(Credit: Stacey Zhu; Natcha Rochana, Agus Mul, Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com)
When my dad built me my first computer and encouraged me to explore online, he didn't post a list of cybersecurity best practices on my wall. Instead, he gave me several free hours of AOL access via a shiny CD and a noisy modem and told me to have fun. The internet has changed since then, and staying safe online now requires families to adopt a different, more vigilant routine to reduce the risk of falling for phishing or other scams. Luckily, that routine doesn't require technical skills. Just a few small changes to your online behavior, like keeping your browser up to date and using a password manager, can go a long way. This checklist can help you get started.
Check Off Your Security Tasks
While putting together this checklist, I sourced some ideas from Google's Workspace Learning Center and a different security checklist from Purdue University's Information Technology division. I also asked some of my PCMag colleagues to tell me about periodic cybersecurity-related tasks that don't take much time but bring them peace of mind. For example, principal security writer Neil J. Rubenking told me he gets monthly credit score updates via Credit Karma and Experian.
I recommend backing up and deleting old files (especially those with sensitive personal information) from old online accounts yearly and dumping your desktop and mobile browser caches whenever you think about it. I also periodically check the tracking permissions granted to mobile apps since updates can add new default settings that require an opt-out.
IRL Tech Safety Suggestions
Work on your security hygiene offline, too. When you get a new computer, back up your files, then wipe the old computer's hard drive. For more, check out our thorough guide to preparing your computer for recycling or sale.
The same advice applies to mobile devices like phones and tablets, too. Here's a guide to completely erasing your Android or iPhone.
It's a good idea to periodically back up sensitive files on your hard drive or phone to an external hard drive. It may sound like overkill, but think about it: You probably keep important paper documents in a fireproof safe in your home. It's a good idea to keep the equivalent virtual documents on an air-gapped storage device. That way, if your system is infected by malware or otherwise compromised by a hacker, they can't access your valuable data.
How to Check Your Privacy Settings on Your Phone
Another critical part of cybersecurity defense is securing the mobile devices used by each household member. We have written about how to maintain privacy by stopping apps from collecting sensitive personal data, and we have tips for quickly locking down a phone in emergencies. You'll also want to check your phone's privacy settings if you're traveling overseas or are concerned about security when crossing the US border.
Since you already have your phone out, take five minutes to delete all of the apps you haven't opened in the last 2 months. If you aren't sure when you last opened an app, delete it! If you need it again, it will take only a few seconds to re-download it. Periodically cleaning up your phone's apps can help keep compromised or invasive apps off your device.
Cybersecurity Requires Vigilance
Bookmark this page and review this list once a month. It'll help you develop positive online safety habits. You may not need to perform every action each time, but it can be helpful to remember other security tasks you might need to do in the future.
One more thing: If you don't already have antivirus protection or a password manager, we've reviewed just about all of the major ones, so check out these stories for our top picks.