Every spring, Minnesotans open their windows and tackle the mess that has quietly piled up over the winter. While you're clearing out closets, another layer of your life deserves the same attention — your digital space.

Our devices and online accounts accumulate clutter just like a junk drawer: old apps we forgot we installed, passwords we've been meaning to update, and random files scattered across our computer desktop.

This spring, use these digital spring cleaning tips to speed up your devices, strengthen security, and give you peace of mind. 

Properly dispose of outdated electronics 

A good spring cleaning starts with the physical. Just as you would get rid of a broken appliance taking up space in your garage, let go of old electronics gathering dust in the corner. Before you recycle or donate them, be sure all personal data has been removed so it doesn’t fall into the hands of bad actors.

Properly dispose of or recycle electronics such as computers, printers, monitors, TVs, and cell phones. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides guidance on electronic recycling, or search online for a recycling center near you. 

Clean the digital clutter 

Over time, our computers and phones become weighed down with apps we no longer use, files we meant to sort through, and browser data that has quietly accumulated in the background. This digital clutter doesn't just take up storage space – it can slow down your device, drain your battery, and create vulnerabilities that put your personal information at risk.

• To improve speed, extend the battery life, and enhance security on your devices: 
• Delete unused applications and software.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies. Search online for instructions relevant to your device.
• Clean up your desktop – delete unnecessary documents and move important ones to your hard drive.
• Delete unneeded documents from your downloads folder.
• Empty your computer trash.
• Tidy up your email inbox – delete old messages and junk mail; and unsubscribe from receiving messages you don't read.

Refresh and enhance security 

Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly, and the passwords and settings you put in place a few years ago may no longer offer adequate protection of your personal data. Refresh your cyber habits to catch small issues before they become serious ones.

Adjust your device settings to reduce or eliminate security risks, and to prevent unauthorized access in the event your phone or device is lost, stolen, or compromised: 

• Check if your email address has been compromised in a data breach at havibeenpwned.com.
• Update your passwords with a strong, unique password for each online account – bank, credit card, retail, gaming, WiFi, and even your router. 
• Keep track of your updated passwords with a password manager. 
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for each online account. Read our blog answering common questions about MFA. 
• Install updates for software and apps as soon as possible or turn on auto updates. 
• Increase privacy settings on social media platforms and apps; and turn off location services for apps that don’t require it. Consider deleting old or unused social profiles.
• Learn how to recognize phishing attempts to protect your identity and private data. 

Happy spring cleaning 

Enjoy the warmer weather and the peace of mind that comes with simplifying and securing your digital space this season.