Keeping your computer secure helps you avoid malware and direct hacking attempts designed to steal your personal information. Here are some ways you can help reduce your online risk when you use your computer at home.
Tips to protect your computer
- Keep all software up to date
Make sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update to keep Windows, Microsoft Office, and other Microsoft applications up to date. Turn on automatic updates for non-Microsoft software as well, especially browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other apps you regularly use.
To update Windows, head to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. And then click on Check for updates.
To receive updates for other Microsoft products in Windows Update, open Windows Update, then click on Advanced options, then turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows.
To update apps, games & software using Microsoft Store, open Microsoft Store, click on Downloads, and then click on Check for updates.
To update apps, games & software using Windows Package Manager, open Command Prompt with admin rights, type winget upgrade --all command. - Use antivirus software and keep it current
If you run Windows you have Windows Security already installed on your device.
Tip: If you're a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscriber, you get Microsoft Defender included with your subscription at no extra charge. It helps protect all your devices - Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
To update Security intelligence in Windows Security, open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Check for updates under Virus & Threat Protection updates, then click on Check for updates.
To full scan your PC for viruses & threats, Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection, and then click on Scan options, select Full scan and then click on Scan now. - Make sure your passwords are well-chosen and protected
- Don't open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages.
They can appear in emails, tweets, posts, online ads, messages, or attachments, and sometimes disguise themselves as known and trusted sources. - Browse the web safely
Avoid visiting sites that offer potentially illicit content. Many of these sites install malware on the fly or offer downloads that contain malware. Use a modern browser like Microsoft Edge, which can help block malicious websites and prevent malicious code from running on your computer. - Use a firewall
Windows has a firewall already built in and automatically turned on. - Stay away from pirated material
Avoid streaming or downloading movies, music, books, or applications that do not come from trusted sources. They may contain malware. - Don't use USBs or other external devices unless you own them
To avoid infection by malware and viruses, ensure that all external devices either belong to you or come from a reliable source.
Protect your personal information online
Your privacy on the internet depends on your ability to control both the amount of personal information that you provide and who has access to that information.
Protect yourself from scams
When you read emails, use social media, or browse the web, you should be wary of scams that try to steal your personal information (also known as identity theft), your money, or both. Many of these scams are known as "phishing scams" because they "fish" for your information.
Prevent and remove malware
One important step toward greater workplace security is to protect your computer against malware.
Windows Security
Windows Security is built into Windows and provides real-time malware detection, prevention, and removal with cloud-delivered protection. It is intended for home, small business, and enterprise customers.
Other ways to remove malware
To assist all Windows customers, including those who are not running Windows Security, Microsoft provides Microsoft Defender Offline.
Microsoft Defender Offline
Microsoft Defender Offline runs outside of Windows to remove rootkits and other threats that hide from the Windows operating system. This tool uses a small, separate operating environment, where evasive threats are unable to hide from antimalware scanners.
With Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft Defender Offline is built into the operating system and can run from Windows Security.
To run Microsoft Defender Offline scan, Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection, and then click on Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Offline scan and then click on Scan now.
Source: Microsoft
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