Marie Kondo has started a cleaning revolution with her recent bestselling book and hit Netflix show. She's inspired many to take control of their messes and organize to live a happier life. According to the Better Business Bureau, you should also consider organizing your digital life.
"This is really important because the more personal information you have lying around, makes you more susceptible to identity theft. The best place to start is on the device most of us spend hours on a day, our phones. Many of us have apps we no longer use and some that need updating. Delete unused apps and keep others current, including the operating system on your mobile device. An added benefit of deleting unused apps is more storage space and longer battery life. Actively manage your location services, Bluetooth, microphone and camera, making sure apps use them appropriately," BBB's Rebecca Barr said.
Once your phone is cleared off, Barr suggests looking over your social media.
"Review the privacy and security settings on your social media accounts to be sure they remain set to your comfort level for sharing. It’s okay to limit how and with whom you share information," Barr said.
Next, the dreaded email inbox. Barr says save only those emails you really need, and unsubscribe to email you no longer need or want to receive. The more information you leave in your inbox, the more your information is at risk if there is a data breach.
If you have old computers or phones you no longer need, there are a few steps to take.
"First, make sure you back up your information and transfer anything you may need like photos, contacts, documents, etc. to your new device or external hard drive. Next, wipe it clear of your personal information by doing a complete factory reset. You’ll also want to check for removable storage like disc drives and sim cards. And finally, when it comes time to getting rid of it, look for a local nonprofit or reputable company you can donate or recycle it to," Barr said.
For more information, visit www.bbb.org.
