As the type of person who plans ahead — calendars mapped, backups in place, contingencies considered — cybersecurity fits naturally into your mindset. Staying protected online isn’t about reacting to problems after they happen; it’s about putting controls in place so issues are far less likely to occur in the first place. Cybercriminals tend to look for shortcuts. A little planning removes most of them.

Here are three practical ways to stay one step ahead.

1. Put the right controls in place early

Think of your accounts as a system, not one-offs. Create unique login IDs and passwords for your financial, email, phone and social media accounts, and avoid using your email address as a username. Skip weak or reused passwords and opt for long passphrases that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

Enable two-factor authentication everywhere it’s available, especially on financial accounts. Biometrics — fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice authentication — add another layer of security with minimal effort. Keep your email address and phone number current so you can be contacted immediately if suspicious activity is detected. And remember, if a message urgently asks you to click, be sure to pause and verify before acting.

2. Build protection into your devices and networks

Your tools matter. Use antivirus software and a personal firewall, and keep operating systems, apps and Internet of Things devices (like smart TVs and routers) updated with the latest security patches.

Use trusted devices for sensitive transactions and avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or shopping. Secure your home Wi-Fi with a strong password and protect your mobile account so your phone number can’t be transferred without extra authentication. Built-in features — automatic screen locks, biometrics, updates and “find my phone” apps — are easy wins that dramatically reduce risk.

3. Monitor, back up and verify

Even the best plans include monitoring. Regularly review account activity, profile changes and alerts so unusual behavior stands out quickly. Consider freezing your credit with the major credit bureaus to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.

Back up important data to secure cloud storage, shop only with reputable vendors using encrypted websites, avoid using debit cards online, and protect your U.S. mail by signing up for USPS Informed Delivery.

Cybersecurity rewards planning. By setting things up thoughtfully and checking in periodically, you’re not just reacting to threats — you’re staying comfortably ahead of them.

To find more practical and actionable cybersecurity recommendations, visit Fidelity.

To be sure that your assets go to the people you want to have them when you die, you need an estate plan that includes a will and/or a trust, advance medical directives and a power of attorney on your behalf. As your financial circumstances and the people in your life change through the years, keep your plan updated to reflect those changes.

Keep in mind that an estate can include cash and investments (stocks, bonds, CDs, bank accounts), tangible personal property, interests in certain trusts, real estate, retirement plans, life insurance policies, annuities, business interests and digital assets. Having an estate plan helps ensure these assets do not end up in probate, which can delay transfer of benefits, add expense and make it easier to contest who receives your assets.

Get up to speed on estate planning:

• Review the fundamentals of wills, trusts and powers of attorney.
• Learn about preserving your savings for future generations.
• If you’re enrolled in the voluntary legal insurance plan through Sandia Extras, you have access to no-cost estate planning services through ARAG.
• Connect with a Wellthy care coordinator to learn about legal and financial resources they offer.
• Explore resources available through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits. To learn more, visit hr.sandia.gov.

For more about creating an estate plan, visit Fidelity.

Life usually hums along as planned until you encounter something unexpected, like needing to find and set up ongoing care for yourself or a loved one. This could feel overwhelming if you had to figure it all out yourself. Fortunately, Wellthy has you covered (at no cost to you).

Wellthy can help you and your family tackle the logistical and administrative challenges of caring for yourself and your loved ones. Services include assistance for parents and caregivers, help finding providers and medical treatment options, support for medical insurance and financial assistance issues, and help finding emotional health and addiction assistance.

After you register with Wellthy, you’ll be matched with a care coordinator who will help you address the medical, financial, in-home, housing, legal, and/or social and emotional challenges you’re facing. Your care coordinator will help you prioritize tasks and, when possible, complete them on your behalf.

You and your family can use the Wellthy dashboard to stay current on appointments, contacts, tasks, conversations and documents. The dashboard serves as a hub that includes the care plan, messaging options, a shared calendar and documents, and medications and contacts.

It’s easy to get started. Sign up with Wellthy, and then create your account.