Use this checklist to build simple, repeatable cyber habits at home. Fill Family Name and Completion Date, then download the printable checklist for your records.
Tip: If you plan to keep a signed copy, fill the family name and date before downloading.
Family Name
Completion Date
Password Security
  • Set up a family password manager (1Password, Bitwarden)
  • Create unique passwords for all important accounts
  • Use passphrases (4+ random words) instead of short complex strings
    Example: "blue river pizza!7"
  • Change default passwords on new devices
  • Set calendar reminder for quarterly password review
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Enable MFA on email and primary accounts
  • Enable MFA on financial and payment apps
  • Prefer authenticator apps or hardware keys over SMS
  • Store backup 2FA codes securely (password manager, printed safe)
Device Security
  • Enable automatic updates for OS, apps, and firmware
  • Install reputable security/antivirus software where appropriate
  • Set up screen locks (PIN, fingerprint, face unlock)
  • Enable 'Find My Device' features
  • Review app permissions monthly (camera, mic, location)
Home Network Security
  • Change default router password
  • Update router firmware
  • Create a separate guest network for visitors
  • Place IoT devices on a separate network from main devices
  • Enable WPA2/WPA3 encryption where available
Family Education
  • Schedule monthly 'Phishing Game Night'
  • Practice spotting suspicious emails and messages
  • Discuss recent scams and avoidance strategies
  • Create a 'pause & verify' family protocol
  • Keep a no-blame policy when reporting security concerns
Data Protection
  • Implement the 3-2-1 backup strategy
  • Test data restoration quarterly
  • Encrypt sensitive documents
  • Review cloud storage security settings
  • Maintain inventory of backed up locations
Social Media Awareness
  • Review privacy settings on all platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, etc.)
  • Limit who can see personal posts, stories, and location tags
  • Avoid sharing real-time location or travel plans
  • Discuss the risks of oversharing personal details (birthdays, schools, workplace)
  • Teach kids to think before posting — "Would I share this with a stranger?"
  • Verify friend/follow requests before accepting
  • Avoid clicking links or attachments in DMs from unknown sources
  • Use strong, unique passwords for each social platform
  • Schedule quarterly "social media cleanup" — delete old posts and review followers
Online Privacy Awareness
  • Use privacy-focused browsers or extensions (Brave, DuckDuckGo, uBlock Origin)
  • Clear cookies and browsing data regularly
  • Turn off location tracking on apps that don't need it
  • Review permissions for smart devices (mics, cameras, GPS)
  • Use a VPN when on public Wi-Fi
  • Avoid using the same email for all online services — create separate ones (e.g., shopping, banking, family)
  • Be cautious when granting "Sign in with Google/Facebook" access
  • Review data sharing policies of apps before installation
  • Discuss the importance of reading terms and understanding data collection
  • Use aliases or initials instead of full names when possible on public sites
Emergency Preparedness
  • Create a family cyber incident response plan
  • Store important contact information (banks, cards) offline
  • Document steps to freeze credit and report fraud
  • Keep offline copies of critical documents
  • Establish a communication plan if accounts are compromised
Family Commitment:

Together, we commit to responsible digital practices. By staying informed, discussing security openly, and supporting one another, we create a safer online environment for our family.