There is no denying that installing latest Windows operating system keeps your PC performance at its best. Some users are made to reinstall OS in their computers due to sundry technical reasons. Whatever the case is with you, what is more important is keeping security of your PC intact so that it is protected from plethora of threats.
Steps to be taken for ensuring PC security after a new Windows installation
No matter you have recently updated Windows operating system in your PC to Windows 7, 10 or other operating system, experts recommend following the security measures given below to ensure your computer is safe:
1.Have up-to-dated Windows operating system
It is possibly the most encouraged thing by IT professionals. Keeping a check on the latest security updates and patches available for Windows OS in the computer is a must-do for all users.
Getting the security updates automatically is a few steps away from you. If you do not have already enabled automatic updating system, pursue the following steps:
It is important to keep the automatic update turned once you are done with the available update for your Windows OS. This will make sure you never miss an important update that can strengthen your PC security mechanism against gen-Y malware.
Cybercriminals are notoriously known worldwide to steal confidential information and details from computers. Emphasizing on importance of improving security is due to the fact that being online you are highly vulnerable to back-breaking cyberattacks.
2.Keep your software updated
Besides having an updated Windows OS, it is essentially important to update your software too. Thus, keenly maintain all latest updates and security patches for at least, main programs and apps which are installed in your PC.
It goes without saying that more common pieces of software like Java, Adobe Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader are most likely to be under threat, especially when they are outdated. Malicious programs are looking for such loopholes in your computer security mechanism to get easy access to your confidential data. It is hence, advised never to rely upon manual updates of every single program and application you are using for it can easily skip from your mind. Instead, it would be best to make use of some dedicated cyber security solution for staying abreast of the software updates.
3. Make restore point
Once you are sure that software and Windows operating system are in place the next step advised by the masters is to have a restore point in Windows.
Doing this takes steps mentioned ahead:
After Windows installation the Restore point can be created, you shall name it Clean installation and start installing drivers and applications.
If you encounter issues with any of the drivers on the system, go back to the Clean installation restore point.
4.Deploy a genuine antivirus product to safeguard your system
While considering an antivirus program on your computer it is necessary that it comes from a legitimate company. Needless to say, a fake software program is a red flag for your PC. It can endanger your PC security as you would be relaxed, thinking antivirus program is at work.
Expecting fake software to do the job of a reputed antivirus product is useless. It will not be able to encompass the features like real-time scanning, automatic update and a firewall.
There are many options for virus removal programs available in the market that can best suit your needs.
5.Create a multi-layered protection with proactive security solution installation
In addition to a traditional antivirus, it is important to install proactive security solution installation for better preparation against advanced online threats. The cyber thieves are proactively working to steal your sensitive data and in order to staying ahead of them, it is essential to invest in sophisticated methods of online security.
Most of the new generation malicious programs are capable of intruding antivirus program that are usually considered to be protecting the confidential information stored in laptops and PCs. Ensure your system gets the best protection against financial and data-stealing software with the help of a proactive cyber security solution.
6.Be regular with system backup
Aforementioned steps meet the security requirements for keeping your computer safe from threats pertaining to malicious software and online threats. Encountering hardware issues is still a big possibility and needs to be taken equally seriously, if not more.
In order to ensure complete data security, it is important to follow twofold strategy which includes the combination of external hard drive usage and online backup service.
Dedicated efforts towards having backup solution for having stability, ease of use and ability to synch files with online backup servers while providing basic level of security like encryption capabilities ensures better system security.
Many of you may find using their Windows Backup system more useful. Setting it up starts from accessing your ‘Windows Control Panel’ followed by clicking ‘Backup and Restore.’ With this you would be able to access the location from where you can set automatic backup. Also, you can create schedule and choose network location for storing your backup files.
7.Switch to standard user account
If you are not already using standard user account it is time to switch from administrator user account to standard one, since Windows provides some set of rights and privileges subject to the kind of user account you are using.
Experts emphasize use of standard account in order to ensure best PC security. Users having standard user account are abandoned from making changes that affect every other user of the computer. For instance, if someone attempts to delete important Windows file which are necessary for the system, standard account will prevent that.
Not only this, with the use of Standard user account, users get limited rights and changing system settings or new software installation, changing username and passwords is out of question. An account like this ensures that the necessary things for the PC don’t get deleted or uninstalled leaving you to regret. Also, adding unnecessary things under impulse or by other users besides you is not a possibility with standard account. It is also important to have strong and unique passwords for your Windows user account.
8.Make your user account control enabled
General user tendency is to disable User Account Control (UAC) after they install or reinstall the Windows operating system. Either they are not aware or they forget that it is an indispensable security feature of Windows which is known to prevent all sorts of unauthorized changes to the OS.
It is never recommended to disable it but at the same time, intensity level of UAC can be reduced by using slider in the Control Panel.
Role of UAC is to monitor the changes made to your PC. UAC pops up to ask for administrator level permission every time important changes like installing a program or removing an application, appear. Also, UAC prevents suspicious programs and activities from making alterations to the system.
9.Use secured web browser only
Another important thing to do after installing Windows is paying attention to browser security. Since web browser is one of the most important tools to access the web world, you should be keen to take steps that make your online experience safe for your system.
Going online you are exposed to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals these days use sophisticated and creative ways to invade your system. Vulnerabilities in your web browser would send out open invitation to hackers. Staying safe online is possible with choosing latest version of browser in use and keeping it updated. Opting for private browsing session when accessing a new website prevents cookies from being stored and ultimately feeding the attackers. Web browser should also be enabled to block pop-ups.
10. Encrypt your hard drive
By making use of an encryption software tool for your hard drive, you can better prevent malicious activities from affecting your system. It is seen that even after having a password protection to your Windows account, malicious programs still get access to users private files and documents.
Encrypting your hard drive can protect all sensitive information you may have stored in files. It is a must-go for laptop users since these can be easily stolen. After you encrypt your data it gets impossible for malicious actions to read the files even if they remove the hard drive, this is very important for stolen laptops and computers. It is already integrated into your Windows OS and easy to use.
11. Practice careful online behavior
Clicking on dangerous links is certainly not what you want as it will increase the chances of malware actions and cybercrimes that may lead to loss of sensitive data which can be indicative of huge losses. Ensure you don’t click on unsafe links by hovering your mouse over the link. If you are not directed to legitimate location you should not access it.
Possibility of being sent to an infected site that can further infect your system cannot be ruled out by using an unknown link.
Some users may find these steps time consuming and boring to be followed but each one of these always pay back with enhancing PC security after Windows installation.
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