You do not need to teach your family computer science. You need to close seven everyday gaps. This checklist is deliberately short because the habits matter more than the tools.
Why it matters
Every one of these checks removes a real, specific attack on Indian families — from the "your son is in trouble" voice call to the "bank KYC update" OTP trick. They cost nothing and take fifteen minutes.
The 7 checks
Key takeaways
- Password manager + 2-step verification = 80% of the defence.
- The OTP rule and the money rule stop the two most common Indian frauds.
- Periodic permissions clean-up reduces exposure without hassle.
- One strong password per account, stored in the phone's password manager (Google account on Android, iCloud Keychain on iPhone) — not in a notes app.
- Turn on two-step verification for the primary email and the bank/UPI apps; a phone-only second factor stops most account takeovers.
- The family rule on OTPs: never read an OTP aloud to anyone on a call, ever — say "give me five minutes and call me back on the official number".
- Check app permissions once a month in the Settings page — revoke Camera/Microphone/Photos access for apps that do not need them.
- Monthly backups: photos auto-backup on, and know your own phone number tied to the account for recovery.
- The money rule: no payment by QR code or UPI ID received in a message — money moves only after a confirmed voice call to the person.
- Report on WhatsApp/Instagram immediately — block and report suspicious numbers so the same number stops being used on others.
What you should do
- Run the checklist once this week with the least technical family member.
- Write the 1930 helpline and the official bank number on a card kept near the phone.
- Do a "test call" drill: call a relative, say the money rule, and confirm the whole family repeats the rule to each other.