Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Digital Security

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Digital Security

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Apr 17, 2014

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Digital SecuritySince Spring sprung on March 20, Texas has had some crazy weather! This whole week has been cold, like coat and scarf type of cold! (#onlyinTexas) Nevertheless, it’s time for some Spring cleaning. I’ve already gone through my whole house and donated or trashed things that I haven’t used in years, so I feel like I’m ahead of the game. Next, I’m dedicating some time to sprucing up my digital security. Here’s my checklist:

✔Delete unused accounts: Cybercrimnals can piece together important information about you for any online profiles, and dormant online accounts, like MySpace, Friendster, AOL, etc. gives these criminals an easy way in.

✔Update anti-virus software: Please know that anti-virus software does expire and your computer may be running unprotected. Consider adding free anti-malware software, too, which will help catch threats your anti-virus software may miss.

✔Change passwords: Use an illogical combination of symbols, numbers and capital/lower case letters. Trouble remembering your passwords? Consider using password management software or store them on a jump drive and store the jump drive in a fire-proof safe in your home.

✔Install firmware updates: Look for firmware updates for your phone, tablet, printer, router, network-attached storage devices, etc. because these updates often have security software fixes. You have to take the initiative on this one. Device manufacturers typically do not send firmware update reminders, so it’s your responsibility to find these updates and download them.

✔Uninstall Apps: Take the time to uninstall apps that weren’t downloaded from the official Google Play or Apple store. Consider downloading a mobile security app and activate a remote lock-and-wipe feature.

✔Update Wi-Fi security: Update passwords, change or hide service set identification (SSID) and make sure it has all updates installed.

✔Deep clean PC: Consider downloading the free Microsoft Windows Defender Offline and put it on a jump drive. Insert the jump drive and restart your computer so that your computer boots from Windows Defender Offline. This will allow you to go deep into your system and find dangerous malware that’s hiding from anti-virus software.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.