I received this Friends Newsletter today from Department of Homeland Security and I think it is a very useful information to share. So here you go and I hope you find it useful as well.
Start fresh this spring – online and offline. In addition to the traditional tasks on your spring cleaning list like tidying the closet and washing the windows, take time to create a “digital spring cleaning” list as well.
What exactly does a “digital spring cleaning” entail?
A digital spring cleaning means taking control of your digital life and the information that you share online. Similar to regular cleaning or tidying one’s home, it might seem like a daunting task at first. In reality, just a few simple steps can make a big difference in helping protect yourself online.
The Department of Homeland Security recommends that you incorporate these cyber tips into your spring cleaning routine this year.
- Clean your machine. Update the security software on all of your devices that connect to the Internet. Keeping the software on your devices up to date will prevent attackers from taking advantage of known vulnerabilities. Also review the applications you have downloaded. If you no longer use a particular app, delete it. It’ll not only free up storage space on your device, but it will also remove permissions that app has to potentially gather your information.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication. Enable stronger authentication on your online banking and email accounts. Turning on a two-factor authentication, such as a PIN sent to your mobile device, helps verify a user has authorized access to an account. For more information about authentication, visit the Lock Down Your Login Campaign at www.lockdownyourlogin.com.
- Tidy your online reputation. Review your social media accounts and delete old photos or posts that may no longer represent who you are. As you go through your online posts, think about how they might influence others’ opinions of you. Also take the time to review the privacy settings on your online accounts. Take advantage of the privacy settings offered by major online apps and websites by limiting the amount of people who can see the information you share.
Visit and download the National Cyber Security Alliance’s “Digital Spring Cleaning Checklist” for more steps to clean up your online life.
For more tips on how to stay safe online, please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign at www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.