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

  • 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

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.