Digital Hygiene Checklist: Simple Habits That Prevent Hacks

Good digital hygiene is akin to brushing your teeth: small actions you perform daily that prevent larger problems down the line. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself from hacks. A few consistent habits can dramatically reduce your risk.

One of the most robust habits you can adopt is enabling two-factor authentication with an app like Authenticator by Vidus6.

This checklist will help you stay safe online in 2025 and beyond.

1. Update Your Software Regularly

Outdated software is one of the easiest entry points for attackers to gain access to your device. Make sure to keep:

Your operating system
Browsers
Installed apps
Antivirus tools

fully updated. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Never reuse the same password across multiple websites. If one leaks, attackers can access everything. Use:

A password manager
Long, random passwords
No personal details

This simple habit prevents a huge number of hacks.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA is essential digital hygiene. It blocks unauthorised access even when your password is stolen.

Avoid SMS codes as they can be intercepted or redirected. Use an authenticator app like Authenticator by Vidus6 for safer, offline-generated TOTP codes.

4. Review Your Account Recovery Options

Outdated recovery settings can lock you out or provide attackers with an entry point.

Check that:

Your recovery email is active
Old phone numbers are removed
Backup codes are stored securely offline

Good recovery hygiene protects you if you switch devices or lose access.

5. Clean Up Old Accounts You No Longer Use

Unused accounts become forgotten vulnerabilities. Go through your email and delete dormant accounts that still contain personal data.

Fewer accounts mean fewer opportunities for hackers.

6. Be Skeptical of Unknown Links & Attachments

Phishing remains one of the most common hacking techniques. Before clicking anything, ask yourself:

Do I know the sender?
Does the message feel urgent or pressuring?
Does the link look suspicious?

If unsure, visit the website manually instead of clicking the link.

7. Lock Your Phone and Important Apps

Phones store everything from banking apps to personal conversations. Use:

Face ID or fingerprint
A secure PIN
App-level locks for sensitive data

This stops anyone from accessing your accounts if your device is lost or stolen.

8. Regularly Check Login Activity on Your Accounts

Most platforms display:

Recent login history
Connected devices
Active sessions

Review this information every few months. If you see anything unfamiliar, revoke access immediately.

9. Use Secure WiFi and Avoid Public Networks

Public WiFi networks can expose your device to snooping. If you must connect:

Avoid logging in to important services
Use a trusted VPN
Ensure sites use HTTPS

Better yet, rely on your mobile data when handling sensitive information.

10. Back Up Your Data Frequently

A good backup protects you from ransomware, device failures, and accidental deletion. Use a combination of:

Cloud backups
External drives
Encrypted storage

Backups are your safety net when things go wrong.

11. Keep Your 2FA Codes Organised and Safe

As you add more services, ensure your 2FA codes are:

Clearly labelled
Backed up or synced securely
Stored in a trusted authenticator app

A modern tool like Authenticator by Vidus6 ensures your codes are protected and easy to access.

Final Thoughts

Digital hygiene does not require technical expertise. Small, consistent habits can keep your accounts, devices, and personal information safe from most everyday attacks.

Start with strong passwords, enable 2FA, avoid suspicious links, and keep your devices updated. And when you want a secure, user-friendly way to manage your 2FA codes, Authenticator by Vidus6 is a reliable companion on your path to better digital hygiene.