If you've already broken your New Year's resolutions (or forgot to make any), we have an important goal for you to set: data privacy.

Just in time, too, since January 28 is National Data Privacy Day (DPD). Coordinated by the National Cyber Security Alliance in North America, DPD also features a streaming conference on the challenges of data privacy at 4 p.m. Central. Stream the conference at https://staysafeonline.org/dpd19-live/.

Here are some important tips you can use to reach your personal data privacy goals:

• Lock down your login. Usernames and passwords aren't enough. For your Texas A&M accounts, useDuo NetID Two-Factor Authentication for another level of security.
• Keep a clean machine. Update all software on your internet-connected devices and don't store files you no longer need.
• When in doubt, throw it out. Cyber crooks often use email links, online advertising and social media to swipe personal information. If something looks suspicious, delete or avoid it.
• Back it up. Make an electronic copy of your work and store it safely. If you do fall prey to a cyber threat, you can restore your data from the backup.
• Own your online presence. Use privacy and security settings on your social media accounts to regulate who sees your information.
• Share with care. Determine what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you or others before you hit the "share" button.
• Value and protect your personal info like money. Your information has value, so be careful about who gets it and how it is collected by apps, websites and all connected devices.

More tips for protecting yourself, your work and your data are located at security.tamu.edu.