BBB recommends a ‘Digital’ Spring Cleaning

Published 7:00 am Monday, April 10, 2023

The weather is warming up, inspiring people to clean up or clear the clutter. An important area many overlook isn’t the corner of a room or a forgotten closet; it’s digital devices — including the one you’re likely using to read this article. 

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Better Business Bureau (BBB) remind everyone that when clearing out the physical clutter, there’s probably an abundance of digital data clutter that needs to be cleaned out as well. 

If you have a few extra hours or minutes in your day, it may be a good time to give yourself a digital makeover. Taking simple, proactive steps will go a long way in safeguarding against potentially disruptive issues – like identity theft, loss of funds, or credit card fraud – that can cause mayhem by compromising your data.  Take the time to practice a few precautionary measures, and you will have greater peace of mind – not only this spring but all year round.

NCSA and BBB encourage people to check their smartphones, laptops, and tablets and take a few minutes to review these tips.

• Lock down your login: Security is critical to protecting accounts used for work and home. Ensure passphrases for each account are lengthy, unique, and safely stored. Enable 2-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it. 
• Update your system and software: Avoid procrastination. Ensuring you have the most current software, web browsers, and operating systems installed on your devices provides some of the easiest and fastest ways to protect your most sensitive assets.  
• Back it up: Protect your personal and workplace data by making electronic copies – or backups – of your most important files. Use the 3-2-1 rule to help guide you: 3 backup copies, two different media types, and one offline in a separate location.
• Clean up your online presence: When did you last use all the apps on your phone or tablet? Do you know the settings on all social media accounts that check in with friends and family? Check up on all your accounts. Then, control your role by ensuring you know who has administrative access to your accounts. Keep all your passwords private.
• Be careful what you share: Quizzes on social media are fun, and keeping in touch is necessary. However, questions on social media might give away too much information about you, your location, or your family. 

In addition to following the above-listed tips, small business owners are highly encouraged to take time to establish, update, and communicate policies and procedures around topics like record retention. 

It is also imperative that a cybersecurity strategy is in place and used by all employees. BBB offers tips on BBB.org/bizhq including how to avoid online scams when working from home. If you find that you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you can visit IdentityTheft.gov for a customized recovery plan.

Kelvin Collins is president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the Fall Line Corridor, serving 77 counties in East Alabama, West Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Central Georgia, East Georgia, and Western South Carolina. This tips column is provided through the local BBB and the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB). The Better Business Bureau sets standards for ethical business behavior, monitors compliance and helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at Phone: 1-800-763-4222, Web site: BBB.org or E-mail: info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org