Simple tips to improve your online security

This week I tweeted a bit of security advice which was received well. So i decided to bundle it in a short blog. I also added links to blogs that help you to put this advice into practice.

Back up all the things

I can't emphasize it enough, but if nothing else make sure you have working backups. The only way to know if they are working is by testing, and thus restoring, them regularly.

If you want to learn more on how to put this in practice I encourage you to read this and this blog.

Remove what you no longer need.

It's important to regularly do a clean up of your PCs and mobile devices. All software has vulnerabilities and apps can go rogue. The less software you're running the smaller the chance of compromise. Make also sure that you don't leave any files containing sensitive information unencrypted on your devices, (network) attached drives or cloud storage.

If you want to know more about this please read my blogs on how to remove online accounts and why and how to remove the software you no longer need.

Or even better, don't create it in the first place

An even more important advice is not to create accounts you don't need. Also be really critical about the apps and software you install. Revise both accounts and installed software regularly.