment for every community in our state.
➡️ You can learn more about how ICN supports the backbone of our state by visiting our Critical Infrastructure page.