Security Best Practices
Comprehensive guidelines to protect your personal and business information
Use strong, unique passwords for each account
High PriorityCreate passwords that are at least 12 characters long with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Never reuse passwords across different accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
High PriorityAdd an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on all accounts that support it. This requires a second form of verification beyond your password.
Use a password manager
High PriorityUse a reputable password manager to generate, store, and autofill strong unique passwords for all your accounts.
Regularly review account activity
Medium PriorityPeriodically check your account activity and login history for any suspicious behavior.
Set up account recovery options
Medium PriorityConfigure backup email addresses and phone numbers for account recovery, but ensure these recovery methods are also secure.
Be cautious of phishing attempts
High PriorityVerify the sender's email address before clicking links or downloading attachments. Be suspicious of urgent requests, especially those asking for personal information.
Use email encryption for sensitive information
Medium PriorityWhen sending sensitive information via email, use encryption tools or secure file-sharing services.
Regularly clean your inbox
Low PriorityDelete or archive old emails, especially those containing sensitive information.
Use a separate email for sensitive accounts
Medium PriorityConsider using a dedicated email address for financial accounts and other sensitive services to reduce the risk of compromise.
Keep software and operating systems updated
High PriorityRegularly install updates for your operating system and applications to patch security vulnerabilities.
Use antivirus and anti-malware software
High PriorityInstall reputable security software and keep it updated to protect against malware, viruses, and other threats.
Enable device encryption
Medium PriorityEncrypt the data on your devices to protect your information if your device is lost or stolen.
Use screen locks and strong PINs
High PrioritySecure your devices with strong PINs, passwords, or biometric authentication, and set them to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity.
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
Medium PriorityAvoid accessing sensitive accounts or information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN for additional security.