A Checklist for Protecting Your Personal Information

Use this simple checklist to strengthen your personal security habits and help protect your identity, accounts, and financial information from fraud.

Protecting your personal information doesn't require advanced technology or cybersecurity expertise. In many cases, simple habits can help reduce your risk of fraud, identity theft, and account compromise. Use this checklist to strengthen your personal security and help keep your finances safe.

At Home

Store important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and financial records, in a secure location. 

Shred paperwork containing personal or financial information before disposing of it.

Collect mail promptly and avoid leaving sensitive documents in unsecured locations.  

Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly, including on social media.

Online

Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess.  

Create different passwords for important accounts, including banking, email, and shopping sites.

Enable multi-factor authentication whenever it is available.

Keep your devices, browsers, and apps updated with the latest security updates. 

Log out of accounts when using shared or public devices.

On the Go

Lock your phone, tablet, and computer with a passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition.

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, especially when accessing financial accounts or entering personal information.

Avoid saving sensitive information on shared or public devices.

Report lost or stolen devices as soon as possible.

Manage Your Accounts

Review bank and credit card transactions regularly.

Set up account alerts to monitor withdrawals, purchases, and account changes.

Verify that your contact information is up to date with financial institutions. 

Spotting Scams

Pause before responding to unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls.

Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.

Never share passwords, security codes, or account credentials with anyone.

Personal security isn't a one-time task. Revisit this checklist periodically to help keep your information, accounts, and finances protected.