Security Checklist: 20 Things to Review Monthly
Keeping your digital life secure isn’t a one-time task — it’s a routine.
By reviewing your systems, accounts, and habits every month, you can stop cyber threats before they cause damage.
Here’s your 20-point monthly cybersecurity checklist to stay safe and secure.
🔹 1. Update Your Operating Systems
Make sure Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS are running the latest version.
➡️ Updates often fix security holes that hackers exploit.
🔹 2. Update Software and Apps
Check for updates on browsers, office tools, media players, and other apps.
➡️ Outdated apps = open doors for cyberattacks.
🔹 3. Run a Full Antivirus & Antimalware Scan
Perform a complete system scan on your PC and mobile devices.
➡️ Schedule automatic weekly or monthly scans.
🔹 4. Review Installed Programs and Browser Extensions
Uninstall tools or add-ons you no longer use.
➡️ Less clutter means fewer security risks.
🔹 5. Backup Your Data
Make a backup of your files — locally and on the cloud.
➡️ Use both offline (external drive) and online (cloud) backups.
🔹 6. Check Cloud Storage Security
Review sharing permissions on Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
➡️ Remove old shared links or users who no longer need access.
🔹 7. Review Passwords
Update weak or reused passwords.
➡️ Use a password manager and enable 2FA wherever possible.
🔹 8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Check that 2FA is active on email, social media, and financial accounts.
➡️ Use authenticator apps instead of SMS when available.
🔹 9. Review Account Activity Logs
Look at recent login history for suspicious access attempts.
➡️ Especially for Gmail, Microsoft, Facebook, and banking accounts.
🔹 10. Check for Data Breaches
Visit HaveIBeenPwned.com to see if your emails or passwords were exposed.
➡️ Change compromised passwords immediately.
🔹 11. Review Firewall Settings
Ensure your computer and router firewalls are enabled and properly configured.
➡️ Firewalls block unauthorized access attempts.
🔹 12. Inspect Wi-Fi Network
- Change your Wi-Fi password every few months.
- Ensure WPA3 or WPA2 encryption is enabled.
➡️ Kick out any unknown connected devices.
🔹 13. Test Your Backups
Don’t just make backups — test them.
➡️ Make sure your files can actually be restored.
🔹 14. Review Device Access Permissions
Check what apps can access your camera, microphone, or location.
➡️ Revoke unnecessary permissions.
🔹 15. Check Browser Security Settings
- Clear cache, cookies, and browsing history.
- Enable “Do Not Track” and disable autofill for sensitive data.
🔹 16. Review Social Media Privacy
Look through your privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
➡️ Limit who can see personal information or tag you.
🔹 17. Monitor Financial Accounts
Check your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity.
➡️ Set up alerts for large transactions.
🔹 18. Test Your Security Awareness
Take a short phishing or cybersecurity quiz (like Google’s Phishing Quiz).
➡️ Stay sharp and updated on new scams.
🔹 19. Secure External Devices
Scan USB drives and external disks before opening them.
➡️ Avoid plugging in unknown or found drives.
🔹 20. Review Security Policies (for Businesses)
If you manage a business or team, review:
- Access control lists
- Employee permissions
- Data protection procedures
➡️ Update policies when staff or systems change.
✅ Final Tip: Automate What You Can
Set reminders for the 1st of every month or use tools like:
- Windows Task Scheduler
- Cron jobs (for servers)
- Security dashboards (for IT admins)
“Good cybersecurity is built on habits — not panic.”
By following this monthly checklist, you’ll stay ahead of most digital threats and protect your devices, data, and reputation.
