How to Spring Clean Your Digital Life

With the changing of the seasons, spring cleaning comes to mind and all the things to do around the home and office.  As you begin to clean, declutter and organize, keep in mind your digital life.  When we used to spend time shredding old documents and dusting off the shelves, we forget about the devices, websites and apps that house more personal information than we used to store in file cabinets.

Over time, things pile up. You stop using older devices, you no longer need an app or login to a website.  Sounds like things around the home!  So each year as you make your cleaning list for the home, add your digital life to the cleaning list.

Digital Cleaning Checklist:

  • Review Passwords:

    • Use a unique password for each account.  This makes it difficult for someone to obtain access to all of your accounts if one account becomes compromised. Often, when information is made available on the dark web and passwords are released, hackers will attempt to login to other websites with those same credentials. If you use different passwords, this makes it more difficult for them to gain access.
    • Turn on multi-factor authentication for all accounts that offer it.  Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection for gaining access to your online accounts.  Usually this involves using an authenticator app or sending a unique code to an email, text message or notification to a device to verify your login attempt.
    • Make sure you are using strong passwords.  Strong passwords are a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.  We joke about using “Password1” as a password but people do it all the time!
  • Update Software & Browsers:

    • Having the most up to date software applications is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself.  When software companies find vulnerabilities, they release patches. If these patches are not installed, you are not protected.
    • You can find updates for computers, smart phones, tablets, wireless routers, smart televisions and other devices that connect to the internet.
    • Update browsers you use and remove saved information and browsing history.  Make sure to clear out any autofill information while you are doing this.  While many people like for their browser to remember website login credentials, it is more safe not to.  To prevent your browser from doing this, adjust your settings to not remember passwords.
  • Review Third Party Apps Installed & Online Accounts:

    • Delete unused apps and make sure others are current. Look at what you have granted permission for the app to do.  Does it have access to contacts, locations or more?
    • Review the privacy and security settings on applications and websites.
    • Remove personal information from accounts you do not use often, like credit cards or banking information. 
    • Remove old files from cloud storage.
  • Run Virus & Malware Scans:

    • Scan for viruses and malware, and automate this process by putting them on a recurring schedule.
    • Be sure to protect mobile devices, as well.
  • Unsubscribe and Purge Unnecessary Files:

    • Unsubscribe from newsletters, mailing lists, subscriptions and notifications that you no longer need.
    • Clean out your download folders.
    • Empty your recycle bin
  • Dispose of Electronic Devices and Backup Data:

    • Find all those devices you no longer use around the home.  All those old phones, wearable devices and thumb drives count too!  Make sure to power on the device before just tossing it, and save a copy of any of the files on the device that you need to keep.
    • Make a complete backup of files and photos. You can do this by copying the files to a secure cloud site, another computer or an external hard drive.  For additional security, password protect these backup drives.
    • Securely dispose of any electronic devices you no longer need and thoroughly wipe all electronic devices before getting rid of them.

Create a digital cleaning routine that works for you and your family, and make sure to share with those that are new to technology.

Jenna Marceau
Born and raised in Wichita, full of Shocker pride, Jenna is a boy mom to son's Aiden and Eli. She married her college sweetheart, Danny, and the two keep an active schedule that includes chasing their children and dogs around Northeast Wichita. Jenna is an executive for a local HR Outsourcing organization and a member of the Junior League of Wichita. She likes to spend her spare time helping others or volunteering around the community. You can catch her at local events, supporting entrepreneurs and participating in activities with friends and family. She is a total foodie, loves coffee and craft beer, is an avid podcast listener and is quite fond of a glass of Cabernet to end her day. Keep up with Jenna at @JenMarceau on Instagram!

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