How to Simplify Your Digital Security with This Radical Suggestion

Picture this: I find myself at the 2025 RSAC Conference, attending a session on securing home networks. While some parts dive deep into intricate technologies designed for high-profile individuals, a lot of the discussion is relevant for everyday users like us, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance.

I’ve come to view this routine as just part of life, even with the additional features I’ve incorporated. For instance, I use a Pi-Hole on my network to block ads and trackers, but it sometimes disrupts my access to certain websites.

Then, during the presentation, Jennifer (JJ) Minella from Viszen Security dropped a surprising insight: she enhanced her network security not by piling on more technology, but by eliminating some devices completely.

At first glance, this seems simple. Yet for tech enthusiasts, streamlining can feel counterproductive—after all, more devices typically translate to more excitement, better control, and expanded functionality.

After applying this philosophy for a month, I’m sold. While you may not have as much tech clutter as I do, you likely own at least a smartphone, laptop, modem, and router. Many probably have a smart TV or streaming device like a Chromecast, along with older phones or tablets. Not to mention gaming consoles or PCs that might also be part of your collection.

Every one of those gadgets requires regular security updates—and let’s be honest, how many of us actually keep up with that? For those of us who try, it means dedicating real time to ensure everything is running smoothly.

I started posing three key questions to myself:

1. Is this device useful?
2. How frequently do I use it?
3. Does it require an internet connection?

If I find that a device is simply not helping me, I consider selling, donating, or recycling it. The same goes for anything I rarely use. For devices I do find valuable, I then assess whether they really need to be online—cutting off internet access can ease the pressure of having to maintain security updates.

Steve May / Foundry

So far, I’ve managed to reduce my tech collection by about 25%, and I fully expect that number to grow as I continue to evaluate my devices. I’ve also taken some less frequently used gadgets offline. For example:

• I don’t need multiple gaming PCs. Although I’m grateful to have several, keeping them updated is a hassle. I plan to keep just one and sell the rest.
• My smart TV is hardly ever used for its “smart” features. Not only do I dislike the interface, but I’m also cautious about the manufacturer tracking my viewing habits. I can use my Xbox or simply connect my laptop through an HDMI cable instead.
• The older tablet no longer receives Android security updates and has trouble with modern websites. While it might still be useful for my internal smart home network, I’m ready to recycle it if I don’t start using it more often.

This decluttering process has already made me feel more at ease. While building this new habit will take effort, managing a smaller array of devices enhances my sense of freedom. Now, I can direct maintenance time towards projects I’ve long wanted to tackle—like finally setting up that Plex server that’s been gathering dust.