Why
Regular physical cleaning of your devices and peripherals promotes hygiene, can extend their lifespan by preventing dust buildup in vents (which can cause overheating), and improves their overall usability and appearance.
Action
- Peripherals:
- Keyboards: Use compressed air to remove debris from under keys. Wipe down keys with a slightly damp microfiber cloth or an appropriate electronics cleaning wipe.
- Mice: Wipe down the mouse surface. Clean the sensor area gently if needed.
- Screens (Monitors, Laptops, Tablets, Phones): Use a microfiber cloth (slightly dampened with distilled water or a screen-specific cleaner if necessary) to wipe screens. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Device Vents (Laptops, Desktops, Consoles):
- Inspect air intake and exhaust vents for dust accumulation.
- Use short bursts of compressed air to carefully clean out dust from vents. Ensure the device is powered off and unplugged.
- Other Devices: Wipe down surfaces of other frequently used devices like smart speakers, remotes, etc.
Remember
Always power off and unplug devices before cleaning, especially when using liquids or compressed air near vents. Follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning specific devices if available.
Why
It’s easy to sign up for services or trials and forget about them, leading to unnecessary recurring charges. Regularly reviewing your subscriptions helps you identify and cancel those you no longer use, saving money and reducing the number of companies holding your payment information.
Action
- List your known recurring subscriptions (e.g., streaming services, software licenses, gym memberships, subscription boxes).
- Check your bank and credit card statements for any recurring payments you don’t recognize or have forgotten about.
- For each subscription, evaluate if you are still using it and if it provides sufficient value.
- Cancel any subscriptions or memberships that are no longer needed or used.
- Note renewal dates for annual subscriptions to decide whether to renew them in advance.
Remember
Some services make cancellation difficult. Be persistent. Set calendar reminders for trial period endings to avoid being charged.
Why
Keeping your Internet of Things (IoT) devices updated with the latest firmware is crucial for maintaining security. Manufacturers often release updates to patch vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features. Outdated firmware can leave your devices and network exposed to potential security threats.
Action
Make a list of all IoT devices in your home.
For each device, locate the manufacturer’s website or app.
Check for available firmware updates.
Download and install updates following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Restart devices after updating.
Enable automatic updates if available.
Remember
Regularly check for firmware updates, ideally once a month, to ensure your IoT devices remain secure and function optimally.
Why
Keeping your router’s firmware up-to-date is crucial for maintaining network security. Firmware updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities, performance improvements, and new features. Outdated firmware can leave your network exposed to potential attacks and exploits.
Action
Log into your router’s admin panel using its IP address (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Locate the firmware update section (usually under “Administration” or “Advanced”).
Check for available updates.
If an update is available, download and install it.
Wait for the router to reboot and confirm the update was successful.
Remember
Always download firmware updates directly from the manufacturer’s official website to avoid potentially malicious software.
Why
Device tracking features are useless if they’re not properly configured or have stopped working. Regular testing ensures you can locate, lock, or wipe your devices if they’re lost or stolen. This critical security feature often fails silently due to setting changes or account issues.
Action
- Test Find My iPhone/iPad on all Apple devices.
- Verify Find My Device on Android phones and tablets.
- Check Find My Device for Windows laptops.
- Test location accuracy - is it showing correct location?
- Verify remote lock functionality (don’t actually lock).
- Check remote wipe options are available.
- Ensure all devices show in your account.
- Test family member device tracking if configured.
- Verify backup contact methods are current.
- Check battery optimization isn’t disabling tracking.
Remember
Keep tracking features enabled even if you’re privacy-conscious. The security benefits outweigh privacy concerns for most people. You can always disable tracking temporarily when needed.