Waylon Cunningham

Spring has sprung. And for many households, that means it’s time for the annual deep clean. Remove excess clutter, organize those closets, and wipe off all that winter dust.

It’s also a good idea to declutter those electronic devices. Not doing so could result in identity theft, fraud, loss of funds, and violation of company data.

Now that much of our lives is being conducted online, protecting sensitive information has become more critical than ever. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provide advice on how to keep your information safe.

“There is likely a great deal of digital clutter on your electronic devices.” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas. “It’s important to conduct a digital purge to reduce the risk of your data getting in the wrong hands.”

Conducting a digital spring cleaning is not only necessary, it is relatively easy. NCSA and BBB advise the following:

Taking simple, proactive steps will go a long way in safeguarding against potentially disruptive issues – like identity theft, loss of funds, or credit card fraud – that can cause mayhem by compromising your data. Take the time to practice a few precautionary measures, and you will have greater peace of mind – not only this spring but all year round.

NCSA and the BBB encourage people to check their smartphones, laptops, and tablets and take a few minutes to review these tips.

Lock down your login: Security is critical to protecting accounts used for work and home. Ensure passphrases for each account are lengthy, unique, and safely stored. Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts which offer it.

Update your system and software: Do this as quickly as they are available as the most current software, web browsers, and operating systems are some of the easiest and fastest ways to protect your most sensitive assets.

Back it up: Protect your personal and workplace data by making electronic copies – or backups – of your most important files. Use the 3-2-1 rule to help guide you: three backup copies, two different media types, and one offline in a separate location.

Clean up your online presence: Eliminate apps you no longer use, review the settings on all of your social media accounts, and verify administrative access points to your accounts. Keep all of your passwords private.

Be careful what you share: Quizzes on social media are fun, and keeping in touch is necessary. However, questions on social media might give away too much information about you, your location, or your family.

Additionally, small business owners should take time to establish, update, and communicate policies and procedures around topics like record retention and cybersecurity. You may also want to hire a professional to make sure your computers are in tip top condition. To find one you can trust, go to bbb.org.