Technology is awesome and offers a lot of benefits. Unfortunately, it’s also been used by criminals to steal private information and scam people out of their hard-earned money. This home cybersecurity checklist will help you protect your personal data and secure your devices.
Cybersecurity Checklist for Your Devices
- Install anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware and firewall software to all devices possible and keep them updated
- Keep all electronic devices up to date on software
- Secure your wifi network:
- Change the default network name
- Create a complex password
- Limit the reach of your network to your home
- Turn off bluetooth when not in use
- Only download well-reviewed apps and software from trusted sources like Google Play or the Apple App Store
- Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect your privacy
- Configure your privacy settings
- Regularly clear your browser history and cache on your devices
- Always lock or turn off your device when not in use (and enable auto-lock)
- Configure parental control settings if you allow your kids to use electronic devices
A complex passcode or password for your device is also essential. This makes it more difficult for someone to break into your phone if it is stolen. Many phones also have settings that allow you to remotely wipe or find your phone – it may be useful to have this enabled.
Cybersecurity Checklist for Your Online Accounts
- Don’t use social media profiles as logins for third-party accounts
- Use multifactor verification
- Use good passwords:
- Unique password for each login
- At least eight characters
- Use a phrase
- Use capital and lowercase letters
- Use at least one number and symbol
- Don’t allow your browser to save or autofill login information
- Don’t write down a password and store nearby or have a password document on your device
- Use a password manager to keep track of your passwords:
- It must be reputable, have multifactor authentication, notify you about weak or reused passwords
- Don’t store your most sensitive passwords (like your banking account)
- Log out of websites when you’re done
- Opt out of ad tracking
- Use a disposable or secondary email for marketing, newsletters and other online activity you don’t want a primary email for
- Read the privacy policy and terms of use of apps, software and websites you use
- Keep tabs on your digital reputation and footprint
- Be very cautious when downloading files or clicking links
- Never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact or can verify the person or website requesting it
- If you’re asked to share personal information, ask why it’s needed and how it will be protected
Cybersecurity Checklist for Using Email & Social Media
- Use a reputable email service provider
- Do not use your work email for personal things
- Consider creating an alternate or disposable email account
- Regularly review social media privacy settings
- Be suspicious of anyone asking for personal information or money – contact the individual person or company offline to verify the request
- Don’t give out any information unless you initiated contact and can verify the recipient’s identity
- Set clear social media boundaries with others about posting your photos and information
- Get consent before posting photos and information of others
- Be careful what you share on social media – the internet is forever
- Turn of geo-tagging on social media posts
- Be cautious of opening links
- Check the from email address before opening attachments or clicking any links
- The domain of any shared links should have https://
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, unknown senders, links and files – friends can be hacked!
- If you’re ever asked to share personal information, ask why they need it, how it will be used, and how it will be protected
Cybersecurity Checklist for Online Transactions
- The URL should always have https:// at the start
- Set up email or push notifications when your credit card or bank account is used
- Never carry out a transaction on a public wifi network
- Review the privacy policy before providing any personal information
- Don’t allow your credit card information to be saved
- Don’t enable one-click purchasing
Following all of these tips can’t guarantee you’ll never be a victim of cybercrime but it can help prevent it.
