Cybersecurity leader Marissa Arbour, Principal Cybersecurity Analyst and longtime advocate for digital literacy, has released a free Digital Safety Quick-Start Checklist designed for everyday individuals who want to reduce online risk without becoming security experts. The checklist reflects Arbour's belief that cybersecurity should be clear, human, and practical, turning that philosophy into action with a short, step-by-step self-audit anyone can complete in 15 minutes.
Cyber risk is no longer abstract, with statistics showing its daily impact: one in five Americans has experienced identity theft at least once, the average individual victim of cybercrime loses $1,300 per incident, and 74% of breaches involve human behavior rather than system failures. Over 60% of people reuse passwords across multiple accounts. "These numbers tell us the problem isn't technology," Arbour said. "It's habits. And habits can be changed."
The checklist draws directly from Arbour's work across fintech, banking, healthcare, and education, focusing on the actions that matter most while avoiding technical language. "Clarity is a security tool," she explained. "If people understand what to do, they're far more likely to do it." It also reflects her view that learning should feel approachable, as "security training doesn't have to be boring" and people learn better when it feels human and practical.
The Digital Safety Quick-Start Checklist includes a personal password and account review, a simple device and update check, a phishing awareness self-test, a short guide to setting up multi-factor authentication, and a one-page "digital reset" routine for monthly use. Users are encouraged to set a timer for 15 minutes, open the checklist on their phone or laptop, work through each section once without perfection, and pick one habit to improve immediately. "Small, consistent actions create the most lasting progress," Arbour said.
Common mistakes people make include waiting until something goes wrong to take action, reusing passwords because it feels convenient, ignoring updates and notifications, assuming cybersecurity is only for businesses, and trying to fix everything at once instead of starting small. "Most mistakes happen when people rush or avoid the issue entirely," Arbour noted. "Slowing down changes outcomes." The resource is available for download at https://example.com/digital-safety-checklist.
This initiative matters because it addresses the human element of cybersecurity, which is responsible for the majority of breaches. By providing an accessible tool that demystifies security practices, Arbour's checklist empowers individuals to take proactive steps, potentially reducing personal financial losses and identity theft incidents. For industries like fintech and healthcare, where user behavior impacts overall security, such resources can complement organizational efforts by educating consumers. On a broader scale, widespread adoption of basic digital safety habits could contribute to a more resilient online ecosystem, reducing the overall burden of cybercrime on society.
