We’re easing our way into the new year with some simple wins you can achieve quickly with no fuss! This time of year is always a good opportunity to take stock of our habits and make small, meaningful (and sustainable!) changes that have a big impact on our lives and work.

Let’s take a few minutes to implement these small tech-based resolutions:

1. Put multifactor authentication on all your online accounts

We’ve said it before, and we’ll keep saying it: Putting a second verification step in front of your online accounts could be the thing that keeps you from getting hacked. In fact, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), using multifactor authentication can make you 99 percent less likely to be hacked. We have multifactor on Miami accounts in the form of Duo, but we strongly urge you to sign up for your other online accounts that aren’t tied to Miami.

• App-based push notification (like Duo Push)
• Code from an authenticator app like Authy or Google Auth (or Duo Mobile!)
• SMS text
• Code delivered via email or phone call

We promise: This is a relatively painless and easy way to make your online life that much more secure.

2. Turn on automatic updates

Your devices (phone, tablet, computer, and more) receive regular updates from the manufacturers, as long as they are still in their support windows. These updates often contain patches for known vulnerabilities, which bad actors could exploit if left unfixed.

Enabling automatic updates on operating systems that allow you to do so can save you a headache later – keeping your devices up to date and protected from potential threats.

The CISA cautions, however, that you should always install updates from official and trusted sources – meaning, through your device’s standard update process (such as a notification from your phone’s settings app) or the website associated with the manufacturer of the operating system (such as the Windows website). However, if you are prompted to install an update from a browser pop-up, you should treat that with some caution. Phishing attempts have been known to surface that way.

3. Check out Miami’s AI tools

You probably don’t have to be told that generative artificial intelligence is here to stay. In addition to the focus on AI in the academic areas, IT Services has invested in our existing partnerships to support the Miami community. Our current resources include Google Gemini, NotebookLM, and Zoom AI Companion. Information about all of those, including a guide for best practices with generative AI, can be found on the IT Services website.

While you’re at it, if you’re so inclined, proposals are open for Miami’s third annual AI Symposium! We are especially interested in proposals for presentations that touch on the following topics:

• AI in teaching and learning
• AI in research and creative activity
• AI in business operations and institutional practice
• AI in community and societal impact

Find the proposal submission guidelines and form here: Call for Proposals. Proposals are due by February 5, 2026.

4. Set a calendar reminder for digital decluttering

Another important thing to add to your to-do list is to work on your digital cleanliness. We gather photos, documents, emails, and more by the thousands and tens of thousands each year. Setting a calendar reminder to do some quick tidying can keep you from having a headache later—trust us, you’ll thank yourself!

• Back up your files
• Delete unwanted photos and screenshots from your phone
• Update your operating systems that don’t have automatic updates enabled (see above!)

5. Sign up for the Weekly Tech Update!

Every week, IT Services publishes a list of updates, fun facts, and informative content that takes less than two minutes to read. Get your news, then go about your busy day! You will be the first to know what’s going on with IT Services that week—which makes you pretty cool, if you ask us.

Subscribe now!