5 Crucial Steps to Secure Your System

There is a plethora of virus types, in addition to security flaws, as well as plain old negligence, that is capable of making your system vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Despite that, Windows 10/11 are still amongst the most secure operating systems you can use today. But, when it comes to security, you can never be too cautious. So, below is a list of things that you should definitely consider doing, if you want to reduce the likelihood of you falling victim to one of these cybercriminals.

Is staying connected to the net at all times a priority?

For the vast majority of people, they’ll answer this question with a yes. But, for those of you who have their computers on, for long periods, and don’t exactly use the internet, all the time, then you may want to consider disconnecting your system from the router, at the very least. This is because hackers are looking for those systems, those users that have their connection to the internet at all times. If you disconnect your computer from the internet at times, then it will make the hackers life that much more difficult.

However, I’m aware that, for a lot of you, this won’t be possible. More and more things that are introduced to us, require that we have a connection to the internet. So, we can assume that this trend will not end, irrespective of the operating system. But this isn’t something that is exclusive to computers, we also have fridges and digital TV boxes along with dishwashers that are all capable of connecting to the net. So those individuals in that position, you’ll need to find some other way of keeping your connection secure as you navigate your life.

Use Restore Points

If you don’t know what a restore point is, well basically, it’s like a snapshot that you take of your system, at any specific time. Which you can use to revert your system back to, in the event of a problem. System restore comes as standard on all Windows iterations, however, it’s up to you to enable it, if you want to take advantage of its many benefits.

The operating system will automatically create a snapshot or restore point of your system, before it installs a new Windows update. However, you may want to create restore points of your own, especially before making a significant change to your computer, such as editing the Windows registry or changing a hardware component.

Creating your own restore points is very simple. It’s also possible for you to configure the tool to make restore points every day. However, you will need to make certain tweaks to specific areas of the system to do it and restoring points can eat up a lot of hard drive space.

Adjust Web Browser Configuration

The vast majority of web browsers out there give the user the ability to alter the security and privacy level of it. This is done to help decrease the chances of you falling victim to a virus infection. Some browsers are also capable of preventing websites from tracking you, by blocking cookies, however, this does have its drawbacks.

Many of these security options are disabled when you first install or run your browser. So, it’s up to you to take your time to go through the various options. The good news is that it won’t take you long to make all the changes that you feel most comfortable with. The major browsers such as Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Edge all come with guides, to help you through the process. In addition to the built-in features, there are also extensions that you may want to patronise, that are capable of adding additional layers of security to your web browser experience.

When it comes to choosing your web browser, it’s up to you to choose wisely. All the ones I mentioned above, are amongst the most popular. However, the security of any web browser is dependent on the patches and updates available to it at any one time. So, a browser can be secure today, and vulnerable the next. If you would like to remain completely anonymous online, then there are non-traditional options that you may want to consider using. Such as Tor browser, Comodo Dragon etc.

Enable Encryption

Windows 10/11 Pro edition and above come with their own encryption tool called BitLocker. This feature is able to integrate with the operating system to protect your sensitive information from unauthorised access and theft, through the encryption process.

BitLocker works by using the Trusted Platform Module, version 1.2 and above, to offer protection to your data. Providing the best security when your system is offline. For those systems that do not support TPM, they are forced to use a Pin or USB startup key to start their previous encryption machine.

For Windows 10/11 users, there are a number of alternatives available to you if BitLocker is not to your liking. Full disk encryption is something that you should go for, irrespective of the encryption tool you choose to use.

Use a VPN

If you would like to enhance your overall security, especially when surfing the web, then you cannot go wrong with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). When you opt to use a VPN, all your traffic is first, encrypted, then sent through a proxy server. This is done to mask your location (IP), replacing it with a unique one, so that your ISP won’t be able to monitor your activity.

The good thing about these services is that they allow you to choose which server you would like to use. This can be done based on several factors, such as location, for geo-locked content and speed. VPNs also come in handy when using open or public Wi-Fi networks, as it encrypts all the data that you receive and/or send.

When it comes time to choose the service for you, you have several options. There are the free solutions, which offer a decent service, and you have the paid, monthly rate services, which can be quite cheap, at less than $5 per month. When you opt for a free solution, in most cases, you will be locked out of certain features, but it can be a nice introduction into the service itself. With some of the paid solutions, many offer free trials that run for several days, along with money-back guarantees to mitigate any risk on your part.

No matter the data you put on your system, it’s important that you do the utmost to protect it from cybercriminals. Although, despite all the things you can do, your computer can still be hacked, thus, you can mitigate the chances of that happening, by always staying one step ahead of the hacker.

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Conclusion – 5 Crucial Steps to Secure Your System

In conclusion, while Windows 10 and 11 are among the most secure operating systems available, it is crucial to proactively enhance your system’s security to stay ahead of potential cyber threats. Disconnecting from the internet when not in use, using system restore points, adjusting web browser settings, enabling encryption, and using a VPN are essential steps to fortify your defenses. By taking these measures, you significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cybercriminals. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and regular updates to your security practices. Stay informed and stay protected to ensure your digital safety. To read more informative blog like this visit Techymess.com today!