I'm sharing this on the clan website because I genuinely care about everyone's well-being and safety. Below, you'll find a list of practical tips and advice to help you build stronger situational awareness habits, ensuring a safer environment for you and your family in today's world.
Physical Security Tips
1. Maintain Situational Awareness
- • Stay alert to your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar or crowded places.
- • Avoid distractions like excessive phone usage when in public.
2. Be Cautious with Personal Information
- • Avoid displaying family size or other personal details on car stickers.
- • Do not share your daily routine or location publicly.
3. Practice Awareness When Driving
- • Check for cars following you, especially on repetitive routes.
- • If you suspect someone is tailing you, drive to a safe, public area and call for help.
4. Choose Strategic Seating
- • When dining out, sit where you can see the entrance and exits.
- • Avoid having your back to the door to stay aware of incoming activity.
5. Secure Your Home
- • Install strong locks, security cameras, and adequate lighting around your property.
- • Keep doors and windows locked even when you are home.
6. Be Prepared
- • Carry essential items like a charged phone and ID.
- • Take self-defense classes or carry legal self-defense tools where permitted.
Cybersecurity Tips
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
- • Create passwords with at least 12 characters, combining upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- • Avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays or common words.
- • Use a password manager to securely store and generate passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- • Protect your accounts with 2FA wherever possible, adding an extra layer of security beyond your password.
3. Keep Software Updated
- • Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software to patch security vulnerabilities.
4. Be Cautious with Links and Attachments
- • Don’t click on links or download attachments in unsolicited emails or messages.
- • Verify URLs before entering credentials or downloading files.
- • Scan suspicious files and URLs before visiting them with VirusTotal.
5. Secure Your Wi-Fi
- • Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and ensure WPA3 (or at least WPA2) encryption is enabled.
- • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions unless you’re using a VPN.
6. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Tools
- • Install and regularly update trusted security software to detect and remove threats.
7. Monitor Your Accounts
- • Regularly check your bank and online accounts for unauthorized activity.
- • Set up alerts for unusual transactions.
8. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications
- • Beware of phishing attempts via email, calls, or messages.
- • Verify the source before sharing sensitive information.
9. Secure Your Devices
- • Lock your devices with PINs, passwords, or biometrics.
- • Enable device encryption to protect your data in case of loss or theft.
10. Practice Safe Browsing
- • Avoid visiting suspicious or unfamiliar websites.
- • Use ad-blockers and privacy-focused browser extensions.
11. Back Up Your Data
- • Regularly back up important files to an external drive or secure cloud storage.
- • Ensure backups are protected and disconnected from your primary system when not in use.
12. Educate Yourself and Stay Informed
- • Learn about current cybersecurity threats and scams.
- • Stay updated on best practices for protecting your data.
Security & Privacy Apps Overview
1. Aura
Overview: Aura is a comprehensive digital security platform that offers identity theft protection, credit monitoring, VPN services, and financial fraud alerts.
Benefits: Aura helps protect your identity and personal information by monitoring credit reports, alerting you to potential fraud, and securing your online activity through a VPN. It provides peace of mind by safeguarding sensitive data and helping prevent cybercrime.
2. Brave Browser
Overview: Brave is a privacy-focused web browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, ensuring a faster and more secure browsing experience.
Benefits: Brave protects your privacy by preventing third-party trackers and reducing intrusive ads. It helps minimize data collection, improving online security and privacy. Brave also rewards users with cryptocurrency for viewing ads if they choose.
3. ProtonVPN
Overview: ProtonVPN is a secure and privacy-focused VPN service developed by the creators of ProtonMail. It offers encrypted connections and anonymous browsing.
Benefits: ProtonVPN enhances online privacy by masking your IP address, encrypting internet traffic, and allowing you to browse securely over public Wi-Fi. It protects against surveillance, censorship, and helps ensure anonymity while accessing the internet.