7 Tips On Securing Your Windows Computer From Hackers
In the first half of 2022, there were over 2.8 billion malware attacks, impacting over 53.35 million users all over the globe.
That’s an impressive number.
You might as well have been a victim of or may have had a close call with a hacker recently. This can be a scary experience, to say the least.
Unfortunately, cybercrime is only expected to grow in the coming years, so it’s important to secure your Windows computer from all sorts of attacks.
In this article, we will take a close look at seven tips on how you can secure your Windows computer against external threats.
How Do I Protect My Windows 10? (7 Tips)
1. Use Strong Passwords
You should ensure that all of the passwords associated with your accounts are strong and complex. This will allow to safeguard your accounts better. Also, make sure to change the passwords frequently and use two-factor authentication for extra security.
Generally, a strong password should include:
- Upper-case letters;
- Lower-case letters;
- A least one numeric figure;
- At least one symbol.
For instance, M9Pa3sw0rd!@ would be considered a strong password.
2. Install a Reliable Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is essential in protecting your system from viruses, malware, ransomware, etc. It scans all the files you download and identifies any malicious code that may try to enter your system.
Be sure to install reliable Windows antiviruses that are updated regularly and scan your system every once in a while.
While Windows Defender does a great job of monitoring your PC, you need to remain cautious and attentive to details when relying on it.
3. Use Firewalls
Firewalls prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer by monitoring the incoming traffic on your network. They will block suspicious connections and alert you if they detect any malicious activity. Make sure to have a good firewall installed on your computer.
Windows 10 and 11 come with Windows Defender pre-installed, which can be a very light and friendly firewall on its own. However, it won’t be able to defend against user error or brute-force attacks.
You can pick an additional firewall, and the one you choose should reflect your budgetary and usage requirements.
4. Use a VPN When Browsing the Internet
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is always recommended when browsing the internet because it encrypts your data and keeps it safe from hackers who may be monitoring your activities online. It also hides your IP address, making it impossible for anyone to track you down or hack into your system remotely.
However, it is important to note that there are many VPN providers out there and not all of them are trustworthy. You need to make sure that the provider has the necessary licenses for operation.
When looking for a VPN setup download for Windows, consider reading the VPN provider’s reviews and going through their certificates first.
5. Stay Away From Unofficial Download Sites
It’s always best to download programs, software, and updates from their official websites as they are more secure than unofficial sites. Unofficial sites may contain malware or other malicious code that can compromise your system’s security.
The average cost of cyberattacks across the globe is $3.85 million. For many, this can be devastating, which is why we always say prevention is better than remediation!
6. Update Software Regularly
Make sure that all of your software and applications are always up to date. This will ensure that you have the latest security patches installed and can protect your system from any threats. Install updates as soon as they become available to stay safe online.
Generally, Windows automatically checks for updates for its drivers and the additional software you’ve installed. Sometimes, though, you’ll have to check for updates manually. You can head on into your software’s general settings and check for updates there.
For Windows updates, on the other hand, you can simply press the Windows key and type in “Check for Updates.” You’ll see the prompt automatically at the top of the search bar.
7. Back-Up Your Data
It’s always a good idea to back up important files, documents, pictures, and other data regularly in case something goes wrong, or your computer gets infected with malware. You can back up data either on an external hard drive or use cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
On your Windows PC, you can easily back up your data to OneDrive with one click. Either head to System Settings > Update & Security > Backup or simply type in Backup in the Start Menu to see your options.
You can also back up your files on an external drive for added security. This is a more secure route in case of a cyber attack.
What Are The 5 Signs Your Computer Has Been Hacked?
Here are five major signs that you have a hacker in your computer and need to secure your windows computer immediately.
- Unexpected Pop-ups. If your computer is suddenly flooded with pop-up ads, it may be a sign that your machine has been hacked. Malicious programs can cause these pop-ups to appear on your screen to gather personal information or infect other machines.
- Slow Performance. If you notice that your computer’s performance is slowing down significantly, this could also be a sign of malicious activity. Hackers often use malware and viruses to slow down systems and make them unusable until they are paid off or their demands are met.
- Unfamiliar Programs In Your System. Often, hackers will install unwanted programs on compromised computers to gain access to private data or use the affected machine to launch attacks against other targets. If you notice unfamiliar programs running on your computer, it may signify that you’ve been hacked.
- Unauthorized Changes to System Files. If you notice any changes or modifications to system files without your authorization, this could also be a sign that someone has taken control of your computer and is using it for malicious purposes.
- Unusual Network Activity. Pay attention to any unusual network activity coming from your machine, as this can also be an indication of a hacker trying to gain access or use your computer for their own purposes. Monitor the data your computer sends and receives on your network and keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
Final Words
With these tips and hints, you can protect your Windows computer from malicious threats with these tips and hints. Don’t forget that your security is only as strong as the weakest link, so employ all these techniques to ensure maximum protection for your system.
So, stay vigilant and keep yourself updated on the latest cyber threats, and don’t hesitate to contact IT support if you ever feel unsure about any aspect of security. Good luck and happy computing!
