Digital Security: Your Complete Protection Guide

Did you know that there are roughly 600 million cyberattacks each day? Even though you can’t see it, your digital information is under near-constant attack. But don’t panic: with a few smart (and surprisingly simple) digital security habits, you can help stay one step ahead of the bad guys.

What is digital security?

Digital security is a broad term that describes all the steps you take to protect your digital assets, data, accounts, and internet-connected devices from cyberattacks. 

The term cyberattack probably makes you think of a movie scene, where the main character tries to “hack into the mainframe” as they furiously type into a computer with flashing lines of code. But in reality, cyberattacks are far more common (and simpler) than Hollywood makes them seem. 

A few examples of common cyberattacks include:

1. Stolen passwords and account hacking
2. Identity theft and financial fraud
3. Malware and viruses on devices
4. Scams and phishing attempts

Cyberattacks are so common that you probably experience one almost every day. For example, have you ever gotten a text saying you owe money for a toll? That’s a cyberattack. Has anyone ever guessed your Facebook password and sent out DMs to your friends? Yup, that’s also a cyberattack. Just open up your email’s spam folder and you’ll likely see dozens of cyberattacks.

Luckily, there are plenty of simple, effective digital security tips you can implement to protect yourself. These tips are the digital version of locking the doors and windows when you leave the house.

The 5 pillars of digital security and online protection

Digital security comes down to 5 main areas:

1. Account security: Protecting your online accounts (social media, productivity tools, shopping sites, streaming services, ridesharing apps, gaming platforms, etc.).

2. Device security: Protecting your physical devices (mobile phones, laptops, computers, tablets, etc.).

3. Financial security: Protecting your financial information (bank accounts, credit or debit card information, payment apps, investment or retirement accounts, etc.).

4. Privacy protection: Protecting your information by limiting how much data you share with companies.

5. Safe online behavior: Protecting yourself by learning to recognize and avoid threats.

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Strong personal account protection

Think of your personal accounts like digital safes: packed with valuable information that cybercriminals would love to crack open and steal. 

Hackers target your personal accounts for all sorts of reasons, ranging from annoying (hacking your TikTok and spamming followers) to downright scary (selling your data for cash on the dark web). 

Here are some of the simplest ways to help protect your personal accounts:

• Use strong, unique passwords: A strong password should have 12+ characters and use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. A stronger password might make your login process a bit longer, but it makes a huge difference in keeping out unwanted visitors.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA is when a company sends you a code via text, call, or email before letting you sign on. Again, while this can be a bit of a hassle during the day, the added security goes a long way in protecting your digital identity.

• Implement a password manager: There are plenty of tools that can help you securely store passwords and automatically generate new ones every so often.

If you haven’t reset your password in a while, consider this your sign to upgrade to a new-and-improved password. 

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Device security

Device security, or protecting your physical devices, is another important part of digital security. Your mobile phone, computer, and tablet all act like gateways to your digital life. If a hacker gets access, it’ll spell bad news.

For example, just consider what could happen if a criminal got your phone. Chances are, they’d be able to Venmo themselves $5,000 from your account, send out emails or texts to your friends, and steal passwords to your other accounts. 

Luckily, there are some ways you can prevent this from happening:

1. Install app and operating system updates: When your phone or computer alerts you that an update is ready, listen to it. Security upgrades are a major part of app and operating system updates and help patch security holes.

2. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet to help mask your IP address and data. You might not necessarily need a VPN in your home, but consider using one when you’re traveling or using public Wi-Fi.

3. Use a strong lock screen: Having a lockscreen with a strong password can be a lifesaver during one of life’s most inevitable security breaches: losing your phone.

4. Download apps only from official stores: Stick to the App Store, Google Play Store, and other reputable marketplaces when downloading new apps. These marketplaces have high security standards to prevent spam and protect customers.

5. Set up device tracking: Enabling features like “Find My Device” can help you quickly track down your phone if you lose it. Some companies (like Apple) even let you remotely wipe lost devices (as long as they’re connected to iCloud).

Financial security

Getting your Instagram account hacked is annoying, but not life-changing. Getting your bank account hacked? That’s a serious problem.

Protecting your financial accounts is one of the most important pillars of digital security. One breach could put years of hard-earned savings at risk. Major financial institutions are pretty good when it comes to customer security. But here are a few additional strategies you can implement:

1. Set up banking alerts for unusual activity: Most banks will alert you if they sense something fishy, so make sure that alerts are turned on for your checking account, debit cards, and credit cards. This way, you’ll know instantly if someone across the country tries to use your card.

