We're often asked, "Is my computer really secure?" In this blog post, I'll share 6 tips to help you better secure your Windows computer.
Tip 1: Set a password on your computer
I can already hear you thinking, “I get that myself!” I’m mentioning it anyway, because I still sometimes come across people who haven’t set a password on their computer. This is, of course, very dangerous. If someone were to get their hands on your computer, they could access all your files, photos, and emails. You don’t want that, do you? Here’s how to set a password:
- Go to Start and type: password.
- Click on Change Your Password.
- An app will now open showing all the password options. You can also choose to zip code to use. On touchscreens, you can set a picture password using gestures.
Tip 2: Use a virus scanner
This tip makes sense, too. I've noticed that many customers use different antivirus programs, such as AVG, McAfee, and Norton. I always recommend using the built-in Windows antivirus program. It's called Windows Defender and comes built into Windows by default. Windows Defender is good enough and is completely free! It scans regularly, and you can run a manual scan yourself. So you don't need to install anything.
Tip 3: Install a malware scanner
Malware is similar to viruses; it consists of malicious programs that hackers can use, for example, to send spam or carry out attacks on the internet. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean a virus scanner automatically detects and removes all types of malware. Personally, I always recommend MalwareBytes. I've always really liked this one, and it's free, too. You can enable automatic scans, and if the program finds anything, it will remove the malware right away.
Tip 4: Use a secure web browser
Most viruses come through the internet and email. That's why I always recommend using a secure browser. Personally, I always recommend Google Chrome Google Chrome has a built-in virus scanner and warns you when a file is unsafe. Google Chrome frequently updates itself without you even noticing, to apply the latest security measures.
Tip 5: Keep Windows up to date
This might just be one of the most important tips. New updates for Windows are released regularly, often including security updates. On Windows 10, these updates are installed automatically, but on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7, they may not be installed automatically. So be sure to keep a close eye on this!
To enable automatic updates, follow these steps:
- Select the Start button . Type update in the search box, and then select the option from the list of results Windows Update.
- Select from the left side Change Settings and then select under Important Updates the option Install updates automatically (recommended).
- Switch to Recommended Updates the checkbox Receive recommended updates the same way you receive important updates in, and then select OK.
Tip 6: Use a password manager
You often use the same password on many different websites and/or services. I recommend using a strong password. Do you have trouble remembering such a password? Then use a password manager. Personally, I really enjoy using 1Password. There are also free alternatives, such as LastPass. In addition, make sure you never reuse passwords across multiple websites or online services. If a particular service is ever hacked and your password is compromised, hackers are smart enough to try that password elsewhere as well.
So, those were my 6 tips. If you still have any questions after reading this blog, you can always contact Contact us.
