While you’re spring cleaning your physical spaces, make sure to purge your digital spaces of clutter that can make you vulnerable to identity theft and cybercrime.
Information Technology Services recommends the following best practices to keep your personal information safe.
Keep a clean machine. Download a password manager app like Keeper to help you delete unused accounts and strengthen your passwords. Clear your web browsing history and stored cookies so you don’t stay logged into websites that track your activity. If you don’t have automatic updates enabled already, turn that feature on and update your apps and operating system to reduce the risk of a malware attack. If you don’t have antivirus software, get Sophos for free on up to three personally owned computers.
Secure your online presence. Turn off location services unless you are actively using an app such as navigating with Google Maps. Enable biometric identification like facial recognition or a fingerprint. Enable multi-factor authentication, especially on personal accounts that store sensitive information like card numbers.
Purge the non-essential. Delete apps you no longer use. Remove saved information like passwords, credit card numbers, and autofill information from phones, computers and tablets. Unsubscribe from inbox clutter. Delete old emails, clean out your downloads folder and empty your trash.
Be sure you’re not oversharing. Remove highly personal information from your social media accounts. Review privacy and security settings to ensure you’re still comfortable with them. Delete old posts that might not reflect who you are or how you think today, especially if you’re about to graduate and look for a job.
For more technology-related security and privacy tips, visit it.wvu.edu/defend-your-data.