Published 7 February 2012. Software and website details in this article may have changed since.
At C-CUBED IT Solutions, we constantly get requests from clients on how they can keep their Windows based computers secure. Though this is by no means a complete guide, here are a few tips that pretty much get you started on the right path.
The average user doesn’t think much about problems that can arise with a computer until a problem actually occurs. Once a security failure happens, repairs can be both costly and time-consuming. Security is not just about having an antivirus program. There are many security measures you can apply to your Windows based PC to decrease the likelihood of running into problems. Read on to learn more about updating your operating system, using antivirus and antispyware software, firewalls and how to protect your data.
Operating system updates
One of the best ways to increase the security of your Windows-based PC is to keep the operating system (OS) up to date. Always download and install the latest patches and service updates for your operating system, because these updates will fix known bugs and security exploits. Keeping your operating system up to date also means installing the latest version of Windows. Patches are important downloads, but when you run newer versions of Microsoft Windows, the operating system will have improved security over previous versions. For instance, if you are running Windows XP or Vista, plan to upgrade to Windows 7.
Antivirus protection
Any Windows PC can easily be infected with a virus, Trojan horse, worm, spyware, rootkit, blended threat or pop-ups. It is important to keep these types of malicious infections off your Windows-based PC. The most common way to address these concerns is to install and use antivirus and antispyware software. These tips will help keep your Windows PC secure:
- Install an antivirus program that automatically scans for viruses when the system boots.
- Update the software daily to ensure your Windows PC is protected against the latest threats.
- Do not download any files from the Internet unless you are certain the source is virus-free.
- Never open email attachments from people you don’t know, and don’t open any file attachment that ends in “.exe”.
- Scan all downloaded files with your antivirus application before you run or install them.
Use a firewall
A firewall can help prevent unauthorised access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in hardware, in software, or in a combination of both. On a Windows PC a firewall will prevent malicious programs that get onto your computer from transferring personal data over the Internet.
Lock down your wireless
Changing the default SSID or disabling SSID broadcasting are two of the most popular ways to help secure a wireless network.
You now understand how to better secure your Windows PC. For further assistance, contact C-CUBED IT Solutions.