Digital Spring Cleaning

Consider de-cluttering your digital life this spring with these tips and resources. Taking a few of these proactive steps can help safeguard you from cyber criminals.

Lock Down Your Login. One of the first things everyone needs to do is to ensure that passphrases for each account are lengthy, unique, and safely stored. Enable 2-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it, it is usually free!

Update Your Software. Don't postpone critical software updates. Having the most current security software, web browsers, and operating systems are some of the easiest ways to protect your data.

Back IT Up. Protect your data by making copies- or backups- of your most important files. Use the 3-2-1 rule to help guide you: 3 backup copies, 2 different media types, 1 offline and in a separate location. If you are an ESU Staff or Faculty member you have access to OneDrive for business which is an excellent, simple, and fast way to back-up your entire work computer. Google Drive is one of many online services available to back-up your personal files.

Uninstall software and apps you are no longer using.

Review records retention guidelines for your data. For instance, personal tax records generally only need to be retained for 3 years, exceptions to this guidance exist of course and can be found here. Permanently and securely dispose of all old or unnecessary data.

Unsubscribe from newsletters, email alerts, and updates you no longer read.

Securely dispose any old devices, including: hard-drives, laptops, tablets, etc. Once social distancing guidelines are relaxed look for "shred day" events to be scheduled by local banks and the City of Emporia, some of these may include safe destruction of electronic equipment and files as well. Head over to the ESU Information Security page for a list of community “shred days”. We will post them as they become available.

Own your online presence by reviewing the privacy and security settings on accounts you use. You should do this for both business and personal accounts.

Control your role by reviewing and limiting who has administrative access to your online accounts. Grant access only to individuals who need it. If you administer access, allocate access privileges to individuals based upon job duties, not job titles.

Clean up your social media presence by deleting old or unnecessary photos and by deleting accounts no longer in use.