With the arrival of spring, it’s a good time to give your digital life a thorough clean up and ensure that your online accounts and devices are secure. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process and neglecting it can leave you vulnerable to hacking, identity theft, and other online threats. Device manufacturers and software companies are always adding updates to address new vulnerabilities or threats, and, in the same way, we need to consider ongoing updates for ourselves both personally and professionally when it comes to cybersecurity.

Here are some essential tips for a cybersecurity spring cleaning this season:

Password Security:

Password protection is the most critical aspect of your personal cybersecurity.

  • Use complex passphrases with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Make sure your passwords are unique across your accounts, do not reuse passwords.

Applications:

It’s easy to accumulate several apps on your devices over time, but not all of them are necessary or safe.

  • Some apps may contain malware or spyware that can compromise your data.
  • Remove any apps that you don’t use anymore or that you don’t trust.

Multi-Factor Authentication:

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring two or more forms of identification to log in. This can include a password, a fingerprint, a code sent to your phone, or other methods. Enabling multi-factor authentication can prevent hackers from accessing your accounts even if they have your password.

Privacy Settings:

Take the time to review your privacy settings on social media and other online accounts.

  • Ensure that you are not sharing more information than necessary and that your settings are configured to protect your privacy.
  • Photos you take often save Geo-location data within them by default. Consider turning of location sharing settings so that you do not share your location in apps or photos.
  • Review your privacy settings on apps and devices as well, as these can also be set to share more information than you intend.

Software Updates:

It is crucial for users to take the time to update their devices to ensure they are secure and protected from potential attacks. Companies often release hidden security patches to address vulnerabilities. Nintendo did this back in December 2022 to address a vulnerability across a variety of products that allowed for unauthorized access to user’s devices. For those who tend to avoid updates, turning on automatic updates can be an easy and effective way to ensure your devices are up-to-date with the latest security measures.

Backup Data:

Backing up your data is essential to protect it from loss or corruption. Make sure to backup all your important data, including documents, photos, and other files. Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to keep your backup safe and accessible.

Wi-Fi Networks:

As many people continue to work from home, it is crucial the Wi-Fi networks you are working on are secure. Here are some ways to make sure your home Wi-Fi is secure:

  • Make your Wi-Fi password unique
  • Enable network encryption
  • Turn off network name broadcasting
  • Keep your routers software up-to-date
  • Use a VPN to access your network

Taking the time to do a cybersecurity spring cleaning can help protect you from online threats and keep your digital life secure. If you think you’re surprised at what you find while cleaning out your garage this Spring, you’ll be even more shocked at what you find while tidying up your digital life. Follow these tips to ensure that your online accounts and devices are safe and secure. Remember, cybersecurity is a year-round effort, so make sure to stay vigilant and keep your security measures up to date.

If you want to learn more about Blue Yonder’s Cybersecurity program, or cybersecurity in general, we recommend the following resources: