February Cybersecurity Awareness Tip: Declutter your computer, protect your data

Did you know February 10 was National Clean Out Your Computer Day?

A messy desk can slow you down, and a cluttered computer can pose serious cybersecurity risks. Unused files, outdated software, and forgotten downloads aren’t just taking up space — they could be putting your sensitive data at risk.

We get it — everyone’s busy! But taking a few minutes to clean up your computer helps you stay organized and keep Yale safe. A well-maintained device is less vulnerable to cyber threats. It ensures your personal and work-related information stays protected.

The bottom line is that the most secure data is data that no longer exists.

Three ways to clean up and stay secure:

• Declutter your files. Take a few minutes to go through your downloads, desktop, and old documents. If you don’t need them, delete them! Move important files to secure Yale-approved cloud storage. It’s a safe alternative instead of leaving them on your device.
• Uninstall unused programs. Old apps and software you no longer use may have security vulnerabilities. Remove anything unnecessary to reduce risk.
• Empty your recycling bin. Deleting files isn’t enough. They still exist in your recycling bin until you permanently clear them out. Think of it as taking out the digital trash.

And speaking of protecting your information, January 28 was Data Privacy Day. Yale’s Privacy Office recently shared a helpful video about data retention and disposition. It’s an important reminder about properly securing and disposing of Yale data when no longer needed.