1) The Mindset: Fewer Surprises
Most threats succeed by surprise: a convincing login page, an urgent message, an update prompt that isn’t. Security improves as surprises decrease. Slow down by one breath before clicking anything that demands speed—especially messages about account trouble or urgent payments.
Using unique passwords in a manager and turning on 2FA for email and banking removes entire classes of disaster. Even if one password leaks, the damage doesn’t spread.
2) Browser Defaults that Work for Real People
Set the browser to ask before enabling notifications, block pop-ups globally, and use enhanced safe browsing. Keep a short allowlist for sites that truly need extra capabilities (your bank, your payroll platform). Everyone else can live with the defaults.
3) Email & Message Discipline
Email remains the most common path to trouble. Treat attachments like packages on your doorstep—know who sent them and why. On mobile, preview links by long-pressing to see the actual domain before visiting. When in doubt, navigate manually to the site instead of using a link in a message.
4) Safer Shopping & Banking
Prefer cards with virtual numbers or single-use tokens. Avoid connecting bank accounts directly to services unless necessary. Use your dedicated “Banking” browser profile with minimal extensions and auto-update enabled.
5) Public Wi-Fi Without Anxiety
Cafés are great for reading the news, not for changing passwords. For anything sensitive, switch to your phone’s hotspot or a reputable VPN. Always confirm the network name with staff; look-alike hotspots are common.
6) Maintenance: The Once-a-Month Routine
- Update OS, browser, and apps.
- Review site permissions; revoke anything stale.
- Backups: verify last successful run and test a small restore.
- Extensions: remove idle add-ons; check permissions after updates.
7) Add a Protective Layer You Don’t Have to Think About
Even good habits miss something occasionally. A reputable mobile security suite blocks malicious pages and downloads before the damage. Set it once, let it run, and get on with your day.