Data extortion, identity theft, online scams, and data breaches are just some of the risks you face when using the internet. Every click, download, or online interaction carries some form of risk that we need to be aware of. Sounds overwhelming, right? That’s why keeping a cybersecurity checklist can significantly improve your digital and personal life.
Why Cybersecurity Matters for Personal Privacy
Ransomware and phishing scams are on the rise, targeting businesses and individuals. In fact, 2024 was one of the worst years, marked by an increase in cyber warfare. The FBI’s annual 2024 Internet Crime Report reveals some scary statistics. The reported losses from cybercrimes exceeded $16 billion, which is a 33% increase from 2023.
According to the FBI report, the top three cybercrimes are phishing/spoofing, extortion, and data breaches. This report alone shows why protecting your personal, financial, and health information is crucial. For example, a single data breach can expose personal details, such as Social Security numbers, resulting in potential fraud and extortion.
The Benefits of Having a Cybersecurity Checklist
You don’t have to be a tech genius to protect your data online. Often, it’s a case of making some small changes, such as updating passwords regularly. But the crucial (and the hardest) part is to keep it consistent. Having a cybersecurity checklist is a simple and easy way to ensure you don’t skip important steps to protect your data.
A cybersecurity checklist helps you build strong online habits with minimal effort. Your list will give you peace of mind while lowering the chances of being caught off guard by scams.
Your Personal Cybersecurity Checklist
Think of your personal cybersecurity checklist as your grocery list—some ingredients change according to the circumstances, but it always contains basic products you can’t go without. Here are a few fundamental questions you should ask yourself every once in a while.
Aren’t My Passwords Too Old?
Every cybersecurity checklist should start with a password update reminder. Good password habits, like regularly updating passwords and avoiding the use of one password for everything. It’s also crucial to avoid reusing old passwords and instead create unique ones that combine letters, numbers, and symbols.
You’ve likely heard this advice numerous times, but it’s still incredibly relevant. In the third quarter of 2024, weak usernames and passwords contributed to almost 30% of ransomware attacks. You can see why strong and updated passwords are vital.
To protect access to your online banking and other confidential information, consider changing your high-risk passwords every three to six months. Of course, updating passwords and creating multiple ones can make it hard to keep track of them. That’s why having a password manager to store said passwords can be a game-changer.
Do I Really Need to Share It Online?
Think carefully before you share information online. Oversharing can make you a target. Information like your home address, phone number, and private pictures can put you at risk. You should also be careful about answering surveys on social media and declining unnecessary requests for personal details online.
When Was The Last Time I Had a Data Backup?
It’s always a good idea to keep your data backed up in case your device is lost, damaged, or compromised. When backing up your data, ensure it is encrypted to prevent theft and unauthorized access by hackers. Depending on what password manager you use, it may have features like secure file storage.
How often you back up your data will depend on your needs. For example, frequently changing or shared files can be backed up daily, whereas general personal data can do with a weekly backup. Make your life easier by automating your backups, but regularly check in to see that everything is running like it should!
Are My Privacy Settings in Place?
When was the last time you checked the privacy settings on your apps? The privacy settings can control who has access to your information. You can also manage location tracking to prevent unwanted ad tracking that puts your identity at risk. On your phone, you can control which apps have access to your location, microphone, and contacts.
Am I Skipping Any Security Updates?
Securing your devices entails more than using a password. Consider additional measures like antivirus and firewall software, as well as keeping your systems and apps up to date.
Am I Cautious on Public Networks?
Public wifi networks are not as secure as private ones, so it’s recommended that you avoid accessing sensitive accounts. For example, Statista revealed that four in 10 of the surveyed adults in the U.S. had their data compromised when using public wifi.
If you can’t avoid using open networks, having a VPN to encrypt your connection is useful.
What About My Digital Footprint?
It’s good practice to continuously monitor your digital footprint by reviewing credit reports and accounts for suspicious activity. Google Alerts can be very helpful for monitoring your phone number and email.
How to Use Your Cybersecurity Checklist
There is no right or wrong way to use your checklist, but it is easier to manage if you break it down into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. This way, it becomes a habit rather than a chore.
Your daily reminders can include being careful about clicking links, locking your devices, and being mindful about what you share. Weekly reminders can include reviewing files and checking account activity. Your monthly list can include things like updating software and changing high-risk passwords. Also, don’t forget to update your list occasionally—it will serve as a good opportunity to check on the cybersecurity news and trends.
The Role of Cyber Extortion Coverage
Even with your cybersecurity checklist and the best prevention measures, your digital life is not 100% safe from cybercrime. That’s why you might consider cyber extortion coverage. Think of it as an insurance policy for your digital life.
This protective measure helps when the worst case happens and you fall victim to cyber extortion. Coverage usually includes assistance in handling the attack and reimbursement for expenses like payments in response to threats.
Protect Your Personal Privacy
Don’t leave your personal privacy to chance. Having a cybersecurity checklist is a simple yet effective way to ensure you protect yourself from online threats. But even the most privacy-focused individuals need a backup plan for when the worst happens. Cyber extortion coverage is a must-have safety net on your cybersecurity checklist.
