Tech Talker: Cybersecurity Checkup
Now is a great time to take inventory and secure your digital life, from accounts and passwords to out-of-date gadgets. NBC's Liz McLaughlin reports.
(NBC News) — At a time when many of us are tackling physical clutter, it’s also a good idea to clean up your digital life.
“Things that you don’t use any more smart devices old e-mail accounts it’s time to let them go,” says Bree Fowler of Consumer Reports.
She suggests making an annual habit of clearing out any unused accounts, apps and gadgets.
If you got a new device for the holidays, don’t forget to do a factory reset on the old one before letting it go.
“You need to make sure that you wipe it clean of everything before you throw it out, recycle it, or even hand it down to your kids,” Fowler says.
It’s also prime time for a cyber security checkup.
An easy way to see if your information has been hacked is a search here.
“It is a giant database of pretty much every recorded breach and what was in it,” Fowler explains.
The best way to protect yourself is with long and strong passwords that are different for every account.
“Password managers can be super helpful in managing all of that, and if not you know paper and pencil, especially if you have a home safe, is totally fine,” Fowler says.
It’s especially important to secure your home WiFi system.
Security experts say you should view your router as the front door to your online life.
“Once was a hacker has entry into your home network it’s pretty much game over,” Fowler warns.
Read more here.
