It’s a new year, and a great time to do a little bit of tech housekeeping. Here are seven quick tips that are simple and straightforward to implement that will ensure 2022 gets off on the right foot – whether you’re working from home, the office, or both.
Physically clean your computer
Power off and unplug your computers and devices. And don’t forget to vacuum out the dust. This will keep your computer from overheating, and is honestly just a nice way to clean up your device after a year of working from home.
Manually check for updates
Many Windows updates include security updates, so it’s a good idea to keep your computer and its settings current if you want to help protect against cyberattacks. Updating your computer also allows it to continue running smoothly. In addition to Windows updates, we recommend also checking your WiFi and/or router for firmware updates.
Update passwords
If your password is complex and you have multi-factor authentication in place, you should change your password annually. At a minimum, your passwords should include symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters. Studies have also shown that a long (and easy to remember) password is more effective at stopping brute-force attackers than special characters.
Backup your files
Things happen; Computers go down, and ransomware attacks are becoming more common. It’s important that you backup your files and test backups for every device. You don’t want to find out after your computer dies that you no longer have access to important documents.
Review anti-virus protection
Is your anti-virus running properly? And is it up to date? If not, you could be putting your device — and the organization — at risk of a cyberattack.
Assess older tech
If you have older computers that are running slowly, consider replacing the hard drive with an SSD drive to help speed them up. Or if you’re planning to get rid of older devices, make sure to wipe them clean of your files, and then recycle.
*Note: Techify can help you recycle electronic waste through our partnership with Renewed Computer Technology.
Tidy your workspace
Cables can get cluttered over time. Avoid this tripping hazard by tidying them up around your desk space. It might also be time to review your overall workspace for clutter so that you can start the New Year with a fresh frame of mind.
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