Cyber Explorer Skills · lesson 3 of 16 · 15 min
Keeping devices clean
“Keeping devices clean” means more than just wiping the screen. It means keeping your device free from harmful software, unnecessary apps, and clutter that can slow it down or create security risks. A clean device is a safer, faster device.
Just like you clean your room to find things easily and keep it organized, regular device maintenance keeps your technology running well and protected. These habits are called device hygiene.
Device hygiene checklist: Delete apps you no longer use, clear your browser cache regularly, run antivirus scans, keep software updated, and back up important files to a safe location.
Device hygiene habits
Remove unused apps Apps you no longer use can have security vulnerabilities and take up space. Delete them. Clear browser cache Your browser stores data from websites you visit. Clearing it regularly improves privacy and performance. Run antivirus scans Regular scans catch malware that may have slipped through. Run one at least once a month. Keep everything updated Operating system, apps, and browser — all need regular updates to stay secure. Back up important files Store copies of important files in a safe place (cloud or external drive) so you do not lose them. Review app permissions Check what permissions your apps have. Remove access to things they do not need.
What is a backup — and why does it matter?
A backup is a copy of your important files stored in a separate, safe location. If your device is lost, stolen, damaged, or infected with malware, a backup means you can recover your files without losing them forever.
Backups can be stored in the cloud (like Google Drive or iCloud) or on an external hard drive. The best habit is to back up regularly — at least once a week for important files.
Key words to remember
- Device hygiene
- Browser cache
- Backup
- App permissions
- Antivirus scan
Match each device hygiene habit to its purpose
Device hygiene — quiz
Why should you delete apps you no longer use?
- To make your screen look tidier
- Unused apps can create security risks and slow your device
- Apps cost money to keep
- Deleted apps can be recovered later
Answer: Unused apps can create security risks and slow your device
Old apps may have security vulnerabilities and take up space. Removing them reduces risk.
Backing up your files means you will not lose them if your device breaks or gets infected.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Backups are copies of your files stored separately, so you can recover them if something goes wrong.
What does clearing your browser cache do?
- Deletes all your passwords
- Removes stored data from websites you have visited
- Uninstalls your browser
- Speeds up your Wi-Fi
Answer: Removes stored data from websites you have visited
Clearing the cache removes stored website data, which can improve privacy and browser performance.
What is device hygiene?
- Cleaning the physical screen of your device
- Regular maintenance habits that keep your device safe and running well
- A type of antivirus software
- Wiping your device completely
Answer: Regular maintenance habits that keep your device safe and running well
Device hygiene refers to the regular habits — updates, scans, backups — that keep your device healthy.
You only need to back up your files once — then you are done.
- True
- False
Answer: False
You should back up regularly — at least once a week for important files — because new files are created constantly.
What are app permissions?
- The price of an app
- The access an app has to your device — like your camera or contacts
- The number of times you can use an app
- The app’s privacy policy
Answer: The access an app has to your device — like your camera or contacts
App permissions control what parts of your device an app can access. Review them regularly.
Where can you store a backup of your files?
- Only on the same device
- In the cloud (like Google Drive) or on an external hard drive
- In a text message
- On a sticky note
Answer: In the cloud (like Google Drive) or on an external hard drive
Backups should be stored separately from your device — in the cloud or on an external drive.
Running an antivirus scan once a month is a good device hygiene habit.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Regular antivirus scans catch malware that may have slipped through your defenses.
A calculator app asks for permission to access your contacts. What should you do?
- Allow it — all apps need contacts
- Deny it — a calculator has no reason to access contacts
- Delete the app immediately
- Allow it temporarily
Answer: Deny it — a calculator has no reason to access contacts
Apps should only have permissions they actually need. A calculator does not need your contacts.
What is the best description of a backup?
- A second copy of your device
- A copy of important files stored in a safe, separate location
- A type of password manager
- A software update
Answer: A copy of important files stored in a safe, separate location
A backup is a copy stored separately so you can recover files if your device is lost or damaged.
Previous lesson: When to ask for help
Back to Cyber Explorer Skills
Next lesson: Updates keep us safer