🔒 Security

Avoid the username "admin" and use a unique password on your router's admin page

Hide your WiFi SSID to protect against hackers

Set up two separate WiFi networks: a private one for yourself or your family, and a separate one for guests

Analyse your WiFi signal with the app NetSpot

Clear the cache on all apps and delete cookies in browsers (Google Chrome, Brave Browser, etc.)

Update your router's firmware regularly

Use WPA3, or at least WPA2, encryption on your WiFi

Disable WPS on your router, it is a known security weakness

Check the website address before opening it: Get Safe Online

Check a website's status on Google Safe Browsing

Scan a link or file against 70+ antivirus engines at once on VirusTotal

Check a website's safety rating on Norton Safe Web

Enable full disk encryption (BitLocker on Windows, FileVault on macOS, LUKS on Linux)

Change default passwords on smart home devices (cameras, speakers, thermostats)

It is important to be able to assess whether images or videos on social media, YouTube, or in emails are fake (deepfakes). You can check this at Deepware

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on all apps that support it. Read more: How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication and Safeguard Your Online Accounts

Use unique passwords and remember only one master password through a password manager such as Proton Pass or Bitwarden

Avoid being scanned by Facebook on photos: Settings and privacy → Settings → Camera roll sharing suggestions

Facebook: Basic privacy settings and tools

Instagram: Privacy settings and information

Read more: EFF Surveillance Self-Defense

Use a secure communication app such as Signal. For even higher security, consider Matrix (Element X)

Use secure DNS such as Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or DNS4EU for Public

Always set up automatic backup for all apps. Read more from Google and Apple

Never give PIN codes, passwords, or one-time codes over the phone. Your bank will never call and ask for this

Consider passkeys where supported: a newer, stronger password technology from Google, Apple, Microsoft, and others

Be aware of phishing and smishing, fake texts or emails asking for personal information

Regularly review app permissions for camera, microphone, and location

Check whether your information has been exposed in a data breach at Have I Been Pwned

Turn off Bluetooth when not in use

Turn off NFC when you are not shopping

Use RFID protection for your phone and card holder

Never scan QR codes or barcodes from unknown sources

Never lend out your phone, it can be used to steal data

Use Proton VPN when using public WiFi at a cafe or restaurant

Use a banking app such as Wise or Google Pay/Apple Pay for shopping and cafes/restaurants

Use a biometric screen lock (fingerprint/face), and enable "Find My Device" so you can locate or remotely wipe a stolen phone

Avoid public USB charging ports, use your own charger or power bank ("juice jacking")

Cover your webcam when not in use

Turn off automatic connection to open WiFi networks

Use Google Play Protect: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select Play Protect, and tap Scan

Apple has built-in scanning

Update your software: Go to Settings → General → Software Update

Review third-party app access to your Google, Facebook, and Microsoft accounts

Check your browser extensions and remove ones you do not use

Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of important data, on two different media types, with one stored offsite. Test that restoring actually works