Techtalk_3rdEdition

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Digital
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Week 1: Keep Clean Machines
Get started by making sure that all web-connected devices are squeaky clean.
Update software on all Internet-connected devices to reduce risks from malware and infections.
Clean up your mobile life by deleting unused apps, keeping others current and reviewing app permissions.
Week 2: Make sure you’re secure
Enhancing the security of your online accounts is a must and a fast, simple way to be safer online.
Turn on two-factor authentication on critical accounts like email, banking and social media.
Learn more by visiting
Secure your router by making sure it has a strong password and does not broadcast who you are through its name, such as
“the Jones Family” or “123 Elm Street”.
Make better passwords by combining upper and lower case letters with numbers and symbols.
Make unique passwords for important accounts like email, finance and healthcare.
Write down your new passwords and store them in a safe place away from your computer.
Check to ensure all devices are password, passcode or fingerprint protected.
Week 3: Digital File purge and protection
Tend to your digital records just as you do for paper files. Be sure to properly dispose of sensitive materials - such as hard drives,
disks and memory cards - at a community shredding event. Check to see if there is a BBB “Secure Your ID Day”
event in your area.
Clean out your old email and empty deleted folders. If you need to keep old messages, move them to an archive.
Delete or archive older files and outdated financial statements.
Unsubscribe to newsletters, email alerts and updates you no longer read.
Update your online photo album by deleting or backing up old or less flattering photos.
Update online relationships by reviewing friends on social networks and all contacts lists to
make sure everyone still belongs.
Copy important data to a secure cloud site or other drive where it can be safely stored.
Password protect back-up drives and keep them in a different location off the network.
Permanently delete all old files.
Week 4: Clean up your Online Reputation
Parents and older kids with social media accounts can take an active role in making sure their online reputations shine.
Own your online presence by reviewing the privacy and security settings on websites you use to be sure they are set at
your comfort level for sharing.
Clean up your social media presence by deleting old photos, etc. that are embarrassing or no longer represent
who you are.
Update your “online self” by reviewing your personal information and updating it where needed.
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