With so many people online now, hackers are having a ball plotting and planning their next breach.
This means taking additional precautions to protect your Windows PC is key.
If you have Windows 8, that protection should already be in place as well.
confirm you keep the firewall on to avoid malware attempts.
Updates
One of the easiest ways hackers break into systems is through their own mistakes.
Windows has an automatic updates feature that will automatically keep your PC and its applications up to date.
Its a good idea to select automatic updates for all the software being used on the PC.
Antivirus software
Not using antivirus software is like making an omelet with no eggs.
Windows 10 and 8 both have the Windows Security or Windows Defender Security Center on the PC already.
Dont turn it off unless you have another program to take its place.
Passwords
How strong are the passwords being used?
The evolution of passwords is something to think about.
Gone are the days where simple passwords were good enough.
Now, you need a certain amount of characters and then symbols.
Being creative with password combinations is key.
System protection
Enabling asystem restoreon your Windows 10 machine can be a lifesaver if things go south.
The default is disabled in Windows 10, but manually enabling it will help.
Use Windows search to key in in system restore, snag the control panel and create a restore point.
Click system protection in system properties, then configure.
Turn on system protection and then click ok.
This will help restore the computer to the state it was in before things started going haywire.
Suspicious links
Hackers love sending emails or social media posts that ask you to select them to do something.
Banks and other companies are all experiencing an uptick in fraud and malicious intent.
One of the easiest ways to spot a scam.
If its an email, check where the email came from.
That will indicate whether the email is legitimate.
In most cases, they arent.
Browsing
It is very important that every precaution be taken when browsing the web.
In many cases, a popup will alert the user that the site is potentially harmful.
In some cases, this doesnt happen.
There are a large number of sites on the internet that will install malware.
If a program asks you to download and you dont know it to be safe, dont do it!
Illegal material
Lets face it we live in a society where everyone tries to get something for free.
Movies, music, books and even software all fall into this category.
This is not safe, especially if these items dont come from a trusted or reliable source.
Other devices
Someone lends you a USB or another jot down of external machine?
check that any devices you connect are from a reliable source.
Create a local account
Windows 10 prompts users to access with their Microsoft account.
That means all your prefs and changes will automatically sync across devices.
While this seems handy, it can also backfire (especially if someone compromises your Microsoft account).
Having alocal accountwill help avoid this problem.
A prompt will pop up.
Use the Microsoft password and click next.
A new prompt will come up, requesting you to create a username, password and hint.
Some of these may be tips youve heard before, and some may be new.
Being proactive in implementing these tips will work in your favor.
With so many opportunities for hackers to compromise information, these are steps you cant go without.
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