Happy Friday! Before we enter the weekend let’s start with some spring cleaning but remember it’s not just about cleaning your home it is also a great time to declutter your digital history. By routinely cleaning your digital life, your devices and information can stay safe and secure year-round. It can also help improve the speed and performance of your devices and services. Keep reading for all the deets.

how to do a digital spring cleaning

Here’s a checklist for refreshing, renewing and reinvigorating your cyber life:

Review your online accounts:

• Delete any accounts you no longer use.
• Remove information that is no longer needed from your accounts.
• Delete and unsubscribe from unwanted email subscriptions, newsletter and mailing list.

Update your devices:

• Update the apps and operating system on all internet connected devices including PC’s, smartphones, tablets, home wi-fi routers, smart Tv’s to reduce the risk of malware and infections.
• Delete unused apps.

Tune up web browsers:

• Check your browser settings.
• Clear out old data such as stored passwords, and old autofill information and ensure your browser is not set to store passwords.
• Delete unused browser.

Purge old digital files:

• Clean out your old emails, files, and downloads. Always empty the trash when you’re done.

Lock down your login:

• Use a password, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition to log into your devices.

Use strong passwords:

• Use a unique password for each account and change your password for sensitive systems regularly.
• Consider using a password manager to store and protect your passwords.

Review and refresh your online presence:

• Review and update your privacy and security settings on social media sites.
• Delete old photos and posts that you no longer want to share.
• Review friends on social networks and accounts you follow.

Backup your files:

• Copy important data and files to a secure cloud site, another computer, or an external hard drive where it can be safely stored.
• Password protect backup drives and be sure you can restore the files from your backup.

Dispose of electronic devices securely:

• Any device that has the ability to store information can retain that data even after you have deleted it including phones, wearables, networking equipment, copiers, printers, and fax machines.
• Thoroughly wipe all electronic devices or have them shredded by a trusted vendor before disposal.

–Chantel Keona