As the calendar turns and we welcome a new year, many of us take time to reflect, reset goals, and recommit to better habits. We clean out inboxes, update resumes, and resolve to take better care of our health. Yet one critical habit is often overlooked: password hygiene.
At Shepherd Security, we believe good cybersecurity is a form of good stewardship. Just as we are called to be faithful with what we’ve been entrusted, we’re also responsible for protecting our digital lives, our families, our churches, and our businesses.
Why the New Year Is the Right Time to Update Passwords
Cybercriminal don’t take holidays—and they certainly don’t respect New Year’s resolutions. In fact, compromised credentials remain one of the most common causes of data breaches year after year.
If you’ve reused passwords, relied on simple phrases, or haven’t changed key credentials in a long time, the new year is the perfect moment to start fresh. Think of it as a digital reset: closing old doors, reinforcing weak locks, and recommitting to wise security practices.
“Whoever is faithful in little is faithful also in much.” — Luke 16:10
Passwords may seem small, but they protect much.
Common Password Mistakes to Leave Behind
As we move into a new year, here are a few habits worth leaving in the past:
- Reusing the same password everywhere – One breach should not open every door.
- Short or predictable passwords – Names, birthdays, and common phrases are easily guessed.
- Never changing passwords – Especially for email, banking, and administrative accounts.
- Skipping multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Passwords alone are no longer enough.
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—but now is the time to improve.
What a “Strong” Password Really Means Today
A strong password in 2026 isn’t just complex—it’s unique and managed wisely.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Use long passphrases (14+ characters) rather than short, complex strings
- Make every password unique to each service
- Store passwords in a reputable password manager
- Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible
A password manager allows you to create strong, unique passwords without needing to remember them all. This isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom.
Don’t Forget These Critical Accounts
If you’re going to change passwords, prioritize these first:
- Email accounts (personal and work)
- Financial accounts (banking, credit cards, payment apps)
- Cloud services (Google, Microsoft, Apple)
- Social media accounts
- Website admin and hosting credentials
Email deserves special attention: if an attacker controls your email, they can often reset passwords everywhere else.
A Shepherd’s View of Cybersecurity
At Shepherd Security, we often remind readers that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s a trust issue. When data is breached, people are affected. Families, congregations, and small organizations often bear the cost.
Practicing good password hygiene is one way we care for others and reduce unnecessary risk. It’s a quiet discipline, but an important one.
Make It a Resolution That Sticks
Instead of saying “I should really fix my passwords someday,” set aside 30–60 minutes this week:
- Choose and set up a password manager
- Update your most important accounts
- Turn on MFA
- Write down a recovery plan and store it securely
Small, intentional steps now can prevent major problems later.
Final Thoughts
A new year brings new opportunities—and new threats. By starting the year with stronger passwords and better habits, you’re choosing wisdom, stewardship, and care for what you’ve been given.
From all of us at Shepherd Security, may your year be secure, resilient, and well-guarded.
“The prudent see danger and take refuge.” — Proverbs 27:12
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