Cybersecurity leader Marissa Arbour 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.
The importance of this resource lies in addressing the tangible cyber risks that affect daily life. Statistics show that 1 in 5 Americans has experienced identity theft at least once, while the average individual victim of cybercrime loses $1,300 per incident. More significantly, 74% of breaches involve human behavior rather than system failures, and 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." The resource includes a personal password and account review, a simple device and update check, a phishing awareness self-test, a guide to setting up multi-factor authentication, and a one-page "digital reset" routine for monthly use.
Arbour identifies common mistakes that increase vulnerability, including waiting until something goes wrong to take action, reusing passwords for convenience, 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 checklist is available for download at https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/506123/marissa-arbour-launches-free-15-minute-digital-safety-checklist, providing a structured approach that individuals can implement immediately. By addressing the human factors behind most security breaches, this resource represents a practical step toward reducing widespread digital vulnerabilities that affect millions of people annually.
