My Safety Plan
Small steps, big difference. Work through these at your own pace.
01Email Security
Your email is the master key to most accounts. Lock it down first.
Review recovery email and phone number
Make sure recovery options are current and belong to you.
Easy5 minTurn on two-step verification
Add a second sign-in step like an app code or security key.
Easy5 minCheck recent login activity
Look for sign-ins from unfamiliar places or devices.
Easy5 minRemove unknown forwarding rules
Scammers add hidden rules to read or hide your mail.
Medium15 min
02Passwords
Reused passwords are the most common reason accounts get hacked.
Start using a password manager
Let it generate and remember long, unique passwords.
Medium30 minReplace reused passwords
Start with the accounts you care about most.
Medium30 minCreate unique passwords for banking and email
These are your highest-value accounts.
Easy15 minDo not share passwords by text or email
Real companies and support agents will never ask.
Easy2 min
03Two-Step Verification
A second sign-in step blocks most account takeovers.
Enable 2FA on your main email
Use an authenticator app instead of SMS when possible.
Easy5 minEnable 2FA on banking and payments
Includes online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App.
Easy15 minSwitch from SMS codes to an authenticator app
Apps like Authy, 1Password, or Google Authenticator.
Medium15 minSave your backup codes safely
Store them in your password manager or a locked place.
Easy5 min
04Banking and Payments
Small habits keep your money out of scammers' reach.
Turn on transaction alerts
Get a notification for every charge or transfer.
Easy5 minUse the official banking app, not links
Open the app directly instead of tapping email links.
Easy2 minReview statements monthly
Look for small unfamiliar charges first.
Easy15 minSet up daily transfer limits
Most banks let you cap how much can move per day.
Medium15 min
05Credit and Identity
Stop scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
Consider freezing your credit
Free with the three major credit bureaus.
Medium30 minSet up fraud alerts if needed
Lenders must verify your identity before approving credit.
Easy15 minReview bank and card statements
Watch for charges you don't recognize.
Easy15 minSave official reporting links
Keep them in your notes for fast access if needed.
Easy5 min
06Social Media Privacy
Less public information means fewer ways to be targeted.
Set your accounts to private or friends-only
Limit who can see your posts and details.
Easy15 minRemove birthdate, address, and phone from bios
Keep personal details out of public view.
Easy5 minReview who can message or tag you
Block messages from strangers when possible.
Easy15 minAudit connected third-party apps
Remove apps you no longer use.
Medium15 min
07Phone Security
Your phone is your wallet, ID, and second factor — all in one.
Use a 6-digit passcode or stronger
Avoid birthdays and simple patterns.
Easy2 minKeep your phone updated
Install security updates as soon as they appear.
Easy15 minAdd a SIM PIN with your carrier
Prevents SIM-swap attacks on your number.
Medium15 minReview app permissions
Turn off location, mic, and contacts for apps that don't need them.
Medium15 min
08Device Security
Keep your laptop and tablet as safe as your phone.
Turn on automatic system updates
For Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS.
Easy5 minSet your screen to lock automatically
After 1 to 5 minutes of inactivity.
Easy2 minSet up automatic backups
Use iCloud, Google, OneDrive, or an external drive.
Medium30 minUse the built-in security tools
Windows Defender and macOS Gatekeeper are enough for most people.
Easy5 min
09Family Safety
Gentle ways to help kids and older relatives stay safe.
Talk about common scams together
Share recent examples without blame.
Easy15 minSet up a 'call me first' rule with elders
For any urgent request involving money or codes.
Easy5 minReview privacy settings with kids
Walk through together rather than imposing rules.
Medium30 minShare password manager family plan
Most managers offer a low-cost family option.
Medium30 min
10Small Business Basics
Essential steps if you run a side hustle or small business.
Separate personal and business email
Use a dedicated address for invoices and clients.
Easy15 minVerify payment changes by phone
Always confirm new bank details on a trusted number.
Easy5 minLimit who has admin access
Give each teammate only what they need.
Medium30 minBack up customer and financial data
Keep at least one copy off your main computer.
Advanced30 min