Checklists are an easy way to keep repetitive tasks fuss free. They:
- Help you bypass tedious decision-making
- Remind you of steps you're likely to miss
- Save time by putting your workflow on autopilot
Your digital life has many tasks that make a great case for the use of checklists. Here are six starter checklists we have created to help you keep track of your digital activity. Feel free to tweak them as you see fit.
1. Data and Device Security Checklist
Your phones and computers hold a lot of your personal data, including contacts, photos, files, and passwords. Loss of any of those devices to theft, damage, malware, or even absentmindedness is an eventuality you have to stay prepared for. You also have to guard against privacy attacks facilitated by "spy software", insecure applications, and government surveillance. By safeguarding your devices and data you can breathe a little easy.
Use the following checklist to strengthen the security of each of your devices. Remember to do this for every smartphone or computer you acquire.
- Install a security and malware protection suite
- Set up a secure lock screen
- Protect your Webcam
- Opt out of targeted advertising
- Encrypt and back up your data
- Enable theft protection
Also, read our guide on simplifying and securing your online life with LastPass and Xmarks.
2. Online Security and Privacy Checklist
Several entities track every move you make on the Web. They use these digital trails for reasons like showing you ads, studying your browsing habits, and stealing your personal data. This is why you must aim to make your browser as secure as possible. First, tweak these settings on your browser. Next, complete the tasks on the checklist below.
- Update your browser to the latest version available
- Enable secure connections by default
- Tunnel your browsing traffic through a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Block tracking scripts
- Sign up for access and transaction alerts for your online accounts
- Revoke permissions from unused/unknown apps
Scams and phishing attacks are becoming sneakier. That's why digital security requires more than a set-it-and-forget-it approach these days. See how you could be using the Web wrong. From time to time, take measures to make yourself less vulnerable online.
3. New Account Checklist
Streamline your workflow for online account registrations with the following checklist. That way you won't forget about crucial steps like limiting who can view your complete profile or read your updates.
- Create a strong password
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Tweak notification and privacy settings
- Update profile data
- Set up a reminder for plan/subscription renewal or cancellation
- Create IFTTT recipes to make the best of the service
What if you lose your cellphone and can't receive verification codes to bypass 2FA? To deal with such a scenario, Web services often provide a set of backup codes when you enable 2FA. Store them in an encrypted text file to ensure that you don't get locked out of your account in case your cellphone goes missing.
On a side note, we also have a checklist you can refer to when you're deleting accounts that you no longer use.
4. Online Financial Transactions Checklist
Online shopping and banking are quite convenient and time-saving options to have. But they involve a high amount of risk. Think credit card frauds and identity thefts. Make your online money transactions safer with the checklist given below. And don't ignore warnings about website security certificates either.
- Check the URL to ensure that you're on the right page
- Check for a padlock in the address bar/status bar
- Use a virtual keyboard
- Verify the details of your transaction
- Use a One-Time Password (OTP)
- Log out after you have completed the transaction
5. Malware Removal Checklist
Despite taking all the requisite precautions the worst has happened. Your smartphone or computer has been infected with malware. You're likely to need OS-specific measures for malware removal. But here's the least you must do:
- Disconnect from the Internet
- Run a full system scan to isolate the type of malware
- Research the malware found
- Find a fix for it online (using a different device with Internet access) and implement it
- Clean up temporary files and uninstall suspicious software
- Change your passwords
It's best to take preventive measures to avoid the stressful experience of malware infection. Stay informed about malware-related topics such as smartphone security, Facebook threats, and rogue adverts.
6. Working-On-The-Go Checklist
Keep this next checklist handy to ensure that you have all that you need to work on the go. It will not only save you time, but also help you avoid panic when you're battling short deadlines. Of course, there's more you can do to maximize your productivity anywhere.
- Install offline apps wherever possible
- Pack those chargers and battery banks
- Figure out Internet access points beforehand
- Download important files to local storage
- Carry a portable OS on a pen drive
- Sync your data (to pick up where you left off)
Checklists for Life
There are so many areas you can cover with simple checklists. It's easy to create one yourself, but why not inspire yourself with these ideas and tools?
- Checklist.com
- Checklists.com
- Checkli.com
- Workflowy
Dr. Atul Gawande's book The Checklist Manifesto is recommended for all checklist users. But if you prefer to get to the task, go through Project Check -- A Checklist for Checklists [Broken URL Removed].
Are You a Checklist User?
Experiment with these checklists and see if they help you make quick work of routine tasks. You can then extend the checklist concept to areas like project planning, travel, and job hunts.
Do you have a super useful checklist idea you'd like to share with us and our readers? Mention it in the comments.