Chapter 8 · Quick Reference
Your Personal Online Security Checklist
Use this as a quick reference to keep your digital life secure. You don't need to do everything at once — start with the most important items in each section and work your way down.
Key takeaways
- Security is a set of small habits, not one big project — pick a section and start.
- The highest-impact items: unique passwords, 2FA on email and banking, and regular backups.
- Most of these take minutes and quietly prevent the most common scams.
- Revisit the list every few months as you add new accounts and devices.
- I never click links in unexpected emails.
- I check sender addresses carefully.
- My email uses a strong, unique password.
- I have two-factor authentication on my email.
- I never open unexpected attachments.
Phone
- I let unknown numbers go to voicemail.
- I never give personal information to someone who calls me.
- I know no government agency asks for gift-card payments.
- I verify "family emergency" calls by phoning the person directly.
- My number is registered at donotcall.gov.
Computer
- My operating system updates automatically.
- I use antivirus software and keep it updated.
- I back up my important files regularly.
- I never call numbers shown in pop-up warnings.
- I only download software from official sources.
Passwords
- I use a unique password for every important account.
- My passwords are long and hard to guess.
- I use 2FA on financial and email accounts.
- I use a password manager to keep track.
Shopping & social media
- I check reviews before buying from unknown sites.
- I use a credit card (not debit) for online purchases.
- I'm skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
- I verify unusual requests from "friends" through another channel.
- I keep my social profiles as private as possible.
Stay safe. Stay skeptical. Stay connected to people you trust.
Verified resources
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