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Cyber Hygiene Checklist: 12 Habits to Keep Hackers Away

1. Introduction

Just like brushing your teeth keeps cavities away, good cyber hygiene keeps hackers out. It’s about building simple habits that make it much harder for cybercriminals to attack you. The best part? These habits are easy, quick, and work for both individuals and businesses.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Avoid reusing passwords across sites. A password manager can generate and store them for you.

2. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Adds an extra step to log in, making accounts much harder to hack.

3. Keep Software Updated

Updates fix security holes that hackers love to exploit. Turn on auto-updates when possible.

4. Backup Your Data Regularly

Use both cloud storage and offline drives, and test backups often.

5. Watch Out for Phishing Emails

Check the sender, hover over links before clicking, and never download unexpected attachments.

6. Secure Your Wi-Fi

Change default router passwords and use WPA3 encryption if available.

7. Use a VPN on Public Networks

Encrypts your internet traffic when using public Wi-Fi.

8. Limit App Permissions

Only give apps access to the information they actually need.

9. Lock Your Devices

Enable PINs, passwords, or biometric locks on all devices.

10. Be Careful with USB Drives

Avoid plugging in untrusted USB devices — they can carry malware.

11. Review Account Activity

Check bank accounts, email logins, and cloud storage for suspicious activity.

12. Educate Yourself and Your Team

Regularly update your knowledge about common cyber threats.


Conclusion

Cybersecurity isn’t just about buying tools — it’s about habits. Following this checklist makes you a much harder target for hackers. Start with one or two habits today and add more over time. The stronger your cyber hygiene, the safer your digital life will be.


Have questions or want a tailored cybersecurity strategy? Reach out — let’s make sure you and your data stay safe in this ever-evolving digital landscape.

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