Safeguarding what matters:

A talk on securing your creative digital identity

Digital Security Checklist

Part 1: Passwords - If you must use them, do the following: 

Strong Password Basics:

  • Use a different, strong password for each account. 

  • Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthday, or pet's name. Avoid doing quizzes that ask for this information. 

  • Aim for passwords at least 12 characters long.

  • Do not write passwords down on easily accessible paper.

Password Management:

  • Consider using a password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden) to securely store and generate passwords. Protect it with MFA.

  • If you do not use a password manager, store passwords in a secure location (Apple’s Password app, Google password manager).

Regular Updates:

  • Change your passwords regularly, or immediately if you suspect a breach. For example, you have read in the news that Verizon’s customer data was exposed and you are a Verizon customer. Change your password with Verizon immediately and any other place you have used the password (avoid reusing passwords). 

Part 2: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Enable it where you can!

MFA means using more than one method to verify your identity when logging in. This could be a password plus a code from your phone, a fingerprint, or a security key.

Enabling MFA:

Enable MFA on ALL accounts that offer it, especially:

  • Bank accounts and financial apps

  • Email accounts

  • Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, etc.)

  • eCommerce accounts (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, etc.)

Choose the strongest MFA method available:

  • Best: Passkeys (syncable and security keys). 

  • Preferred: Authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator)

  • Acceptable: SMS text message codes (but be aware that SMS can be intercepted)

  • Least Preferred: Email codes.

  • If offered, save backup codes in a secure location in case you lose access to your primary MFA method.

Part 3: Securing Your Financial Identities

Bank Accounts & Credit Cards:

  • Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.

  • Be cautious of phishing emails or texts asking for your financial information.

  • Never give out your full credit card or bank account information via email or text.

  • Use strong and unique passwords

  • Enable MFA on all banking and financial websites and apps.

Payment Apps (PayPal, Venmo, etc.):

  • Use strong and unique passwords.

  • Enable MFA.

  • Be cautious of requests for payments from unknown individuals.

  • Review transaction history regularly.

Part 4: eCommerce Security

Shopping Online:

  • Only shop on reputable websites with "https" in the URL and a padlock icon.

  • Avoid saving your credit card information on websites unless absolutely necessary or use another provider like PayPal or Apple Pay. 

  • Use strong and unique passwords.

  • Enable MFA.

  • Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Account Security:

  • Review your purchase history regularly.

  • Remove saved payment methods from websites you rarely use.

Part 5: Email Security

Protecting Your Email:

  • Use a strong and unique password.

  • Enable MFA.

  • Be cautious of phishing emails (emails that try to trick you into giving away personal information).

  • Never click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.

Account Recovery:

  • Review how to recover your account before you need to. 

  • Ensure your recovery email and phone number are up to date.

Part 6: Social Media Security

Privacy Settings:

  • Review and adjust your privacy settings on all social media platforms.

  • Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly.

  • Be careful about accepting friend requests from people you don't know.

Account Security:

  • Use strong and unique passwords.

  • Enable MFA.

  • Be cautious of suspicious links or messages.

  • Review what apps have access to your accounts and remove unwanted access.

General Online Safety Tips

Software Updates:

  • Keep your devices up-to-date! This includes your apps, browsers, mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. Updates can be annoying, but they are there because a security vulnerability was identified! Take it seriously. 

Wi-Fi Security:

  • Public Wi-Fi comes with risks. 

  • If you must use it, avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

Be Aware of Phishing:

  • Be suspicious of emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information.

  • If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Regular Backups:

  • Backup important files regularly to an external drive or cloud storage.

Review & Action Items:

  • Review this checklist regularly (every 3-6 months).

  • Identify any areas where you need to improve your security.

  • Take immediate action to address any security concerns.

Notes:

  • If you are unsure about any of these steps, reach out to the provider, like your bank.

  • Use Google! Example: “How can I enable MFA on Facebook”?

  • Always be cautious and think before you click.

  • Stay informed about the latest online security threats.