This page is part of the Ark repo on GitHub for creating an offline backup computer. Have something to add? Improve it with a pull request!

I'm not a security expert. This is basic advice that security experts broadly agree on, compiled with help from AI. No promises or warranties: do your own research.

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Spooky Security

Focus Areas

Choose areas to focus on to customize the steps and prompts below.

Your devices
Everyday
Specialized
Do you have a...
Top Steps: Do it yourselfIf you're short on time, the top things you can do to secure yourself.
    • Turn on a passkey, or at least an authenticator app instead of text-message codes.
    • Check that the recovery phone number and email are yours.
    • Look at where you're signed in (in Gmail: Security, Your devices) and sign out of anything you don't recognize.
    • Remove mail forwarding you didn't set up, and apps connected through "Sign in with Google" or Apple that you don't use.
    Tools

    Done when: Strong sign-in on, recovery details confirmed, strangers signed out.

    • Pick one. 1Password and Bitwarden work everywhere; Apple Passwords and Google Password Manager are already on your devices.
    • If you pick 1Password or Bitwarden, write its master password on paper and keep it at home.
    • Move your top 5 accounts in, each with a new password: email, bank, phone carrier, Apple or Google, and your most-used shopping site.
    • Its built-in two-step codes are fine for most accounts. Keep your main email and the manager itself on a passkey or a separate authenticator app, so both locks aren't in one place.
    Tools

    Done when: Your top 5 accounts each have their own password in the manager.

    • Set an account PIN with your carrier, plus its number-transfer (port-out) and SIM locks where offered. Most are in the carrier's app.
    Tools

    Done when: PIN and locks set.

    • Replace any device that no longer gets security updates.
    Mac
    System Settings, General, Software Update. Turn on automatic updates.
    Windows
    Settings, Windows Update. Turn on automatic updates.
    iPhone
    Settings, General, Software Update. Turn on automatic updates.
    Android
    Settings, System, Software update (the names vary by phone).

    Done when: Automatic updates are on everywhere.

    • If you use Homebrew: brew outdated, then brew upgrade.
    • Tools tucked inside other apps (like FFmpeg) need the AI scan below.
    Mac
    App Store, then Updates. Then "Check for Updates" in each app's menu: browsers, Zoom, Office, creative apps.
    Windows
    Microsoft Store, then Library, then Get updates. Or type winget upgrade --all in Terminal.
    iPhone
    App Store, tap your picture, then Update All.
    Android
    Play Store, tap your picture, Manage apps and device, then Update all.

    Done when: The apps you use most are current.

  1. iPhone
    A passcode of 6 digits or more. Stolen Device Protection on (Settings, Face ID and Passcode). Find My on.
    Android
    A PIN of 6 digits or more. Theft protection on (Settings, Google, All services, Theft protection). Find Hub on (search Settings for Find Hub or Find My Device).
    Mac
    FileVault on (System Settings, Privacy and Security). Find My Mac on.
    Windows
    Device encryption or BitLocker on. Find my device on.

    Done when: Passcode, theft protection, encryption and Find My are on.

    • Turn on the strongest sign-in each bank and card offers.
    • Turn on alerts for new sign-ins and large charges.
    • In the US, freeze your credit at all three bureaus. It's free, and you can lift it briefly when you apply for credit.
    Tools

    Done when: Alerts on, and frozen at all three bureaus.

    • Cloud sync isn't a backup: deletions and ransomware sync too.
    • Restore one file to prove it works.
    Mac
    Time Machine to an external drive.
    Windows
    File History to an external drive.
    iPhone
    iCloud Backup, or back up to your computer.
    Android
    Google backup in Settings.

    Done when: At least one tested copy that isn't just cloud sync.

    • Agree on a word with your family in person, never by text.
    • If a call asks for money or secrecy, hang up and call back on a number you look up yourself.
    • Never pay with gift cards or crypto because someone on the phone asked.

    Done when: Your family knows the word.

Your selected steps plus the full list, in one HTML file. No outside requests.
Show the full to-do list

Keep going after the top steps. Open a row for instructions.

Accounts and sign-in

  1. 10Upgrade two-step sign-in on your other accounts

    Move important accounts from text codes to a passkey, security key or authenticator app. Save backup codes, test the new method, then remove texts where the service allows.

  2. 11Replace reused or breached passwords

    Use your password manager's checkup. Change weak passwords one account at a time, main email first.

  3. 12Remove old account connections

    Review apps using Sign in with Google, Apple or Microsoft. Remove ones you no longer use.

  4. 13Replace guessable security answers

    Store made-up answers in your password manager.

  5. 14Turn on breach alerts

    Have I Been Pwned can email you when your address appears in a known breach.

Home Wi-Fi

  1. 15Review your router and Wi-Fi settings

    Change the admin password, use WPA3 or WPA2, turn on updates and replace unsupported hardware. Review remote administration, WPS, UPnP and port forwards before disabling anything you rely on.

  2. 16Separate gadgets and guests

    Use your router's guest network where the devices support it, then test that they still work.

