BEST PRACTICES TO SECURE AND PROTECT YOUR WINDOWS SYSTEMS (LAPTOPS/COMPUTERS)
Windows systems have evolved their security approaches over time due to the emergence of new threats each year and its vast number of users. System operators and engineers have put in their best effort to strengthen the security of these systems and integrate the improved features formulated, into software updates. Windows 11 is the latest and most secure Windows yet, with several security measures set up to bolster the security of your device. Microsoft offers built-in services such as Windows Defender Antivirus and Windows Defender Firewall to identify threats and quarantine or eliminate them.
Despite these security measures, Windows is still vulnerable to malicious software and threats. It is therefore advisable to employ countermeasures that mitigate these threats and ensure the effective running of your Windows device. These measures can involve the use of built-in features or third-party software such as antiviruses. Failure to incorporate these measures may result in setbacks such as:
- Attacks from Malware and Viruses
- Unauthorised access to data
- Data Loss
- Data Corruption
- System lagging
- Phishing threats
Therefore, it is advisable to incorporate these approaches to ensure the effective running of your device. Some of the best practices in securing and protecting your windows system include the following:
- Turn on file and/or disk encryption: Turning on file/data and/or disk encryption encrypts your windows files/data and/or complete disk to ensure that only authorized users with the right decryption keys can decrypt and access your data. Refer to my article here for step-by step guide on “How to enable Microsoft BitLocker Encryption“.
- Setup firewalls and Network Protection: Windows firewall helps protect your device against unauthorized network traffic. It also provides security against network-based threats and facilitates access control. Refer to my article here for step-by-step guide on “How to enable Windows Defender Firewall“.
- Regularly updating your Software: Software updates provide clinical security patches that can help alleviate pre-existing threats therefore, enabling the proper working of a system. Microsoft provides both quality and feature updates. Updates may enhance protection against new threats, thus, reducing your devices’ vulnerability. Refer to my article here for step-by-step guide on “How to Check and Install updates on Windows devices“.
- User Account Control: User account control helps in the mitigation of the impact of malware. Soft wares that require administrator permission must request consent from the administrator. User Access control requires that valid administrator credentials be provided when a standard user tries to access high integrity applications. The multiple prompts generated by User Account Control help in regulating the installation, access and removal of files. The recommended way of running Windows devices is to make your primary user account a standard user account. Refer to my article here for step-by-step guide on “How to configure User Access Control“.
- Setting up regular system Backups: Backing up of files enables restoration of files upon data loss or corruption. It prevents the loss of valuable data. Therefore, this process should be put into play especially when data stored in a device is vital. Refer to my article here for step-by-step guide on “How to back up data on Windows devices“.
SUMMARY
The safety and protection of your Windows device can be further enhanced through observation of these measures. These approaches optimize the security functions of your Windows device ensuring that it is working as it should be and reduces workflow errors.