For each of the following questions, select the answer that best applies to you.


*1. I avoid downloading files from peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing sites.
Yes  No


*2. If a stranger sends me a link or attachment, I never click it.
Yes  No


*3. I’m aware that my smartphone is probably tracking my location and voice, so I take precautions.
Yes  No


*4. I’m aware of special operating systems I could use to protect my privacy on laptop and desktop computers.
Yes  No


*5. In general, I try to avoid giving an app access to my microphone, location, calendar, photos, or other phone content.
Yes  No


*6. I deactivate social media accounts I no longer use.
Yes  No


*7. I avoid using Android devices, because Android is an aggressive surveillance system.
Yes  No


*8. Even if I never created a social media account, I know that social media companies have created them for me (“shadow profiles”).
Yes  No


*9. I sometimes add fake information to my social media to protect my privacy.
Yes  No


*10. I avoid using the Google search engine because it aggressively tracks my search activity.
Yes  No


*11. I regularly clear all my browsing data (e.g., history, cookies, and cache) throughout the day.
Yes  No


*12. I’m aware that mobile devices (such as phones and tablets) can listen in on me even they’re turned off.
Yes  No


*13. I know how to use anti-malware and anti-virus apps on my devices, and I use them regularly.
Yes  No


*14. I have my devices set so that my data backs up automatically.
Yes  No


*15. I avoid sharing my password with others.
Yes  No


*16. I always block social media accounts that make me feel uneasy or unsafe.
Yes  No


*17. Whenever possible, I use a VPN when making an online transaction.
Yes  No


*18. I regularly update my antivirus software.
Yes  No


*19. I try to limit how much my family and friends post about me online.
Yes  No


*20. I always use a search engine that protects my privacy.
Yes  No


*21. I always review the privacy policies of my online personal assistants (such as ChatGPT).
Yes  No


*22. I avoid using products that have microphones or cameras installed (e.g., Nest thermostats, the Ring doorbell, or smart speakers).
Yes  No


*23. I regularly delete apps I don’t need or use.
Yes  No


*24. I am aware that biased answers given by personal assistants can be used to influence my thinking or behavior without my knowledge.
Yes  No


*25. I try to avoid sharing information with personal assistants.
Yes  No


*26. I avoid using Google or Facebook to sign into other apps or websites.
Yes  No


*27. I have nothing to hide, so I don’t care whether companies are tracking me online.
Yes  No


*28. I avoid posting on social media while in an emotional state.
Yes  No


*29. I download apps when urged to do so by companies and websites.
Yes  No


*30. I am aware that private browsing modes usually do not protect my privacy.
Yes  No


*31. I often double-check the truth of news info I see on my social media.
Yes  No


*32. I often use an email that has end-to-end encryption so only my contact and I know what it says.
Yes  No


*33. I always use an ad blocker when I surf the web.
Yes  No


*34. I always turn off the personal assistants on my devices (e.g., Alexa, Cortana, Siri, Google Assistant, etc.) so they don’t spy on me.
Yes  No


*35. To increase my privacy, I sometimes turn off my device’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections when I’m not using them.
Yes  No


*36. I'm worried about how companies are using my personal data.
Yes  No


*37. I know how to adjust firewall settings on my devices to protect my privacy.
Yes  No


*38. I often fact-check the information I’m shown in search results.
Yes  No


*39. I have researched my VPN to determine if it has a good track record and has shown trustworthy business practices in the past.
Yes  No


*40. Before I install an app, I check its reviews and privacy policy to make sure it’s safe.
Yes  No


*41. I only download files from people or places I trust.
Yes  No


*42. If my device is not encrypted by default, I make sure to encrypt it.
Yes  No


*43. I only install security programs that are trusted and well-reviewed.
Yes  No


*44. In online social media postings, I try to reveal as little personal information about me as I can.
Yes  No


*45. I make copies of important messages and emails.
Yes  No


*46. I try to stay up to date with ways I can protect my digital privacy.
Yes  No


*47. My social media account settings are always set to private.
Yes  No


*48. I’m almost always connected to a trusted VPN when I surf the web.
Yes  No


*49. I avoid connecting my virtual assistant to other smart devices in my home.
Yes  No


*50. I use a guest account for day-to-day activities and an administrative account only for administrative tasks.
Yes  No


*51. I avoid using the Chrome browser because it aggressively tracks everything I do.
Yes  No


*52. My devices always have a unique and strong password.
Yes  No


*53. I update my operating system in a timely fashion.
Yes  No


*54. I only accept friend requests from people I know.
Yes  No


*55. When connected to public Wi-Fi (at an airport, for example, or at McDonald’s or Starbucks), I always use a VPN to protect my privacy.
Yes  No


