Essential tips from Wales Cyber Resilience Centre for ‘Clean Out Your Computer Day’
The second Monday of February marks Clean Out Your Computer Day, an annual reminder for individuals and businesses to declutter and secure their systems.
The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) is using the occasion to highlight the importance of cyber hygiene and offer simple but effective steps to protect sensitive data and improve system performance.
With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, regular maintenance of devices and networks is crucial to keeping businesses secure.
The WCRC advises organisations to focus on key tasks that often get overlooked, such as removing ex-employees’ access, updating software, and protecting devices from malware.
1. Remove Ex-Employees’ Access Immediately
One of the biggest security oversights in businesses is failing to prevent ex-employees from accessing company networks and accounts. If a former employee retains access to sensitive information, it can pose a serious security risk.
Ensure that:
- Their email accounts are disabled.
- Their credentials are removed from all internal and external systems.
- A clean break from company systems reduces the risk of data leaks or security breaches.
2. Stop Using Outdated Software
Using old, unsupported software is like leaving your front door unlocked—it’s an open invitation for hackers. Unsupported software no longer receives security patches, leaving it vulnerable to attack.
Ensure that you:
- Uninstall any outdated or unused software.
- Replace it with a supported and up-to-date version.
- Enable automatic updates to always have the latest security fixes.
3. Protect Your Network and Devices
A strong defence is the best way to protect against malware and cyber-attacks. Keeping your system protected with updated security software is a simple yet crucial step.
Make sure you:
- Install reliable anti-virus and anti-malware software.
- Enable automatic updates for both security software and your operating system.
- Regularly run a full system scan to detect any lurking threats.
Bonus Tips for a Cleaner, Faster, Safer Computer
- Declutter Your Files: Delete unnecessary files, clear your downloads folder, and empty your recycle bin.
- Organise Your Inbox: Unsubscribe from spam emails and use filters to keep things tidy.
- Back Up Important Data: Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to back up essential files. Keep backups separate from your device or network.
- Strengthen Your Passwords: Update old weak passwords and consider using a password manager for extra security.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, stressed the importance of cyber hygiene:
“Ensuring people manage their data well is a crucial part of staying safe in the digital sphere. That’s why campaigns like National Clean Out Your Computer Day are so important.
“As someone with a professional background in IT, I know that organisations like the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales and North Wales Police’s Cyber Crime team offer invaluable guidance on staying safe in the digital world, both for individuals and businesses.
“I would urge everyone to ensure their devices are decluttered, their software is up to date, and that networks and passwords are secure. That way, we can help protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from cybercrime.”
About the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales
Established in 2020, the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales is part of a national network of centres supporting businesses in protecting themselves from cybercrime. The centre offers affordable cyber security services and membership options to help businesses identify vulnerabilities, assess current plans, and improve overall cyber awareness.
For more information, visit the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales website at www.wcrcentre.co.uk.
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