Do some digital spring cleaning
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) encourage consumers to protect their digital data by conducting a spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is a time to dig deep and get rid of any items you may no longer need, including outdated documents.
While you may remember to shred and properly discard documents containing your sensitive information, it is easy to forget those things you can’t physically touch, such as your digital footprint.
That’s why it’s important to do a “digital spring cleaning” in addition to your regular maintenance.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas urges you to follow this four-week outline to clean up your online life:
Week 1: Keep clean machines Keep all critical software current. Having all software current is one of the best security measures you can take. This includes security software, web browsers, document readers, operating systems and any other software.
Clean up your mobile life. Most of us have apps we no longer use as well as ones that need updating. Delete unused apps and keep others current, including the operating system on your mobile device. Week 2: Make sure you’re secure Get two steps ahead. Turn on twostep verification where available. Many of the Internet’s most popular email services, social networks and financial institutions offer this key security step free of charge, but you must opt in to turn it on.
Secure your router. Make sure your router has a strong password and does not broadcast who you are through its name, such as “123 Elm Street”. Update your router software as well.
Make better passwords. If your passwords are too easy to guess, it’s like leaving the front door to your home unlocked. Longer and more complex passwords provide better protection.
Week 3: Digital file purge and protection
Clean up your email. Save only emails you really need. Your inbox is likely stuffed with outdated materials. Delete or archive what you don’t need and empty your deleted mail folders.
File upkeep. Delete or archive older files such as numerous drafts of the same document and outdated financial statements.
Manage subscriptions. Unsubscribe to newsletters, email alerts and updates you no longer read.
Dispose of electronics securely. Wiping data isn’t enough. When you dispose of old electronics, look for facilities that shred hard drives, disks and memory cards.
Update your online photo album. Back up photos you want to keep, and delete old or less flattering pictures of yourself and your family and friends. In addition to not showing your best side, they take up space.
Update all your online relationships. Review friends on social networks and contacts on phones and PCs and make sure everyone on those lists still belongs.
Back it up. Copy important data to a secure cloud site or to another drive where it can be safely stored. Password protect backup drives and keep them in a different location off the network for maximum security. Perform backups regularly.
Week 4: Clean up your online reputation
Own your online presence. Review the privacy and security settings on websites you use to ensure they remain set to your comfort level for sharing. It’s OK to limit with whom you share information.
Update your “online self ”. Are your social media sites up to date? Review your personal information and update it where needed.