Let me walk you through some simple basic security for windows to apply on your windows operation system.
Microsoft Windows is the most used operating system in office and home environments. However, its popularity makes it a primary target for hackers and malware developers.
Basic security for windows practices.
Install antivirus software for reactive protection
To secure your working environment, you should ensure your OS has antivirus protection.
You can find good, free antivirus online, that you can download and install on your system.
The software should update automatically for better interaction with other system components.
Antivirus gives you real-time protection against computer threats.
If the antivirus software not include a build in firewall. Turn on the build in Windows firewall. Windows firewall need to be activated before installing new software.
Install spyware software
Spyware monitors your browsing history and redirects your computer from malicious websites.
Some of the signs that your computer is being attacked by spyware include:
- Pop-up windows appearing all times.
- Opening programs slowly.
- Frequent error messages.
Some cautionary measure to prevent these attacks are:
- Avoid clicking suspicious pop-up windows.
- Do not running unknown applications.
- Avoid clicking unknown links in email and social networks.
- Uncheck 3rd party software installation.
Keep your operating system up-to-date
Although Widows is a closed source OS, you must keep the automatic update on. Many cyber criminals take advantage of an outdated operating system.
In an outdated operating system there may be open vulnerabilities that can be usage by hackers and malwares.
Using that holes it is possible to steal confidential data and financial information. It can also be usage by hackers to extract malicious attack from your device. Update your operating system manually, which may result a loophole for external attacks. It is best to choose that the system use automatic updated.
Encrypt your hard drive using BitLocker
The BitLocker is the most notable security feature for the latest Windows operating systems. This technology has been set up to ensure that data cannot be accessed in the hands of unauthorized users. The program offers excellent protection if your computer was powered off when it went missing.
User account security
The basic security for windows starts with user account protection. Since windows usually communicate with other outside servers, it’s quite easy for criminals to compromise the security of the OS. In this regard, all authorized users should create complex passwords that contain lower and upper letters, numbers, symbols etc. Fortunately, the operating system grants privileges on the kind of account the user wants to use to access the system. Security experts recommend that you use standard account in performing the major tasks.
One advantage of using these two separate accounts is to ensure malware attacks don’t affect the whole system. If someone tries to delete important files from the system, the admin account should ask for a password. Make sure you change the password every 30 days.
Back up your OS
Due to the ever-changing technology, hackers have become smart. They are able to penetrate even the most secured systems. You want to be sure you have a comprehensive backup system. In the event that such attacks occur. There are two main strategies of keeping your data safe. You can either store it in an external hard drive or in an online backup server. The method you choose should provide encryption capabilities.
Choose the latest version of a browser
As a rule of thumb. Before going online, secure the browser . Since we use the browser to access the internet, it’s vulnerable to attacks. To ensure you’re safe when accessing web pages, you should use the latest browser that can block pop-ups. Don’t forget to make a series of browser security settings.
Guard against malicious user input
Some users can send dangerous information to compromise your system. You should encode HTML to turn harmful script to display strings.
Even if you did not experienced any security issues. You should adhere to the above measures as basic security for windows. Remember, even the most secured system can fail after a malicious attack.