Last Update: 4/23/2017
Security has become an important part of using a personal computer. Gone are the days of just installing anti-virus and not worrying any further. Increasingly, the headlines include news of companies and websites getting hacked and personal data stolen. It is important to learn how to secure Windows and apply Internet Security, whether it is a notebook or desktop. Microsoft Windows remains the most popular personal computer operating system around. Because of its ubiquity, Windows has become a prime target for cyber criminals intent on stealing your information. This article focuses on how to secure your Windows-based PC so that you do not become part of the statistics. Our other tutorials help you secure your Firefox or Chrome Browser, e-mail, secure your wireless network, online shopping, iPad, smartphone and more.
Before you make any changes to your system, always back it up.
We recommend booting from a Linux CD or USB key when performing mission critical applications such as online banking, online trading, or online shopping.
Physical Hardware Security
If the computer is located in a location accessible by others, it needs to be physically secured. Prevent others from stealing the machine, installing key loggers into the machine’s ports, or other foreign, unapproved devices into your personal computer’s USB interface ports. Consider disabling your USB ports for safety sake. Obviously, if the computer is located in a home, physical hardware security is not as important. Never, plug in a USB flash drive or device that you find on the ground or that unexpectedly arrives.
Consider buying a secure flash drive such as Lok-it that requires a PIN to be entered before it allows access.
Securing the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Operating System.
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