All of these viruses, Trojans, and malware infections can activate your panic mode and force you to install all kinds of security tools on your Windows 10. While it’s important to stay safe, your overall user experience with Windows 10 shouldn’t suffer.
If you install everything that internet communities suggest, you will end up working on a clunky machine.
Securing Windows 10 is not difficult, and you can do it quickly and efficiently. Here’s how to turn your Windows 10 into an impenetrable fortress.
1. Encrypt the data on your disks
Unencrypted data is like a buffet for hackers to take what they want. If you are hacked, the first target will be your data. The last thing you want is that your sensitive information is leaking. Fortunately, there is a way to make all the data on your disks useless to cybercriminals: encryption.
Windows 10 comes with an integrated encryption tool, BitLocker Data Encryption. You can access it via Control Panel -> System and Security -> BitLocker Drive Encryption and encrypt your data with one click. You can choose the drive to encrypt. You can even encrypt removable data drives with BitLocker To Go.
2. Use a VPN for Ultimate Online Protection
While we’re talking about encryption, let’s go straight to VPNs. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and it can help you secure your online activities. A VPN provides end-to-end traffic encryption, which means that even if someone manages to steal your data packages, they will not be able to use them without the encryption key.
A VPN also offers access to many servers around the world to help you get around geographic restrictions. Your real IP address stay hiddenand you will be able to access your favorite content anonymously.
If you are running Windows 10 on your laptop and regularly access public Wi-Fi, using a VPN is highly recommended. Public networks are the favorite playgrounds of cybercriminals.
Installing and using one of the reliable VPN tools on Windows 10 is simple. You can do this even if you don’t come from technical training. If you secure all of your data transmissions on Windows 10, specialists recommend not to ignore your mobile device as well. VPNs for Androids or iPhones are just as important, allowing you to have a fully protected online experience.
3. Use antivirus software
There are hundreds of thousands of viruses in circulation Windows users. If you do not launch antivirus on your PC, you risk being infected. What happens next depends on the virus. Consequences can range from erasing your drive to supplying processor power to cryptocurrency miners.
You should know that the antivirus companies have extended their services. They offer complete packages, including antivirus software, Internet protection and a firewall. If you are installing a full suite, there is no need to install an additional firewall.
If you want to monitor your Windows 10 security in real time and see what you’ve enabled so far, you can access Windows Security.
4. Always use firewall software
Unless you have installed antivirus software with a built-in firewall, you will need to install and activate it manually. You have two options. You can use Windows 10 built-in firewall or install a third-party app.
To activate Windows Firewall, go to the Start menu -> Settings -> Update & security -> Windows Security -> Firewall and network protection.
A firewall helps you manage your Internet connection on autopilot and block malicious connection attempts. Once you have more experience with it, you can create custom rules.
5. Disable ad tracking
Did you know that Windows 10 tracks your default online behavior? It provides marketers with data to serve relevant ads. If that sounds too much and you want to end anyone who follows you online, you can turn it off.
Click the Windows icon in the taskbar and go to Settings. Type “Privacy Settings” in the search box or click “Privacy” manually. Go to “Privacy Settings” and click on “General” located on the left side. In the “Change privacy options” tab, deactivate the first option.
6. Keep it up to date
There is no perfect operating system in terms of security. However, operating system developers are constantly working to identify the main security issues and backdoors. Keep your Windows 10 up to date with the latest patches and upgrades may seem annoying, especially when you have to wait for the machine to restart to complete the update. But this procedure is of vital importance.
If you don’t prefer to turn on automatic updates, be sure to stop by “Windows Update” to manually install critical and security updates. These options are accessible via Start -> Settings -> Update and security.
Encrypting your hard drives, using a VPN for ultimate online protection and anonymity, and installing antivirus and firewalls are best security practices for individual users. If you follow all of these tips, you will add several additional layers of security to your Windows 10.
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