Cyber Spring Cleaning: Top 10 Ways to Refresh Your Digital Security

Written by James Turnbull, Account Executive at Eskenzi PR

Spring is a time for renewal, a chance to clear out clutter and refresh our homes. But while we focus on dusting shelves and organising wardrobes, many of us neglect an equally important area, our digital security. Just as a home accumulates mess over time, our digital lives can become cluttered with outdated software, weak passwords, and unused accounts, all of which can pose security risks. A little cyber spring cleaning can go a long way in protecting your personal data, improving efficiency, and giving you peace of mind so here is our top 10 methods for achieving this.

Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4, has provided advice on how to spring clean your cyber and his thoughts are woven into this blog.

1. One of the best places to start is with password hygiene. Many people still use weak, easily guessed passwords or reuse the same one across multiple accounts. If a single account is compromised, attackers can gain access to multiple services. Now is the time to update weak passwords, ensure they are unique for each account, and use a password manager to securely store them. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all possible accounts adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access, even if they obtain your password.
2. Another critical area to address is software and device updates. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems, making it essential to keep operating systems, applications, and device firmware up to date. Many software updates include security patches that fix known flaws, so enabling automatic updates where possible is a simple but effective way to stay protected. Your home Wi-Fi also requires attention—changing the default router password and ensuring your router firmware is updated can help prevent unauthorised access to your network.
3. Unused online accounts are another security risk that many people overlook. Every online account you create stores some level of personal information, and if the service is breached, your data could be exposed. Take time to review and delete old accounts that you no longer use, and while you’re at it, remove unnecessary apps from your devices. This not only reduces security risks but also helps declutter your digital space. Similarly, cleaning up browser extensions is a good habit to adopt—remove any extensions you no longer use and ensure the ones you keep are from reputable sources and regularly updated.
4. Decluttering your digital storage is just as important as organising a physical space. Unnecessary files, old downloads, and duplicate documents can pile up over time, making it harder to find important information when you need it. Go through your files and delete anything you no longer need and take a moment to organise the ones that matter. At the same time, make sure your important data is protected by setting up automated backups. A good backup strategy includes both cloud storage and external hard drives, and it’s crucial to test your backups occasionally to ensure you can restore your files if needed.
5. Privacy settings often change without notice, and what was once a secure setup may no longer be the case. Take some time to review and adjust the privacy settings on social media accounts, Google services, and Apple ID. Many platforms collect more data than necessary, so restricting data sharing and limiting who can see your information is a simple way to enhance security.
6. Physical security is just as important as digital security. Sensitive documents that contain financial or personal information should not be left lying around. Shredding old documents, securing important paperwork, and properly wiping old devices before disposal can prevent identity theft and data breaches. If you’re getting rid of an old hard drive, consider physically destroying it to ensure data cannot be recovered.
7. With data breaches becoming increasingly common, it’s important to check whether your information has been exposed. Services like Have I Been Pwned can help you find out if your credentials have been compromised, allowing you to take immediate action by changing passwords and securing accounts. While you’re at it, make sure your account recovery information, such as backup email addresses and phone numbers, is up to date so you don’t get locked out in case of an issue.
8. An often-overlooked part of cybersecurity is having an emergency plan in place. Consider setting up a digital legacy plan so trusted contacts can access critical accounts if necessary. Additionally, reviewing how to recover important accounts in case of hacking or accidental lockout can save you a lot of stress down the line.
9. Another overlooked aspect of cybersecurity is the security of mobile devices. Apps often request permissions that they don’t necessarily need, such as access to your location, microphone, or contacts. Reviewing and adjusting these permissions can help prevent unnecessary data exposure. Additionally, encrypting your devices and external storage ensures that, even if they are lost or stolen, your sensitive data remains protected.
10. Finally, cybersecurity is not just a personal responsibility—it’s something that should be shared with those around you. Taking the time to educate family members on good security practices, such as recognising phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and enabling MFA, can help protect everyone. A personal security audit, reviewing your online presence, updating privacy settings, and ensuring you’re only sharing necessary information—should be part of your regular digital maintenance.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home; your digital security deserves the same level of care. By following these steps, you can declutter, organise, and strengthen your cybersecurity, reducing the risk of cyber threats while improving efficiency. Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, but a dedicated yearly refresh can help ensure you’re staying ahead of potential risks. So, as you clear out old clutter and refresh your space, take a little time to spring clean your cybersecurity as well, you’ll thank yourself later.