How many internet-connected devices do you own? A smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a smart watch, maybe a smart TV or home assistant? Research shows the average American household now has over 22 connected devices. Each one is a gateway to your personal life, holding everything from private conversations and photos to banking information and work documents.

Now, ask yourself another question: When was the last time you intentionally, digitally cleaned your devices? This practice, known as device hygiene, is the set of habits you perform to keep your devices and data secure, private, and running efficiently—one of the most critical and overlooked aspects of modern digital life. Think of it as the digital equivalent of brushing your teeth or washing your hands; small, consistent actions that prevent major problems down the line.

This comprehensive guide is designed to be your ultimate resource. We’ll provide you with actionable, expert-backed device security tips to build a robust defense for your digital life.

What is device hygiene?

Device hygiene refers to the routine practices and habits that keep your digital devices clean, secure, and operating efficiently. Unlike general cybersecurity, which focuses on defending against external threats and attacks, digital hygiene emphasizes the personal, daily actions you take to minimize risks, protect privacy, and ensure your technology runs smoothly.

Neglecting these practices can leave your systems vulnerable to malware infections, data breaches, and unauthorized access, compromising both your personal privacy and financial security. By adopting consistent device security tips, you create a stronger defense against cyber threats, minimizing risks, and preserving your digital well-being.

Prioritizing digital hygiene

Taking control of your online world not only protects you. Your individual actions also contribute to a stronger, more secure digital world for your family, friends, and community, fostering a safer online environment for all.

These routines are your personal toolkit for protecting what matters most: your financial information, your personal identity, and your private data. By consistently applying these device security tips, you replace anxiety with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are in control. 

The foundation of good digital hygiene

Before we dive into software and data, we must secure the physical devices themselves and the primary ways we access them. This is the bedrock of your entire security posture. If an unauthorized person can gain access to your unlocked device, all other security measures become instantly irrelevant. These foundational steps are non-negotiable for robust protection.

Strong passwords and authentication

Passwords are the original keys to your digital kingdom, but most people use them poorly. The days of using your pet’s name followed by 123 are long gone. Modern cyberattacks can crack simple, short passwords in seconds. It’s time to level up by following these steps:

  • Create strong, unique passphrases: Forget complex, hard-to-remember passwords like J$f!8*kw. Instead, use a long but memorable passphrase like BlueElephantSinging!nRain. The sheer length makes it exponentially harder to crack. Critically, use a different strong passphrase for every single online account.
  • Employ a password manager: A password manager is an encrypted digital vault that securely stores all your login credentials. You only need to remember one master password to unlock the vault. They can also generate highly complex passwords for you.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA or two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective security tips you can implement. It requires a second form of verification in addition to your password, such as a code sent to your phone or generated by an app (like Google Authenticator or Authy). This means that even if a thief steals your password, they can’t access your account without your physical phone. Enable it everywhere it’s offered.

→ Related: How Often Should You Change Your Passwords?

System and software updates

Software updates, especially for your operating system, are a critical part of good device and digital hygiene. Developers constantly release patches to fix security vulnerabilities that hackers have discovered. Make sure to implement these steps to protect your phone from known exploits:

  • Turn on automatic updates: The easiest way to stay protected is to let your devices handle it for you. Go into the settings on your computer and smartphone and enable automatic software updates.
  • Don’t forget your apps: The same principle applies to the applications installed on your devices. Regularly check your device’s app store for updates and apply them promptly.
  • Check your browser: Browsers usually update automatically in the background. It’s still wise to occasionally check your browser’s About section to ensure you’re running the latest version.

Physical security and screen locks

Digital security begins with physical security. A lost or stolen device is a treasure trove for criminals if it’s not properly locked down.

  • Use a strong screen lock: Always have a screen lock enabled. On mobile devices, biometric options like Face ID or a fingerprint sensor are both secure and convenient. As a backup, use a strong, non-obvious PIN or an alphanumeric password.
  • Set a short auto-lock timer: Configure your devices to automatically lock after a short period of inactivity, such as 30 seconds or one minute. This ensures your device is protected even if you get distracted and walk away from it.
  • Enable Find my device: Both Apple (Find My) and Google (Find My Device) offer free services that allow you to locate, lock, or even remotely erase your device if it’s lost or stolen. Ensure this feature is enabled on all your mobile devices and that you know how to use it from a web browser.

→ Related: “Where Did I Leave My Phone?” Protecting Your Phone from Loss and Theft

Proactive device security tips for a cleaner digital footprint

With the foundations in place, the next layer of protection involves proactive habits. This is about managing what’s on your devices, how you use them to interact with the online world, and ensuring you have a safety net in case things go wrong. These ongoing practices are what truly separate a secure user from an easy target.

App clean-up: Permissions and pruning

Over time, our devices become cluttered with apps we download for a one-time use and then forget about. Each of these apps is a potential security risk, especially if it’s no longer being updated by its developer. It’s time for a digital declutter.

  • Conduct regular app audits: Once a quarter, scroll through all the apps on your phone and computer. If you haven’t used an app in the last three months and don’t have a specific future need for it, uninstall it. Fewer apps mean a smaller attack surface.
  • Scrutinize app permissions: Be mindful of the permissions an app requests. Does that game really need access to your microphone, contacts, and location? You can review and revoke permissions at any time in your device’s settings menu, under Privacy or Apps.
  • Download from official sources only: To minimize the risk of installing malware, only download applications from official stores like the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Avoid sideloading apps from untrusted websites or third-party sources.

Smart browsing and network habits

The internet is where most threats originate. Adopting safer browsing habits is like learning defensive driving for the digital world. It helps you spot and avoid danger before it becomes a problem.

  • Learn to spot phishing: Phishing attacks, where criminals impersonate legitimate companies to trick you into giving up credentials, are rampant. Look for red flags: generic greetings such as Dear Customer, urgent or threatening language, poor grammar, and misspelled email addresses or links. Never click a link. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing the correct address yourself.
  • Insist on HTTPS: Before entering any sensitive information on a website, look for a padlock icon in the address bar and ensure the URL begins with https://. This indicates that your connection to the site is encrypted and secure. Modern browsers will often warn you if a site is not secure.
  • Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, airports, or hotels are notoriously unsecure. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel that prevents anyone on the same network from snooping on your activity.

Data backup: Your digital insurance policy

Hard drives crash, phones get stolen, and ransomware can lock all your files. A consistent backup strategy is your only guarantee against catastrophic data loss. The gold standard is the 3-2-1 backup rule:

  • 3 copies: Keep at least three copies of your important data—the original on your device and two backups.
  • 2 different media: Store your copies on at least two different types of storage media, such as an external hard drive and a cloud service.
  • 1 off-site: Keep at least one of these backup copies in a different physical location.

For most people, a practical application of this is to use both a cloud backup service (like iCloud, Google Drive, or Backblaze) for continuous, off-site protection, and a physical external hard drive for periodic, local backups of their most critical files.

Staying secure in special circumstances

Unique situations present different cybersecurity challenges. From using public Wi-Fi and unfamiliar networks to preparing your device for device disposal, these moments require extra caution to keep your information safe.

Working remotely

Remote work removes the safety net of the corporate office, making device and digital hygiene more crucial than ever. To ensure safe and efficient work beyond your company’s walls, be diligent about security practices both inside your home and when connecting from public spaces.

  • Use a trusted VPN: Always connect to your corporate or a reputable VPN, like McAfee Safe Connect, before accessing work resources remotely.
  • Secure your home Wi-Fi: Change your router’s default password, enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, and disable unnecessary remote access features.
  • Avoid public USB charging: Do not plug devices into public USB charging stations, as these can sometimes transmit malware. Use your own charging brick and cable.
  • Separate work & personal data: Keep professional files and communications on company-approved devices and accounts. Don’t mix personal and business information in cloud storage or messaging apps.
  • Enable remote wipe: Activate device-finding and remote-wipe features like those offered by McAfee Endpoint Protection in case your device is lost or stolen.
  • Follow company policies: Adhere to your employer’s security guidelines, such as updating security software and reporting suspicious activity promptly.

Travel-specific digital hygiene

Traveling offers cybercriminals new opportunities to target personal devices at airports, hotels, and unfamiliar networks. Following essential digital hygiene before, during, and after your trip significantly reduces these risks and keeps your devices secure.

  • Before you travel:
    • Update operating systems, apps, and security tools to patch known vulnerabilities before departure.
    • Back up vital data to the cloud or an encrypted external drive to prevent loss if your device is stolen or damaged.
    • Enable device tracking (Find My for Apple, Find My Device for Android, or McAfee anti-theft) and ensure remote lock/wipe features are set up.
    • Use unique PINs, complex passwords, or biometric locks on all devices. Never share passcodes in transit.
  • At airports and border crossings:
    • Keep devices in your carry-on and never leave them unattended. Use screen locks and shut down wireless radios (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) when not in use.
    • Be prepared for device inspections at borders—consider a travel account with minimal data access, and store sensitive information in the cloud with local encryption for travel devices.
  • Using public Wi-Fi and charging stations:
    • Always activate a virtual private network before accessing sensitive services on public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid online banking or shopping if unsure about the network’s security.
    • Don’t use public USB charging stations. Opt for your own charging brick and cable connected to an outlet.
  • During your trip:
    • Be vigilant about your surroundings. Always lock your screen when stepping away, and avoid sharing travel updates publicly until you return.
    • Limit connecting to untrusted networks and disable auto-connect features for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • If your device is lost or stolen:
    • Immediately use remote lock or wipe tools to block unauthorized access and erase sensitive data.
    • Change passwords for your main accounts (email, banking, workplace) as soon as possible.
    • Report the loss to local authorities and your mobile provider to prevent identity fraud and unauthorized usage.
  • Upon returning home:
    • Run a complete malware scan using your security software to ensure your devices haven’t been compromised.
    • Change your device and key account passwords, especially if you previously connected to public or unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks.

By making these simple steps part of your travel routine, you’ll ensure your laptops, phones, and other smart gadgets remain protected wherever your journeys take you. Prioritizing device hygiene when traveling is one of the most effective ways to prevent costly data loss and privacy breaches.

Responsible–and safe–device disposal or recycling

When it’s time to upgrade your phone, tablet, or laptop, simply tossing it in the trash isn’t just wasteful—it can also be risky. Old devices often contain personal data, even after deletion, and improper disposal can harm the environment. Follow these electronics recycling or repurposing guidelines to protect your privacy, reduce e-waste, and support a more sustainable tech lifecycle:

  • Back up important data: Save crucial files to a secure cloud or external drive before wiping your device.
  • Sign out & remove accounts: Log out from all accounts and remove linked services, including Apple ID or Google accounts.
  • Take out SIM or SD cards: Eject and keep your SIM card and any external storage cards to protect your personal data.
  • Decrypt drives (if encrypted): Decrypt any encrypted drives so that the factory reset fully erases data.
  • Factory reset the device: Use your device’s settings to perform a factory reset to thoroughly erase sensitive data.
  • Physically destroy storage: When highly sensitive data is involved, consider physically damaging the storage chip or drive prior to recycling.
  • Recycle responsibly: Take devices to approved local e-waste recyclers, following all community guidelines for safe and eco-friendly disposal.

→ Related: How to Protect Your Smartphone from SIM Swapping

Advanced digital hygiene

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can move on to more advanced practices that give you greater control over your data and how it’s used by corporations and other third parties. This is about minimizing your digital shadow and fortifying the gateways to your home network.

Manage your data privacy settings

Tech companies and advertisers collect vast amounts of data about your online behavior. While you can’t stop it all, you can significantly limit it by diving into your privacy settings.

