Quick Start

First Day Security Checklist

Complete these essential security tasks today. In about 2 hours, you'll be dramatically more secure than 90% of people.

~2 hours total

27 tasks

Tip: Print this page or open on another device to check off items as you complete them.

Passwords & Authentication

30-45 minutes

Install a password manager (Bitwarden or 1Password)Critical

Create a strong master password (16+ characters)Critical

Enable MFA on your email accountCritical

Enable MFA on your primary bank accountCritical

Enable MFA on your social media accounts

Change any passwords you've reused across sitesCritical

Device Security

20-30 minutes

Enable automatic updates on your computerCritical

Enable automatic updates on your phoneCritical

Set a strong PIN/passcode on your phone (6+ digits)Critical

Enable disk encryption (BitLocker/FileVault)Critical

Set auto-lock to 1 minute or less

Verify Find My Device is enabled

Network Security

15-20 minutes

Change your router's admin password from defaultCritical

Verify WiFi is using WPA2 or WPA3 (not WEP)Critical

Disable WPS on your routerCritical

Disable remote management on router

Change default WiFi network name (SSID)

Create a guest network for visitors/IoT

Backup Setup

20-30 minutes

Identify your most important filesCritical

Enable Windows Backup or Time MachineCritical

Plug in external drive for local backup (if available)Critical

Verify cloud backup for critical documents

Test restoring one file from backup

Email & Communication

10-15 minutes

Review email account recovery optionsCritical

Remove old/unused recovery email addresses

Check connected apps and revoke unused ones

Enable suspicious login alerts

Completed the Checklist?

Congratulations! You've completed the essential security tasks. Your accounts, devices, and network are now significantly more protected. Here's what to do next:

This Week

Update router firmware
Review all accounts in password manager
Set up cloud backup service
Check phone app permissions

This Month

Set up network segmentation for IoT
Create incident response contact list
Review vendor/service security
Enable encrypted DNS

Quick Reference Links

Password Guide

Detailed password manager setup

Router Security

Complete router hardening guide

Backup Strategy

3-2-1-1-0 backup rule explained

Encryption

BitLocker and FileVault setup

Phone Security

iPhone and Android settings

Full Priorities

Complete prioritized security list

Keep Building Your Security

This checklist is just the beginning. Explore our full guides to continue improving your security posture.

All Protection Guides Understand the Threats