Highlighted wordsare glossary terms — tap one for a plain-language definition.
Devices hold a wealth of sensitive info. A few one-time settings — EncryptionWhat it means: Converting information into a protected form that unauthorized people cannot easily read.Example: The storage on your locked phone, unreadable without the passcode.What to do: Turn on device encryption and use a passcode or biometric lock.Important: Encryption won't help if someone learns your account password.What does this mean?, updates, a strong screen lock — make a stolen device much less useful to a thief.
Encrypt and lock
FileVault (Mac), BitLocker (Windows), and on-by-default encryption on iOS/Android scramble your data so it's unreadable without your passcode.
- Set a strong passcode on every device.
- Turn on full-disk encryption.
- Enable Find My / Find My Device for remote wipe.
Stay patched & connect carefully
Software updates close known security holes. Public Wi-FiWhat it means: A shared wireless network in a public place, such as an airport, cafe, or hotel.Example: An open “Airport_Free_WiFi” network with no password.What to do: Use your phone's hotspot or mobile data for banking and other sensitive tasks.Important: Attackers can create networks with convincing names, so don't trust the name alone.What does this mean? can expose your traffic — a Virtual private networkWhat it means: A service that encrypts internet traffic between a device and the VPN provider. It does not make someone anonymous or protect against every scam.Example: Turning one on before using hotel Wi-Fi.What to do: Pick a reputable paid provider and use it when you're on networks you don't control.Important: Free VPNs often sell your browsing data, and no VPN stops phishing.What does this mean? gives you a safer tunnel.
- Enable automatic OS and app updates.
- Avoid sensitive tasks on open public Wi-Fi.
- Use a VPN on untrusted networks.
Run as a standard user (CISA)
CISA's Project Upskill Module 1 recommends doing everyday work in a standard, non-administrator account. MalwareWhat it means: Software designed to damage, spy on, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to a device.Example: A “free video player” download that quietly installs something else.What to do: Install apps only from official stores and keep automatic updates switched on.Important: Pop-ups warning that your device is infected are usually the scam itself.What does this mean? that lands in a limited account can do far less damage.
- Create a separate admin account and use it only to install software.
- Leave built-in antivirus and anti-malware protections enabled.
- Review App permissionsWhat it means: The access an app receives to features such as location, contacts, photos, camera, or microphone.Example: A flashlight app asking to read your contacts.What to do: Review permissions and set location to “while using the app”.Important: Grant only what the app genuinely needs to do its job.What does this mean? and revoke camera, mic, and location access you don't need.
- Research the developer before installing any app, and drop devices that no longer get security updates.
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Unfamiliar term? Open the Digital Safety Glossary