  • Limit ad tracking: On your smartphone, you can limit ad tracking to make it harder for advertisers to follow you around the web. In iOS you can find it under Privacy & Security > Tracking; in Android under Settings > Google > Ads. 
  • Conduct a privacy checkup: Use the Privacy Checkup tools on major platforms such as Google and Facebook, allowing you to control location history, ad topics shown to you, and third-party apps that can access your account.
  • Practice data minimization: When signing up for a new service, provide only the information that is absolutely required. If a field is optional, leave it blank. The less data you share, the less data can be exposed in a breach.

Track and reduce your digital footprint

Maintaining good digital hygiene means not only cleaning up your devices, but actively monitoring and minimizing your online presence. Auditing your digital footprint, using automated alert tools, and removing unnecessary accounts help prevent identity theft and unwanted data exposure.

  1. Audit your online presence: Search your name, email addresses, and old usernames in major search engines and social media platforms. Identify accounts and public data you may have forgotten about.
  2. Review and delete old accounts: Close accounts for outdated services or apps you no longer use such as former shopping sites, forums, or utilities.
  3. Set up alerts for data breaches: Free and premium resources for Identity Monitoring will send alerts if your information appears in a breach or on the dark web. Enable email and phone breach alerts for rapid response.
  4. Monitor data broker sites: Run regular checks on common data broker sites to see if your personal data is listed. Request information removal according to each broker’s process. Specialist tools automate much of this task.
  5. Automate your footprint defense: Many identity protection services and privacy tools offer continuous monitoring, automated breach alerts, and dashboard views of your exposure. Enable these features as part of your digital hygiene routine.

Secure your home Wi-Fi network

Your home router is the single point of entry for all devices on your network. If it’s not secure, none of your devices are truly safe. Yet, most people use the default settings provided by their internet service provider.

  • Change the default admin login: Every router has a default, publicly known username and password for accessing its settings. The very first thing you should do is log in to your router’s settings and change them to something unique.
  • Use strong encryption: In your router’s wireless security settings, ensure you are using the strongest available encryption protocol, which is currently WPA3. If that’s not available, WPA2 is the next best option. Avoid the outdated and insecure WEP and WPA protocols.
  • Create a guest network: Most modern routers allow you to create a guest network for your visitors’ and untrusted smart IoT devices. This isolates them from your main network. If one of them is compromised, the infection can’t spread to your device.

Safeguard personal information beyond privacy settings

Digital hygiene in protecting sensitive personal data requires going beyond just privacy settings. It entails securing your files, communications, and identifying information at every stage.

  • Encrypt storage drives: Enable built-in full-disk encryption on your devices (like BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for macOS, device encryption on Android/iOS) to protect your data in case your machine is lost or stolen.
  • Use trusted and secure cloud storage: Choose reputable providers that offer end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication for your cloud accounts. Encrypt highly sensitive documents before uploading.
  • Redact personal data before sharing: Before sending images of IDs or sharing sensitive PDFs, use built-in redaction tools to blur or blackout confidential information.
  • Limit app permissions and third-party access: Routinely review which apps and services have access to your cloud accounts, contacts, or files. Revoke access for any app you don’t fully trust or no longer use.
  • Leverage software tools: Some solutions offer identity monitoring, encrypted vaults, and anti-phishing features to help keep your personal and financial data out of the wrong hands. Set up automatic monitoring for new breaches or leaks involving your information.

By systematically encrypting, redacting, and restricting access to your sensitive data, you strengthen your daily digital hygiene and dramatically reduce the risk of identity theft and accidental data exposure.

Common threats from poor device security

  • Malware and virus infections: Malicious software can steal information and slow down your devices. Ignoring software updates or downloading from untrusted sites are hygiene failures that leave a wide-open door for these infections.
  • Ransomware attacks: Criminals can encrypt your important files and demand payment for their release. This threat becomes devastating when you neglect a key digital hygiene practice: performing regular data backups.
  • Successful phishing and financial loss: These targeted scams trick you into giving away login credentials or banking details. They succeed due to a lapse in digital vigilance, such as clicking suspicious links without verifying their source first.
  • Identity theft: Cybercriminals can steal and use your identity by exploiting personal information exposed in data breaches. Reusing passwords across multiple services is a critical hygiene mistake that makes you a much easier target.

