Since its launch in the mid-1980s, Microsoft Windows has been an essential software for businesses and consumers. But being the world’s most popular operating system brings its own distinct set of challenges. Security is the biggest concern among Windows users and is often seen as the OS’s Achilles’s heel. Windows is the most targeted OS, which is not surprising considering Microsoft has the lion’s share of the laptop and desktop OS market.
But that’s not to say that Windows is not a secure operating system. The latest version of the dominating desktop OS, Windows 10, features more built-in protections to defend against a wide range of threats. Windows 10 is the flagship operating and builds upon previous iterations. With a comprehensive security strategy in place, you can keep your Windows PC protected from a wide range of cybersecurity threats.
Risks Facing PC Users:
To effectively secure your Windows PC, you need to understand the different types of threats you face as a Windows user. Unfortunately, there are a plethora of cybersecurity threats designed to terrorize Windows users out there. Here are some of the most common cybersecurity threats facing PC users.
Malware:
Due to its vast application availability, Windows exposes itself to malware more often than other operating systems. Short for malicious software, malware is the collective term for Trojans, worms, viruses, ransomware, and other harmful computer programs cybercriminals use to target PCs and steal or corrupt data.
Phishing:
Phishing is one of the most prevalent computer security threats facing Windows users. Often, phishing is an email-borne attack designed to trick the recipient into sharing sensitive data or downloading malware onto their device. However, phishing attacks can also be implemented using other digital messaging platforms.
Data Breaches:
Hackers pose a significant danger to PC users all over the world. These malicious actors seek to gain access to your PC and steal data. Motives for data breaches range from espionage to crimes such as identity theft.
How to Secure Your PC?
Malware, phishing, and hackers are but a few examples of cybersecurity threats Windows users encounter daily. While these threats are real, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your PC on the internet. Here are a few security tips to help you protect your Windows PC from online threats.
Set a Password for Your Windows Account:
A password provides the first line of defense against threat actors. Set a password for your Windows account to protect sensitive data stored on your computer. Use strong passwords for your computer and online accounts. Hackers can easily bypass weak passwords using brute force attack methods. Also, don’t reuse the same password for multiple accounts. You can use a password manager to create and store strong passwords so that you don’t have to memorize all of them.
Encrypt Your Hard Drive:
Hackers can still get access to your documents and private files even if you have set a password to your Windows account. The most effective way to safeguard sensitive data from cybercriminals and other malicious actors is to encrypt it. Windows 10 users can either encrypt their PCs using the Bitlocker feature for the Pro version or Device encryption on the Home version. Encryption encrypts your hard drive and protects your files.
Use a VPN:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service designed to keep your online activity private and anonymous. A VPN guards your internet traffic against hackers, ISPs, governments, and any other malicious actors through encryption. Even if hackers were to intercept your internet traffic, they wouldn’t be able to make sense of it. Protect your online privacy by browsing the web with a VPN.
Use Antivirus or Anti-Malware:
Malware is a huge problem for millions of Windows users all over the world. Malicious programs and codes are everywhere. If you are connected to the internet, there’s a pretty good chance that your device will be infected with a virus if you are not protected. This protection comes from having antivirus or antimalware program installed on your PC. You can use the default Windows Defender or install a more robust third-party solution.
Keep Your System Up To Date:
Microsoft does a decent job at keeping Windows OS secure at all times. However, it usually doesn’t take long for hackers to discover vulnerabilities they can exploit to steal data, infiltrate networks, and disable systems. That’s why developers at Microsoft are always hard at work finding and fixing potential vulnerabilities through regular updates. Download and install Windows 10 Updates as soon as they are made available.
Windows is the most popular desktop OS in the world; it’s also ubiquitous in the business world. The proliferation of attacks against Windows PCs comes from the fact that it’s a popular operating system. Luckily, protecting your Windows PC is not too hard and requires relatively little effort. Take advantage of the built-in security protections by updating your windows regularly.
Last Words:
That’s all about the top Windows Threats and how you can address them properly. I hope I could explain to you everything in detail. If you still have further queries, just let me know in the comments section below. I will be happy to help.
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Nirmal Sarkar is a Biotechnologist from the city of Joy, Kolkata. He is the founder of this blog and covers a wide range of topics from Gadgets to Software to Latest Offers. You can get in touch with him via nirmal@hitricks.com
