The 7 Keys to Safe Browse at Home and at Work

🧠 Why This Article?

You already know if your email has been leaked and you understand the danger of using the same password everywhere. Now you might be asking: what else can I do to stay safe online? You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert, you just need to apply these digital security habits in your daily life.

✅ Safe Browse Checklist

🔑 1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Never reuse passwords. Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password and let it do the remembering for you. A single data breach can put all your accounts at risk.

📌 We explained this in detail in our article about the silent danger of recycled passwords.

🔒 2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

It’s a critical second layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without the second code that only you receive. Use apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or physical keys like YubiKey.

👉 In our next article, we'll dive deeper into what 2FA is and what it's really for.

🌐 3. Always Connect to Secure Networks

Avoid unprotected public Wi-Fi. If you work from coffee shops or airports, use a trustworthy VPN to protect your online privacy. At home, change your router's default password and enable WPA2 or, even better, WPA3 encryption.

🧼 4. Update Your Devices and Apps

Updates aren't just for new features; they patch critical security flaws. Enable automatic updates on your operating system, browser, phone, and important applications, especially banking and work apps.

👁️ 5. Be Careful What You Click

An email urging you to click immediately? An offer that seems too good to be true? It's likely phishing. Before you click, check the sender's address, don't download suspicious files, and never enter your credentials on unverified sites.

🦠 6. Use an Antivirus (Even a Basic One)

You don't need to spend a fortune. Even free antivirus software like Windows Defender offers good protection against common threats. If you handle sensitive data, consider a more comprehensive paid option.

📱 7. Protect Your Phone Too

Smartphones are computers in your pocket. Make sure you have a PIN or biometric lock, don't install apps from unknown sources, and review app permissions (why does a flashlight app need access to your contacts?).

🎯 How Many Keys Are You Applying?

✔️ Already doing everything on the list? Congratulations! 🚧 Not yet? Don't worry. Start with one or two and build from there. Remember: security isn't about paranoia, it's about foresight.