You already have strong and unique passwords and know how to recognize scam emails and schemes. You've implemented two-factor authentication everywhere you can. You follow all the main principles of cyber security, keeping data protected. However, new threats are constantly emerging and there is more that can be done. By eliminating redundant files, it greatly contributes to security.

Most people have old email accounts still active, forgotten memory sticks in their drawers, and years of junk in their "Downloads" folder. Being able to store things is a good thing in itself and the whole point of the digital revolution. If something is needed, it is there, but forgotten data, that is no longer needed, is a security risk. Devices can fall victim to theft or hacking, large companies are threatened by frequent data leaks, which can suddenly move your information as well. So the less information there is on your accounts and devices, the better.

In this guide you will find tips on how to get rid of unnecessary digital stuff before it comes back to haunt you.

Start with physical devices. Destroy old CDs, memory sticks and hard drives that are no longer needed. Do not leave them lying around in the basement or elsewhere. Old computers, game consoles and smart home devices also go down here. Of course, back up everything you might need first.

Next, take a look into the equipment you are currently using:

• See what's on your desktop and organize your documents folder by deleting old pdf files with credit card statements and medical information.
• These moves already go a long way toward safer computing. It also helps to come up with a plan for sensitive documents that need to be kept. It's a good idea to upload them to a cloud server or a password-protected external drive.

An e-mail account is the center of everyone's online life, where the most important information flows, and this makes it a valuable prey for cybercriminals, containing, in addition to your data, the data of your colleagues, family members and friends. Deleting e-mails you no longer need and exporting them to an external hard drive or the cloud is a smart move that will help reduce the damage if one day your account is taken over by hackers.

All major email service providers allow you to export messages, after which they can be deleted from the mailbox, leaving copies on local media. Also, delete old accounts that you no longer use.

Arbitrary files can also be found in all kinds of cloud services that provide free space, such as Google Drive and Dropbox. Check what's there and delete anything that could pose a danger in the wrong hands.

Find apps on your phone and tablet, streaming devices, game consoles, and PC that you no longer use and turn them off or delete them. Maybe you're backing up pictures to four different cloud services for some strange reason? Fix it. Maybe you still have the messaging app you used once two years ago? Why is this calorie-burning app from 2014 still on your phone? Cancel and delete are the keywords, because keeping such things is a pointless risk.

In addition to deleting, make sure you also delete or close accounts that come with apps and services. By the way, deleting data does not always mean that the service provider will also delete them, but at least you can be sure that data collection will not continue. For example, a health app that you forgot existed can still count your steps, heartbeats, etc.

When all the excess stuff has been cleaned and deleted, it's worth thinking about it again, did you forget something? Maybe there are pictures of bank cards and driver's licenses in the photo gallery? Or do you still have a friend's credit card information that he once sent you to help him out on a trip? Do you have passport copies of family members on your board that you scanned in once?

If all the cleaning is done, then in the future we recommend doing your best to not pile up any more digital mud. Think twice before downloading: are you sure you need this new app? Back up what you can and then delete the data from the device. And if possible, delete documents as soon as they are no longer needed. The more you are aware of your digital footprint, the more control and opportunity you have to protect yourself.