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Whether you use your computer mostly for work, for fun, or for both, you probably want how to Secure Your PC. When it comes to computer security, you should think about a wide range of threats, such as hackers doing bad things and people stealing your computer and the information it holds.
There are steps you can take to make it less likely that your computer will be hacked. How you keep your information safe will depend on a number of things. For example, if you store information that is especially sensitive, you might be willing to spend more time and money to protect it. In the same way, you may want to go the extra mile if you think someone is likely to try to hack into your system or steal your computer.
How to Secure Your PC
Always Keep Your Firewall Active
- Click on the Start button and then select Settings. Next, click the Update and Security tab.
- On the left side menu, choose Windows Security.
- Click Firewall and Network Protection. It will show you three options: Domain Network, Private Network, and Public Network. You should be presented with a list of sections that says “No actions needed.”
- To turn these on (or off), click any of the options. You can activate them all at once.
- Go to Public Network, and under the Windows Defender Firewall, slide the pointer to the right to turn it on.
Install Antivirus and Anti-Spyware
Running a security suite on your PC is the best way to find malware in real time. Most malware can’t get through Windows 10’s built-in antivirus, Windows Defender. But you can also install other popular antivirus programmes like Avast, Bitdefender, Norton, and Kaspersky. Some of these antivirus programmes have extra features, like protection against ransomware and checking links.
Most antivirus software costs between $40 and $80 today, depending on how many devices it protects and what kinds of security features it has. Software security system updates not only improve your PC’s overall performance but also update its built-in system security.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
- Click the Windows icon on the bottom left of your home screen.
- Then, click Settings.
- From there, click Accounts.
- Finally, hit Sign-in Options. Under the Windows Hello tab, you should see if it’s available on your device or not.
Create a Strong Password
- On your computer’s home screen, click the Start button located at the bottom left.
- Next, click on Settings and then Accounts.
- Then click on the Sign-in Options tab.
- Head to the right section of the window, and under the Password menu, click the Add button. If you’ve already got a password, you can alter it by clicking Change instead.
- Click Control Panel from the drop-down menu, then select Add or Remove User Accounts. If it asks permission to make changes, click Continue.
- Enter your new password and reenter it in the text bars. Make sure it’s a strong one by combining letters, symbols, and numbers. You can also enter a Password Hint, should you have trouble remembering it.
- Once you’re done, click the Next button. Finally, click on the Finish button to save the changes you’ve made.
Use complex passwords
The best way to keep people from getting into your network is to use strong passwords. If your passwords are strong, it will be harder for a hacker to get into your system.
Most of the time, more secure means longer and more complicated. Use a password with at least eight characters that includes numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and computer symbols. Hackers have a lot of tools that let them break short, simple passwords in just a few minutes.
Ignore spam
Be careful of emails from people you don’t know, and never click on links or open files that come with them. Spam filters are pretty good at catching the spam that stands out. But phishing emails that look like they came from your friends, coworkers, or trusted businesses (like your bank) have become more common, so keep an eye out for anything that looks or sounds fishy.
Save what’s on your computer
If you don’t already back up your hard drive for your business, you should start doing so right away. It is very important to back up your information in case hackers get in and destroy your system.
Always make sure you can start over as soon as possible after a data loss or breach. Time Machine and File History, which are built into macOS and Windows, are good places to start. You can also get enough space for these utilities to work on an external backup hard drive.
Use virtualization
Not everyone needs to do this, but if you go to sketchy websites, you can expect to get a lot of spyware and viruses. The best way to avoid browser-based attacks is to stay away from unsafe sites. However, virtualization lets you run your browser in a virtual environment, like Parallels or VMware Fusion, that keeps it safe by avoiding your operating system.
Keep your network safe.
Most routers don’t come with the most secure settings turned on. Log in to the router and set a password using a secure, encrypted setup when setting up your network. This makes it harder for people to get into your network and change your settings.
FAQ
How can I put security to my PC?
- Use a firewall.
- Keep all software up to date.
- Use antivirus software and keep it current.
- Make sure your passwords are well-chosen and protected.
- Don’t open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages.
- Browse the web safely.
- Stay away from pirated material.
What is one way to secure your computer?
Antivirus programmes like Bitdefender, Panda Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and Avast protect your computer from code or software that isn’t supposed to be there and could harm your operating system.
How do hackers get into your computer?
If your operating system or web browsers aren’t up to date, hackers can use known security holes to get in. Your Wi-Fi network is being hacked. Your network is vulnerable if you have weak passwords, use old firmware models, or don’t update your software.