*56. I’m aware that most privacy policies allow companies to retain all of my personal information indefinitely.
Yes  No


*57. In online social media postings, I try not to reveal my location.
Yes  No


*58. I have a plan to recover my data if it is lost.
Yes  No


*59. I check to see how an app uses my data before I download it.
Yes  No


*60. I always use a VPN when downloading content that is sensitive or suspect in some way.
Yes  No


*61. If I have to email sensitive information, I sometimes lock the file with a password.
Yes  No


*62. I know how to use special apps (such as Signal) to make secure voice and video calls.
Yes  No


*63. I know where to find secure apps that protect my privacy.
Yes  No


*64. I install browser plugins or extensions only when I know they’re safe.
Yes  No


*65. I often use secure messaging apps such as Signal to send text messages.
Yes  No


*66. I regularly change the default passwords on my devices.
Yes  No


*67. I know where I can buy a secure phone that protects my privacy.
Yes  No


*68. I always take time to review privacy policies and terms of service.
Yes  No


*69. Trying to protect your privacy online is pointless because tech companies will always find ways to track you.
Yes  No


*70. I typically delay updating my computer and mobile devices.
Yes  No


*71. I’m aware that Apple products generally protect people’s privacy, but that the company also collects data that authorities can access.
Yes  No


*72. Personal data I share online can be used by companies to change how I think and behave.
Yes  No


*73. I trust higher-ranking search results more than lower-ranking search results.
Yes  No


*74. I avoid clicking on sponsored search results.
Yes  No


*75. I make sure that my video calling app doesn’t collect or monitor my activities, metadata, or images.
Yes  No


*76. When I have the option to tell my browser or search engine not to personalize the content it shows me, I always pick that option.
Yes  No


*77. I opt out of being shown advertisements whenever possible.
Yes  No


*78. I regularly use a browser (e.g., Brave or Tor) that protects my privacy.
Yes  No


*79. I am aware that generative AI tools can convincingly fabricate voices, photographs, and videos.
Yes  No


*80. I regularly backup my data.
Yes  No


*81. I’m aware of special operating systems for smartphones that protect my privacy.
Yes  No


*82. I store copies of my data outside of my personal devices, such as in the Cloud or on an external storage device.
Yes  No


*83. To protect my privacy, I avoid using biometrics to lock my devices.
Yes  No


*84. I store my data backups in multiple locations.
Yes  No


*85. I sometimes test my VPN for privacy leaks.
Yes  No


*86. I don’t backup my data because it’s unlikely I’ll lose it.
Yes  No


*87. I am aware that biased search engine results can influence my beliefs and behavior without my knowledge.
Yes  No


*88. I encrypt my backups to protect myself from malware.
Yes  No


*89. I always reject nonessential cookies on the sites I visit.
Yes  No


*90. I avoid using jailbroken phones due to security concerns.
Yes  No


*91. When possible, I use two-factor authentication when I login to apps.
Yes  No


*92. I use a VPN when accessing work-related files.
Yes  No


*93. I regularly change my email password.
Yes  No


*94. I am aware that biased search suggestions can influence my beliefs and behavior without my knowledge.
Yes  No


*95. I avoid using smart devices (e.g., Fitbit, which is owned and monitored by Google) that are linked to the internet.
Yes  No


*96. I’m skeptical about answers I get from personal assistants and chatbots.
Yes  No


*97. The more frequently I change my data, the more frequently I back it up.
Yes  No


*98. I have installed trusted VPN software onto my mobile devices.
Yes  No


*99. I avoid installing illegally pirated software because it might install malware on my computer.
Yes  No


*100. When I’m surfing the internet, I avoid clicking on suspicious links and websites.
Yes  No


*101. I sometimes use browser add-ons that enhance my privacy by blocking trackers.
Yes  No


*102. I keep my device’s camera covered when not in use.
Yes  No


*103. To protect my privacy, I do most of my browsing on laptop or desktop computers rather than on mobile devices.
Yes  No


*104. I only update an app when I’m sure it’s safe to do so.
Yes  No


*105. The cost of securing my data is worth it.
Yes  No


*106. I avoid using home security systems that are linked to the internet.
Yes  No


*107. If I found a flash drive, I would not plug it into my computer because I know the flash drive could damage it.
Yes  No


*108. I limit my time spent on online social networks.
Yes  No


*109. I enable the setting on my VPN that will disconnect me from the internet in case the VPN fails.
Yes  No


*110. I have researched what my VPN protects me from, and what it does not protect me from.
Yes  No