What is a Digital Privacy Review?

Our digital lives are built on many small, everyday choices about access, convenience and staying connected. Over time, those choices can introduce risks, particularly for individuals and families with a higher profile. 

To understand how to manage that exposure, we spoke with Marcelina Horsefield, Cyber Security Advisor, about the coc00n Digital Privacy Review. She explains what it involves, why it matters, and how it helps ensure your digital environment supports your personal security. 

What is the Digital Privacy Review? 

It is a practical, hands-on service designed to reduce personal digital security risks for high-risk individuals and their families. It focuses on the everyday ways risk is introduced, such as default device settings, outdated software, staff access and convenience-led tech habits. The aim is to put sensible protections in place to reduce the risk of compromise and so that if something does go wrong, like a lost or stolen device, the impact is contained and manageable. 

Why does this matter?  

Device theft and account compromise are more common than most people realise. In 2024, over 117,000 mobile phones were stolen in London alone, which works out to more than 300 a day. The real risk isn’t the phone itself, but what it unlocks: your personal data. Phishing attacks are also on the rise, with increasingly convincing messages targeting messaging apps and email accounts. Once someone gains access to one account, it can quickly lead to wider compromise. 

How does the review help? 

It focuses on both reducing the chances of something going wrong and limiting the damage if it does. The approach aligns with guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre, particularly around stronger authentication, better device security, cyber hygiene and reducing unnecessary exposure of personal data. 

What does the review involve? 

It starts with an overview of the threat landscape and the key risks for individuals in similar positions. From there, it looks at how those risks apply in your life, taking into account day-to-day routines, visibility, travel and how technology is used personally and professionally. 

What is covered under device security? 

Devices are checked and configured to make them more resilient. This includes ensuring operating systems are up to date, enabling the right security features and making sure there are safeguards in place if a device is lost or stolen. Recovery tools such as tracking and remote wipe are also set up properly. If there are signs a device may already be compromised, advice is given on whether a clean reset is the best option. 

How are apps and accounts protected? 

Applications that contain sensitive information, such as messaging or financial apps, are given extra attention. This may involve adding additional layers of authentication, tightening security settings, and removing apps that are no longer needed. Accounts are reviewed to make sure strong authentication is in place, passwords are well managed, and recovery options are secure but usable if access is lost. 

What about privacy and data exposure? 

The review looks at how much information is being shared unnecessarily. This includes checking app permissions, account privacy settings, message retention and browser tracking. It can also cover social media visibility and how personal information appears in search results, helping reduce the amount of data available to someone trying to build a profile. 

Is travel covered? 

Yes, where relevant. There is tailored advice on how to prepare devices before travelling, how to use them safely in transit and in hotels, and how to balance security with practicality while away from home. 

What will clients gain from the review? 

A clear understanding of their real-world digital risks and confidence that their digital environment is aligned with their profile and lifestyle, along with devices and accounts that are set up to minimise damage if something goes wrong.  

Want to reduce your digital security risk? Book a Digital Privacy Review today.  

About

Marcelina is a Cyber Security Advisor specialising in supporting public figures navigate their digital security with confidence. She has over a decade of experience in legal operations at a major international law firm, combined with hands-on work in digital resilience, cyber threat analysis and incident response. Her approach is practical and measured, focused on translating complex risks into clear, actionable steps.