What is our security and privacy health check?

The Security and Privacy Health Check is a quick personal self-audit designed to highlight the basics of digital safety. In just a few questions, you can see whether your current setup is strong or if there are gaps you should address.

No information is saved — it’s private, fast, and designed to help you build peace of mind.

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Why use our security and privacy health check?

Most people don’t realize how small oversights — like reusing passwords or skipping software updates — can lead to major problems. This tool helps you check off the fundamentals of everyday digital safety:

• Safer online browsing and banking
• Protection against phishing and malware
• Better privacy when using public networks
• Peace of mind knowing your files and accounts are harder to compromise

It’s not a replacement for advanced security, but it covers the essentials everyone should have in place.

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Frequently asked questions

Is my data tracked or stored when I take the health check?
No. The tool is private and nothing is saved or transmitted.

What does my score actually mean?
It’s a quick gauge of your personal digital hygiene. A higher score means you’ve covered most basics; a lower score means there are important fixes to make.

Why is a VPN on public Wi-Fi important?
Public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure. A VPN encrypts your traffic so attackers can’t snoop on your browsing, logins, or personal data.

Do I really need a password manager?
Yes. Reusing passwords is one of the biggest risks. A password manager creates and stores strong, unique passwords for each account, so one breach doesn’t expose everything.

Is two-factor authentication (2FA) really necessary?
Absolutely. Even if someone steals your password, 2FA adds a second lock (a code, app prompt, or key) to keep your accounts secure.

Why auto-install updates?
Operating system and browser updates patch critical vulnerabilities. Delaying them leaves you open to known exploits.

Isn’t antivirus enough without a firewall?
Not quite. Antivirus protects against malicious files, while a firewall helps block unwanted network traffic. Together, they cover different angles of defense.

Do I need to back up if I use cloud services?
Yes. Even cloud accounts can be hacked or accidentally deleted. A 3-2-1 backup strategy (three copies, two media types, one offsite) is the safest approach.

Why encrypt the primary drive?
Drive encryption (BitLocker on Windows, FileVault on macOS) protects your files if your laptop is lost or stolen. Without it, anyone can access your data by removing the drive.

Is limiting browser extensions really important?
Yes. Every extension has access to your browsing activity, and some are poorly maintained or even malicious. Only keep what you trust and need.