Create sustainable digital hygiene habits

True device and digital hygiene isn’t about performing a massive, one-time cleanup. It’s about integrating small, simple checks into your life to make security a sustainable habit. Here’s a sample routine you can adapt.

The weekly check-up (5 minutes)

  • Check for updates: Manually check for OS and key app updates on your primary phone and computer.
  • Clear browser data: Clear the cache and cookies on your main web browser to prevent tracking buildup and fix performance issues.
  • Review downloads folder: Delete old installers and files you no longer need from your downloads folder.

The monthly deep clean (15-20 minutes)

  • App audit: Scroll through your phone and uninstall any apps you haven’t used this month.
  • Review permissions: Quickly check the permissions for your most-used apps. Revoke anything that seems excessive.
  • Check back-up status: Verify that your cloud backup is running and perform a manual backup to your external hard drive.
  • Run a malware scan: Use the built-in security software on your OS (like Windows Security) or a reputable third-party tool to run a full system scan.

The annual security audit (30-60 minutes)

  • Password manager review: Use your password manager’s audit tool to find and change any weak, reused, or compromised passwords.
  • Privacy checkup: Go through the Google, Apple, and Facebook privacy checkups to review your settings and connected third-party apps.
  • Router firmware update: Log in to your router’s admin panel and check if a firmware update is available.
  • Review subscriptions: Check your bank and credit card statements for any recurring subscriptions to services you no longer use.

Cheat sheet for device hygiene 

For your easy reference, here’s a quick checklist of best security practices you can easily sustain:

  • Daily:
    • Lock device when unattended
    • Use strong passwords and MFA
    • Avoid suspicious links and emails
    • Use VPN on public Wi-Fi
    • Restart device at least once
  • Weekly:
    • Check and install software updates
    • Clear browser cache and cookies
    • Run a malware scan
    • Review new app permissions
  • Occasionally:
    • Change passwords and audit old accounts
    • Back up important data to cloud and drive
    • Wipe and recycle unused devices with data erase tools
    • Update router firmware and check network settings
    • Use a device clean-up tool periodically

Digital hygiene skills for everyday life

Spreading strong digital hygiene habits starts with education and engagement—whether the goal is to support family members, elevate your workplace security, or teach children the importance of staying safe online.

  • For children
    • Present cyber safety as part of daily life, comparable to seat belts or brushing teeth.
    • Use interactive online games, quizzes, or story-based scenarios—such as those offered in the McAfee Digital Safety Program—to reinforce smart password habits, device locking, and careful sharing.
    • Create family digital checklists and celebrate streaks to gamify consistent digital hygiene.
  • For seniors
    • Host small-group tutorials using real-world analogies (Lock your iPad like your house!) and walk through the basics of updates, passwords, and scam spotting.
    • Encourage ongoing questions, and recommend clear, interface-friendly guides for step-by-step protection like McAfee’s blog post on Online Safety for Seniors.
  • In the workplace
    • Pair annual or quarterly security training with short quizzes and prize-based digital hygiene challenges for employees. Topics could include spotting phishing emails and securely disposing of company hardware.
    • Promote knowledge-sharing with cyber hygiene champions who guide their colleagues through new security tools and evolving policies.
  • Continuous learning culture
    • Incorporate short, regular reminders (monthly emails, in-app tips, or posters) about the latest device security tips and new threats.
    • Leverage McAfee’s free online resources to keep everyone current.

Final thoughts

An increasingly hyper-connected world has erased the line between our physical and digital lives. Digital hygiene practices are no longer the sole jurisdiction of IT experts. They are now essential life skills for everyone, just like locking your home and car. As a previously passive user, you have been empowered to be a proactive guardian of your own digital identity.

By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide—from fortifying your logins with password managers and multi-factor authentication to creating a routine for updates and backups—you build layers of defense that make you a much harder target for cybercriminals. The goal isn’t to achieve impenetrable perfection, but to cultivate consistent, positive habits that drastically reduce your risk and provide invaluable peace of mind.