Tag Archives: digital

Protect Your Password

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How often are you prompted for your password in a week? Too many to count, right? And how often do you get stuck trying to remember the right one before you are locked out or need to reset your password?

Password protection is essential, you need to keep your accounts safe and remember all your passwords. Here are a few tips & tricks to help you protect and create secure passwords.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING

  • Use a different password for each of your accounts. If someone discovers your password they most likely will be able to quickly access multiple accounts before you can change them all.
  • Change your passwords for important accounts regularly (i.e. banking, email). Most companies and many websites force you to do this as part of their own security protocol.
  • Do not use any personal details when creating a password. No birth dates, children’s names or your address.
  • Your password should be a minimum of 8 characters; use 12 to be more secure.
  • Make your password stronger by using a combination of letters (upper and lowercase), numbers, and special characters. For example, use the number 5 in place of the letter S.
  • If you write or save your passwords in a list don’t make it easy or obvious to find the document, such as PASSWORD.docx

CLEVER WAYS TO CREATE PASSWORDS

  • Use a sentence or a phrase and turn it into a password.
    • Example: Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week = T10TbDotW
  • Mix complimentary words together.
    • Example: auto boat = abuotaot
  • Turn your password around.
    • Example: toatouba
  • Find a password through a password generator site that you can phonetically remember
    • Example: 5T5&kV}8 – 5 TOKYO 5 & korean VISA } 8
  • Use a motor pattern on the keyboard. Start with a number or letter and move diagonally or in a pattern alternating keys.
    • Example: @wDvGy&
  • Choose a base word and build or alter the letter/number combination
    • Example: Generate = !G3n3R8!

PASSWORD SERVICES

A number of online password protection services are now available so that you only need remember one password.

Is digital organization not your thing? Could you use support getting your digital life sorted? sorted.by Melissa can help. Email or call for a Free Consultation. 

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Get Your Digital Clutter Sorted

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I am all too familiar with digital clutter. While I have a neatly organized storage box, with clearly labeled and sorted storage bags for cables, accessories, chargers, and manuals — once out of sight it is out of mind. Just last week while retrieving an extra power cord from the storage box I discovered some extraneous clutter. How did we end up with so many extra sets of headphones? Those quickly found themselves in the bin. A TomTom, remember those? Google Maps and our car navigation kit suit me just fine. And an old Nokia smartphone; how long ago was that upgraded to an iPhone? Both ended up in the hands of extended family members within days.

My own experience shows none of us are immune to digital clutter. Minimizing the clutter frees up space, opens the opportunity for better upgrades to new devices, and reduces the amount of time you waste on moving, storing or sorting through your digital possessions.

Here is a list of digital items to consider decluttering & recycling:

  • DVDs & CDs: Like a good book collection, those of us who came of age before the advent of Spotify, iTunes, Netflix and other Cloud video and music services, have garnered an extensive collection of DVDs & CDs. If you haven’t watched/listen to your collection or don’t even have a player that works for them it’s time for them to go. Not ready to let go? Discard the covers and store the discs in a case.
  • VHS tapes: does it need to be said? Definitely, time to dispose of them.
  • Computer manuals and CD-ROMS: If you no longer own the device or the software has a newer version, toss it. Nearly every manual or software update is available online.
  • Cables: Keep unique power cables for charging your devices, but if you have 10 versions of a universal cable maybe at least 8 of them need to go.
  • Keyboards, Monitors, Mouse: Apart from monitors, computer periphery is relatively inexpensive to replace. Invest in a good set that you actively use and dispose of the rest.
  • Digital Cameras/Video Cameras: Most likely you use your smartphone to capture photos and record videos. Is it time to let go of the one-use device?
  • Thumb Drives: Nearly everything can be stored and accessed from the Cloud. And with the size of images and documents that old 1GB (or smaller) thumb drive is useless and outdated.
  • External Hard Drives: Like thumb drives, old external hard drives don’t have the capacity to store all our photos/documents/videos anymore. Consider upgrading and migrating your files to an NAS of minimum 1TB (Networked Accessed Storage).
  • GPS Devices: Do you use an app like Google Maps or have an integrated navigation system built-in your car? Old GPS devices are outdated, requiring constant updates.
  • Old Mobile Phones. If you have no one you can pass it on to, recycle it. Or see if you can get some money for it through a buy-back company. Holding on to a collection of phone covers? One phone, one cover is enough.
  • Health tracking devices: From watches to smart bands there is a myriad of accessories that sync & connect to our other devices. Have you bought an upgrade or received a replacement version? Pass on working models to friends or families and recycle the ones that are broken.
  • MP3 Players: Once the must-have of portable music players, with music streaming services or player apps on our smartphone your old MP3 player is heading for the recycling bin.
  • Headsets: Your current headset and a back-up are sufficient; anything else should be tossed.

Of special note, I must comment on the storage of the packaging your devices came in. I’ve heard lots of excuses from clients justifying holding onto the pretty box.

  • The product is more valuable with the packaging (resale value); what is the likelihood you will resell the item?
  • If it breaks and I need to ship it back or return it to the store; if it is under warranty the company will take it back in any packaging.
  • If we ever move the box will protect it and be convenient; when is your next move planned? How did you move your digital stuff in the past?
  • It is pretty, it seems a waste to throw it away; either find a new use for the box or set a date (1 month, 6 months) for when you will recycle the packaging.

Is your digital clutter more than you can manage? Do you need assistance determining how best to sort & store your digital belongings? sorted.by Melissa can help. Email or call for a Free Consultation. 

For more organizing tips follow sorted.by Melissa on Facebook or sign-up for the monthly newsletter.