Overview
Just like tidying up your dorm or desk, your digital life needs regular cleanup too. Over time, we collect unused accounts, outdated apps, and maintain weak security habits that can put us unknowingly at risk.
Spring cleaning your digital life helps reduce your exposure to data breaches, phishing, and identity theft — and makes your online world easier to manage.
Table of Contents
Passwords and Logins
- Retire weak or reused passwords: Replace them with unique, strong passphrases (e.g., ChickenB4n4n4@55Dance!*).
- Enable multifactor authentication (MFA): Whenever available always enable MFA, especially on school, email, medical and banking accounts.
- Use a password manager: Store and organize your logins securely. (See Additional Resources)
Accounts and Apps
- Update device software and apps: By updating you aren't just getting the latest features, but more importantly you are getting the lastest security fixes and patches as well.
- Delete unused accounts and apps: If you haven’t used that random forum, shopping site, or app in a year, shut it down.
- Revoke third-party access: Review which apps and services are connected to your Google, Microsoft, or social accounts and remove anything unnecessary.
Privacy and Security Settings
- Audit social media privacy: Who can see your posts, photos, and personal info? Lock it down to “Friends” or create custom lists.
- Check Browser Settings: Enable features like “do not track,” disable third-party cookies, and use private browsing when needed.
- Review App Permissions: Only allow access to your location, camera, or contacts when truly necessary.
Organize and Back Up Data
- Clean your device desktops: Organize files into folders and remove duplicates or outdated documents.
- Empty your downloads folder & trash bin: It’s digital clutter you don’t need — and could pose a risk if sensitive files are left behind.
- Use cloud or external backups: Protect important data (assignments, photos, tax documents, medical records, etc) from loss due to hardware failure or theft.
Email and Communication
- Unsubscribe from spam and lists: Use tools like Unroll.me or built-in email features to clean out mailing lists.
- Delete old emails: Clean out messages you don't need focusing on those with SSNs, tax docs, or personal data. Don't forget to empty spam/junk folders too!
- Report phishing attempts: Report and delete any suspicious emails.
Additional Resources and Assistance
Transparency
This knowledge base article was outlined with the assistance of ChatGPT EDU.