Computers

  1. 17Check your firewall

    Keep the built-in firewall on. Before changing remote access, test a second working way in.

  2. 18Use an everyday account without admin rights

    Keep a separate administrator account for changes, with its recovery details safe.

  3. 19Remove unused apps and extensions

    Especially review cracked or unsigned software. Download replacements only from official sources.

  4. 20Keep remote access on a private network

    Use a service such as Tailscale rather than exposing an admin tool to the internet. Test access before closing public ports.

  5. 21Recognize terminal-paste scams

    Never paste a command because a stranger or website tells you to. Understand commands you approve in your own AI session.

  6. 22Keep built-in malware protection on

    Check Windows Security on Windows. Keep your Mac's built-in security updates enabled.

Phones

  1. 23Review your apps' permissions

    Remove apps you don't use and check access to your camera, microphone and location.

  2. 24Check for unknown management profiles

    On iPhone, look in Settings, General, VPN & Device Management. Ask the owner or administrator before removing a profile from a managed device.

  3. 25Use official app sources

    Review the publisher before installing an app. Avoid installation links sent by strangers.

Scams

  1. 26Keep sign-in codes to yourself

    Never read a code to someone who contacted you, even if they claim to be your bank.

  2. 27Call back when a request feels urgent

    Use a saved number or the company's official site, especially for requests for money or secrecy.

  3. 28Refuse unexpected remote-control requests

    A support caller who contacted you should not control your computer.

Backups and recovery

  1. 29Set up a recovery or legacy contact

    Review the options in your Apple or Google account with someone you trust.

  2. 30Plan for a lost device

    Mark it lost in the maker's Find service. Confirm backup access before erasing it or removing it from your account.

Longer term

  1. 31Close accounts you no longer use

    Export what you need first, then close the account.

  2. 32Repeat your security check

    Revisit every few months and after major security news.

Or work with an AIClaude or Codex does a system scan, creates a private dashboard, and walks you through it.

Run this in Claude Code or Codex. Choose what kind of prompt you want, then paste it into your AI.

If you put this into an AI, your weak spots may end up in its transcript.
  • Turn off model training in your AI's settings. Review the provider's retention policy too; turning training off does not erase a transcript.
  • If you have the AI search for your secrets, be ready to change those passwords and keys soon after it finds them.
  • Delete the transcript when you're done. The prompt walks you through it.
Scope
How often should the AI check in with you?
Your prompt

        

The full check-up is bundled with this page, based on the Ark security guide on GitHub.

All resourcesApps to download, account websites, hardware and guides. Open the category you need.

Choose what you need. For car and smart-home risks, start with Focus Areas above to add the matching steps.

Apps to download Password managers, sign-in codes and private connections

1Password or Bitwarden

Make a different password for every account. Apple Passwords and Google Password Manager are built in if you'd prefer those.

ForEveryone. Bitwarden has a free plan.

Ente Auth, 2FAS or Aegis

Authenticator apps for accounts without passkeys. Set up backup access before switching.

ForAnyone using sign-in codes. Aegis is Android only.

Signal

Encrypted messages and calls. Verify safety numbers for sensitive conversations, and protect access to your account.

ForSensitive conversations with family or financial contacts.

Tailscale

Reach your own computers through a private network. Protect its sign-in and test it before closing an old way in.

ForRemote access or several computers.
Account websites Check sign-ins, freeze credit and get breach alerts

Have I Been Pwned

Sign up for alerts when your email address appears in a known data breach.

ForEveryone.

Credit freezes: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion

Free at all three bureaus. Lift the freeze when you apply for credit.

ForUS residents.

Carrier locks: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T

Protect your number with an account PIN and the carrier's SIM and transfer locks.

ForAnyone with a mobile number.
Hardware Security keys and offline crypto storage

YubiKey

A physical security key. Register two so you have a spare, and test both before removing another sign-in method.

ForImportant email, client or financial accounts.

Trezor or Ledger

Hardware wallets. Buy directly from the maker and keep the recovery phrase offline.

ForPeople who hold their own crypto.
Guides and built-in settings Messaging, backups, cars and deeper checks

Time Machine, File History, iCloud or Google backup

Use your device's built-in backups and test a restore. Keep a copy separate from cloud sync.

ForEveryone.

Hyundai anti-theft, Kia anti-theft and Tesla security

Check campaign eligibility by VIN, or find your car's security settings. Add matching tasks in Focus Areas.

ForOwners of these cars, especially US turn-key Hyundai and Kia models.

Ark security guide

The source for the full check-up prompt, with more context and checks.

ForPeople running an AI check-up.

Cloudflare security-audit skill

Have a coding agent review your own code. Read its instructions and test untrusted code only in a sandbox.

ForDevelopers with their own apps or websites.
Personal safety help If someone close to you may have access

National Domestic Violence Hotline

From a safe device, talk with an advocate before changing settings. Changes can alert someone who is monitoring you.

ForAnyone worried that a partner or ex has access.