Best Practice
Beginner
1 min read
226 words
Digital Privacy Checklist: 15 Steps to Protect Your Online Identity
A comprehensive checklist covering browser settings, account security, device configuration, and data hygiene practices. Prioritized by impact — start with the highest-value actions and work through systematically.
High Impact (Do These First)
- Enable 2FA on critical accounts — Email, banking, cloud storage
- Use a password manager — Generate unique 16+ character passwords
- Update all software — Enable automatic updates everywhere
- Enable full-disk encryption — BitLocker (Windows), FileVault (macOS)
- Review app permissions — Revoke camera/microphone/location for unused apps
Medium Impact (Significant Improvements)
- Configure DNS-over-HTTPS — Use 1.1.1.1 or 9.9.9.9
- Install a content blocker — uBlock Origin blocks trackers and ads
- Disable third-party cookies — All major browsers support this
- Audit connected apps — Review OAuth permissions on Google/GitHub/Apple
- Use encrypted messaging — Signal for sensitive conversations
Ongoing Maintenance
- Check breach databases — HaveIBeenPwned.com quarterly
- Review privacy settings — Social media defaults change frequently
- Clear unused accounts — Delete dormant accounts that hold personal data
- Use email aliases — Different addresses for different service categories
- Back up encryption keys — Securely store recovery codes offline
Tracking Your Progress
Privacy is not a one-time setup — it requires ongoing attention as services change their policies and new threats emerge. Revisit this checklist quarterly. Start with items 1-5 if you are beginning your privacy journey; they provide the greatest protection-to-effort ratio. Use the Peasy privacy tools to analyze your current exposure and identify the most impactful next steps.