With increasing technology and software, we cannot underestimate the importance of cyber security. Our lives are hugely dependent on gadgets like computers and smartphones. Whether it’s a laptop, a smartphone, or your business desktop computer, you have got that information many people would want to have!
Windows 11 and Windows 10 are the most secure version of Windows you will ever use, with much-improved antivirus, firewall, and disc encryption features – but it is not enough to protect you from cyber-attacks.
While Microsoft makes every effort to keep its users safe, hackers continue to target vulnerabilities that can only be discovered on Windows PCs, making Windows the most often hacked operating system in the world.
Tips To Keep Your Windows 11/10 Computer Safe
However, most attacks are relatively simple to defend against, and it only takes a few minutes to ensure that your computer is protected. Here are some valuable tips on how can you protect your Windows computer:
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Update Your Software regularly
Maintaining the most recent versions of Windows and all of your software is simple yet critical. The bulk of updates are likely bug fixes and security patches, which prevent your operating system and software from acting as a backdoor for hackers. As software grows in size, the possibility that it may contain vulnerabilities that a hacker can take advantage of increases.
Windows 10 is built to update itself, and all you need is a stable Internet connection to take advantage of this feature. Antivirus suites such as Norton 360 use PC vulnerability scanners to guarantee that all of your software is up to date and protected against threats.
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Research & Double-Check Downloads Before Proceeding
Many malware infestations may be traced back to carelessness on the part of the user. You may eliminate many security risks simply by exercising caution and thoroughly investigating the files and content you are interacting with. A large number of hackers conceal malware in what appears to be original downloads.
You will save yourself from stress if you take the extra time to double-check and research your downloads. However, because many malware downloads are very effectively camouflaged, it can be challenging to determine whether anything is authentic without executing it on your computer. That is why we recommend you have a good antivirus program installed in case something manages to slip past your defenses.
Listed below are some precautions you can take to avoid unintentionally downloading a virus:
- Check the size of the file you are downloading with a Google search to see how large it is.
- Look for additional information on your downloads in forums and on reputable websites.
- Before extracting the files from a zipped folder, go through the contents of the folder.
- Before you open any files, be sure an antivirus program has scanned them.
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Use Windows Task Manager To Check The Computer
If your computer is performing strangely, you likely have malware of some sort. To properly diagnose computer problems, the Windows Task Manager is the ideal option to go for.
The Task Manager displays a list of the programs operating on your computer, how much space they are eating up, and how much disc space is remaining on your hard drive, among other information.
You can access the Task Manager by hitting the following keys:
Ctrl + Alt + Delete (at an instant)
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Use VPN To Keep Browsing Activity Confidential
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most secure and confidential method of protecting your browsing activity when using the Internet. VPNs tunnel your data through an encrypted server, which ends up substituting your IP address with another (non-identifiable) IP address. Nobody who is watching your browsing will be able to see anything more than the IP address of the anonymous server.
When using public Wi-Fi networks, we recommend you to browse with a VPN. Hackers can build up public Wi-Fi networks, and if you connect to the network, they will be able to snoop on your activities. When connected to a corrupted public Wi-Fi network, a virtual private network (VPN) makes it hard to spy on your computer.
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Device Encryption
For encryption to work, you must encode your data with a super-complicated cipher that can only be decrypted by the machine that created the encryption. All of your information is displayed as a string of random characters if you do not enter your password.
Windows Device Encryption is pre-installed on a large number of Windows 11/10 computers. This function allows you to encrypt folders and files and create disc partitions for storing massive volumes of encrypted data on a single command.
However, those who upgrade to Windows 11/10 Pro will access the Bitlocker encryption tool, a powerful alternative to Windows Device Encryption. Every piece of data on your disc is encrypted, and it offers a convenient dashboard option for changing settings.
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Use Password Manager
Password managers generate and auto-fill incredibly complicated and secure passwords across all of your devices and browsers, and they sync across all of your devices and browsers. As soon as your credentials are compromised, your entire system becomes exposed. Using the same password on many websites or using passwords that are not sufficiently difficult makes it possible for hackers to access your accounts.
For additional security, two-factor authentication (2FA) is supported by all of the leading password managers, which requires you to input both your password and the second form of verification to connect into your password vault. These forms of authentication include fingerprints, face scanning, USB sticks, and one-time passwords (TOTPs) transmitted to your phone or smartwatch, as well as other methods.
Note: Windows Hello is the biometric authentication feature in Windows 11/10 that works in conjunction with password managers.
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Install An Antivirus Program
Malware can infiltrate your computer even if you make every effort to prevent it from happening. Antivirus software is sometimes referred to as the “final line of defense” in the fight against viruses.
Some of the most exemplary antivirus programs are;
- Norton
- Avira
- Bitdefender
Antivirus programs have a more excellent malware detection rating than Windows Defender and many valuable features not found in Windows Defender. If you want to learn more about different antivirus programs for windows, click here!
When you have the opportunity, try to learn and cope with the current cyber security dangers. Try to practice the fundamental safety rules mentioned above and learn to trust your instincts as much as possible.
