Digital Security Checklist
Essential steps to secure your digital life and protect your personal information online.
Use a Password Manager
Install and set up a reputable password manager like 1Password, Bitwarden, or LastPass
Create Unique Passwords for All Accounts
Ensure every account has a different, strong password generated by your password manager
Create a Strong Master Password
Use a long, memorable passphrase for your password manager that you'll never forget
Audit Existing Passwords
Use your password manager to identify and replace weak, reused, or compromised passwords
Enable 2FA on Email Accounts
Set up two-factor authentication on all email accounts, especially your primary email
Enable 2FA on Financial Accounts
Activate 2FA on banking, investment, and payment accounts (PayPal, Venmo, etc.)
Enable 2FA on Social Media
Turn on two-factor authentication for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social platforms
Enable 2FA on Work Accounts
Secure your work email, cloud storage, and other professional accounts with 2FA
Use an Authenticator App
Install Google Authenticator, Authy, or similar app instead of relying on SMS when possible
Set Up Device Lock Screens
Enable PIN, password, fingerprint, or face unlock on all devices (phones, tablets, laptops)
Configure Auto-Lock
Set devices to automatically lock after 1-5 minutes of inactivity
Enable Device Encryption
Turn on full-disk encryption on computers and enable encryption on mobile devices
Set Up Remote Wipe
Enable Find My Device (Android) or Find My (iOS) to locate and remotely wipe lost devices
Enable Automatic Updates
Turn on automatic security updates for operating systems and critical software
Secure Home Wi-Fi
Use WPA3 encryption, change default router password, and hide network name (SSID)
Set Up Guest Network
Create a separate guest network for visitors and IoT devices
Install a VPN
Set up a reputable VPN service for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi
Avoid Sensitive Activities on Public Wi-Fi
Never access banking or enter passwords on public Wi-Fi without a VPN
Review Social Media Privacy Settings
Set profiles to private and limit who can see your posts and personal information
Disable Unnecessary Location Tracking
Turn off location services for apps that don't need it
Opt Out of Ad Tracking
Disable ad personalization and tracking in device settings and browser preferences
Review App Permissions
Audit and limit permissions for apps on your devices (camera, microphone, contacts)
Implement 3-2-1 Backup Rule
Keep 3 copies of important data: 2 local (different devices) and 1 offsite (cloud)
Set Up Automated Cloud Backup
Configure automatic backup of important files to a secure cloud service
Test Backup Recovery
Regularly test that you can successfully restore files from your backups
✓ Best Practices:
- • Regularly review and update security settings
- • Be skeptical of unsolicited emails and links
- • Keep software and apps updated
- • Use official app stores for downloads
- • Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity
✗ Avoid These Mistakes:
- • Using the same password for multiple accounts
- • Clicking links in suspicious emails
- • Downloading software from untrusted sources
- • Sharing personal information on social media
- • Ignoring security warnings and updates
If you suspect your accounts have been compromised:
- Immediately change passwords for affected accounts
- Enable 2FA if not already active
- Check for unauthorized transactions or activities
- Contact your bank and credit card companies
- Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports
- Report identity theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov
Emergency Contacts:
- • FTC Identity Theft Hotline: 1-877-438-4338
- • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
- • Your local police department for serious threats