Pc and smartphone data are also organized, introducing seven steps

　Leave the windows and add fresh air.It's time for spring cleaning.

　Similarly, cleaning about digital.

　Whether your area is actually spring or not, let's organize the scattered devices, apps, and online accounts.By cleaning, you can protect privacy and personal information.This is because reducing the number of scattered things will reduce the opportunity for hackers to pick up and abuse that information.

　In fact, we always accumulate a lot of digital information and sometimes need to organize them.Let's think.

・ Multiple account accounts of online shops that are rarely used ・ Requirements of bulletin boards that are no longer browsing and members of the forum ・ Many applications, programs remaining on the device, and unnecessary spreadsheets and records many years ago.Old files, and photos.There are many, right?

Seven steps for spring cleaning

　The accumulation of things described above not only occupies the free space of the device, but may also be exposed to security.To prevent this from happening, I will tell you how to organize it.

1.Review your account and delete things you don't use

　Review where the password and username are saved, such as bookmarks and password managers. Also, strictly review related websites and services. If you have an account that has not been used for a while, log in last, delete all personal information and disable it. This can prevent unnecessary outflows of email addresses, usern names, and passwords. Unfortunately, large -scale unauthorized access has occurred regularly, and sometimes you may not notice that the site you used had had unauthorized access. In the meantime, your name, password, and information associated with your account (credit card, etc.) will reach the hacker. Let's reduce the exposure of information. Let's close the old account.

2.Organize with a password manager to enhance safety

　At present, it is essential to create a powerful unique password for each account, but it is quite difficult to consider whether you can do it with all accounts you are using.That's why the password manager comes in.Use a password manager to create a powerful and unique password.In addition, you can save your password on a safe server that hackers and criminals cannot access.

　Also, use a text document or spreadsheet to avoid saving your password on your computer or device.If your device is attacked, lost, or stolen, storing your password in that form is like passing a digital life.

3.Organize your PC to improve performance (and security)

　As a matter of fact, many of us are being busy with our daily lives, and I think that organizing computers and laptops is located quite below the list.However, cleaning once a month can maintain a longer device performance.Especially if you haven't cleaned it for a long time, you can feel the feeling of using a new computer.Read the explanation to improve your PC performance.Introducing a simple procedure to improve the performance of the PC.

　In addition, as part of this process, you need to enhance the OS and applications with the latest updates.Updates often include not only improving speed and functions, but also enhancing security that enhances safety over the long term.If your OS or app has an automatic update function, enable the function to automatically perform the update.

4.Organize and save photos

　As for photos, there is data that can be a single article.In fact, the photos taken around the world in 2018 are estimated to be about 1.0 trillion.The photos you share will definitely be included in this.

　However, your photos will not be wonderful, such as albums, greeting cards, wall hanging, kitchens and digital photo frames on the living room, and may only occupy your computer and mobile phone storage.In addition, spring cleaning is also a little fun.This article has previously introduced tips for organizing photos, taking backups, and making something special.

5.Delete old apps and related data

　Suppose a smartphone contains some apps to record walking, running and exercise.One of them is now no longer used.Delete such old and no longer used apps.Before deleting the app, delete your app -related account and ensure that all data, password, and user IDs stored in your mobile phone are deleted.Do desktop PCs and laptop PCs in the same way.Recognize that account data may be stored in a place other than the device.In other words, many recent apps store and manage information by app providers.Close your account so that data and information are not distributed.

6.Discard old files and encrypt important files

　Here, we recommend using a comprehensive security software for the device.It is not only protected by cyber attacks such as viruses and malware, but also to protect confidential information.Security software has the following functions:

・ File encryption function: The most confidential file can be converted or decrypted without an encryption key.・ Digital file shredder function: Delete old files from the computer completely (it is not completely deleted just by putting it in a desktop trash can and can be easily restored).・ Personal information protection function: monitor the dark web for personal information that may have leaked online, and warn you if there is a risk of fraud.

7.Discard old computers and equipment

　Let's dispose of it properly.When separating from desktop PCs, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets, use the environment and security.

　Let's think.What's in the old hard drive?The old computer may contain a lot of valuable personal and financial information.The same is true for tablets and mobile phones.The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides easy -to -understand advice in articles about data protection before disposing of computers.I want to avoid throwing old tax returns in trash cans in a defenseless state.

　There are several options for disposal.

・ Let's check how to process digital devices in your area.There is a service that discards and recycles old equipment in a safe way.・ Some mobile phone companies not only offer equipment appropriately, but also provide incentive programs and trade -in services such as purchasing new devices.・ Finally, let's consider the option of reusing devices.You can also give or donate to your family.Old equipment may be wonderful and convenient for someone else.Again, be sure to protect old data.

There is a harvest that is good to do in spring cleaning

　There is a harvest that can be obtained by cleaning.That is the real thrill of spring cleaning.If you run these seven lists, you will be able to get a safer and more comfortable digital environment.

Get the latest information

　Collecting information from daily news is important.To obtain the latest information on information on maintaining digital safety, the latest information on macafee products, and the latest information on the latest consumers and mobile security threats, @mcafee_home (US) or @mcafee_jp_sec on Twitter (Japan)) Please follow me and ask Podcast Hackable.

* The contents of this page are partially added to the following MCAFEE blog contents of the update on April 16, 2021 (US time).Original: Digital Spring Cleaning: SEVEN STEPS for Faster, Safer Devices Author: Judith Bitterli

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