2. Monitor credit reports regularly: It’s a good idea to get a copy of your credit report and make sure there’s nothing out of the ordinary. If you see any unusual charges or activity, then there’s a chance your identity has been stolen. 

3. Enable transaction notifications: Transaction notifications alert you of every single transaction on your checking, debit, or credit card. These are slightly different from unusual activity alerts, which only alert you to suspicious activity. For ultimate security, make sure all alerts are turned on.

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Privacy protection

Protecting your personal information can feel nearly impossible in today’s social media-driven world. But with cyberattacks growing more common each year, it’s more important than ever to protect your personal privacy. 

One key is to minimize the data that you share with your phone or certain apps. If these apps get hacked, then your information will get exposed.

Here are a few simple places to start:

1. Control social media privacy settings: Limit who can see your posts, personal details, and activity history. The less strangers can learn about you online, the harder it is for scammers to target you.

2. Limit location sharing and tracking: Many apps request access to your location, even when it’s not necessary (Does McDonald’s really need to know your location 24/7? Probably not). Turn off location services when not in use, and avoid geotagging posts that reveal your home, workplace, or daily routines. 

3. Opt out of data collection when possible Companies love collecting data, but you can push back. Adjust app permissions and cookie preferences to restrict how much personal information you’re handing over, especially to third-party advertisers.

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Safe online behavior

One of the first lessons we learn as kids is simple: don’t talk to strangers because it’s not safe. If a stranger comes up to you, run away and find an adult. The same principle applies online. Digital safety starts with understanding risks and knowing how to spot them.

This is especially important for digital security because most cybercriminals aren’t hunters; they’re trappers. Instead of chasing after you, they set traps and hope you take the bait. The good news? You can avoid becoming a victim by learning to recognize and dodge these traps.

Here are a few tips:

1. Hesitate before clicking links or downloading files: Links are a scammer’s best friend. They transport you away from your safe corner of the internet into their scam. You should hesitate and double check before clicking any link or file, especially if it’s from an unexpected source (like a job that you didn’t apply to or a person you don’t know).

2. Be wary of urgent emails: Getting an email or text that demands you do something “immediately ” should trigger a tiny alarm in your brain. Legitimate organizations (like your employer, bank, or the government) almost never require immediate action. You know who does? Scammers. They want you to act without thinking before you realize what they’re up to.

3. Use a credit card when shopping online: Credit cards tend to have more built-in protections than debit cards or bank transfers. For this reason, it’s usually best to make online payments with a credit card instead of a debit card or bank transfer.

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What to do if something goes wrong

Even if you follow every single strategy in this guide, someone still might hack one of your accounts. What then?

First things first, just breathe. Getting hacked happens to everyone now and then.

Let’s discuss what to do when something goes wrong…  

Signs your security might be compromised

There will be plenty of signals that someone else has logged into your account. Be on the lookout for warning signs like:

• An alert from the account provider (email, social media, bank, etc.)
• A two-factor authentication alert when you’re not trying to log in
• Unexpected password changes
• Logins from unfamiliar locations
• Strange posts sent from your accounts
• Unfamiliar charges
• Devices are running unusually slowly

These are all signs that someone else has gained access (or is attempting to gain access) to your account. Once you’ve confirmed that a hacker has logged in, it’s time to take quick action.

Steps to take after a security incident

Time is of the essence once you’ve been hacked. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t wait a few days call the police if you came home to a broken-in door. So if you notice a weird transaction on your credit card, don’t wait until the weekend’s over to report it.

 Here’s what you can do if you notice something fishy:

1. Change your password immediately
2. Turn on 2FA, if it isn’t already
3. Scan your accounts for unauthorized activity
4. Report any fraud to the provider, if necessary

If you catch the suspicious activity quickly, then there’s a good chance you can log in and change your password before any harm is done. If the hacker logged into your bank, be sure to contact your bank and cancel any pending transactions. 

In cases of stolen information and identity theft, you can report the incident to IdentityTheft.gov.

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Developing Your Digital Security Roadmap

Digital security is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Just like with home security, there are some tasks that you should do every day (like locking your doors) and other tasks you only need to do every so often (like installing or upgrading a home security system).

Here are a few security habits that you can implement into your routine:

• Review and update passwords quarterly
• Check privacy settings on social media accounts monthly
• Monitor credit reports three times per year (you’re entitled to one free report from each bureau annually)
• Update all devices as soon as security patches become available
• Conduct a complete security audit of your accounts and devices annually

By making security a regular part of your digital routine, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.

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