Keeping your computer secure helps prevent malware and outright hacking attempts designed to steal personal information. Learn some ways to reduce your online risk when using a Windows computer at home or at work.
Tips to protect your computer:
Use a firewall: Windows already has a built-in firewall that is automatically activated.
Keep all software up to date: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update to keep Windows, Microsoft Office, and other Microsoft applications up to date. Turn on automatic updates for non-Microsoft software, especially web browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other applications you use regularly.
Use antivirus software and keep it up to date: If you're using instagram data Windows, you already have Windows Security or Windows Defender Security Center installed on your device.
Make sure your passwords are well chosen and protected: Although it is something simple and quick, many people think it is unnecessary to have a password to access their computer. However, this is one of the first and most important steps to ensure the security of your computer.
If you happen to forget your device somewhere or are in a place with many strangers around, it is essential that all your data and information are safe inside your machine. Therefore, avoid using easy passwords such as 123456, abc123, qwerty, among others.
Don't open suspicious attachments or click on unusual links in messages: They can appear in emails, tweets, posts, online ads, messages or attachments and sometimes disguised as known or trusted sources.
Browse the web safely: Avoid visiting websites that offer potentially illicit content. Many of these sites quickly install malware or offer downloads containing malware. Use a modern browser like Microsoft Edge, which can help block malicious websites and prevent malicious code from running on your computer.
Stay away from pirated material: Avoid streaming or downloading movies, music, books, or apps that don't come from trusted sources. They may contain malware.
Do not use USBs or other external devices unless they are yours: To avoid malware and virus infection, all external devices should belong to you or come from trusted sources.
Protect your personal information online: Your privacy on the Internet depends on your ability to control how much personal information you provide and who has access to that information. Learn how to protect your privacy on the Internet.
Protect yourself from scams: When reading email, using social media, or browsing the web, you should be wary of scams designed to steal your personal information (also known as identity theft), money, or both. Many of these scams are known as “phishing scams” because they fish for your information. Learn how to protect yourself from phishing scams and avoid tech support scams.
Prevent and remove malware: An important step toward greater workplace security is protecting your computer from malware.
Windows Security: Windows Security (or Windows Defender Security Center in Windows 8 or earlier versions of Windows 10) is built into Windows and provides real-time malware detection, prevention, and removal with cloud-based protection. It is intended for homes, small businesses, and enterprise customers.
Other ways to remove malware: To assist all Windows customers, including those who are not using Windows Security, Microsoft provides Microsoft Defender Offline.
Microsoft Defender Offline (Windows Defender): Windows Defender Offline runs outside of Windows to remove rootkits and other threats that hide from the Windows operating system. This tool uses a small, separate operating environment in which evasive threats are unable to hide from antimalware scanners.