Did you just buy a computer and do not know how to proceed to keep it safe from threats? The first thing you have to do is install an antivirus and check that the firewall is activated. But it is not the only thing. It is also recommended to install the latest available updates or create multiple user accounts. Also, if your team has a fingerprint reader, do not forget to activate Windows Hello. Another recommendable step is to add different tools to the team to control security. And it is not only necessary the antivirus. There are programs like CCleaner that will help you improve performance and eliminate everything you do not need. If you are a little lost and want to be as safe as possible, do not stop reading. These are the things to keep in mind to protect your new computer.
INSTALL AN ANTIVIRUS
This is the first step to keep in mind when you have a new computer in front of you. Maybe the one you bought arrives with a test antivirus. The truth is that only 30 days update usually work. Then you will have to pay if you do not want to stay unprotected. To not get lost, it is best to uninstall that and install a zero. In this way, you will not have to be aware of if the date has already passed.
One of the most current is the G Data Internet Security 2017 . One year of protection costs 35 euros, which is not bad for all the advantages it offers . The main one is that it detects and neutralizes ransomware, one of the most dangerous and widespread threats of recent months. It also has protection for browsing and applications, exploit detection and protection against keyloggers. Another of its main features is its firewall. With it you will prevent unauthorized access to your system, limiting and encrypting the traffic that arrives through the Internet.
A website called Savenit , From there you get the best antivirus program for windows 10.
ACTIVATE THE FIREWALL
Another thing to check when buying a new computer is that the firewall is activated. It is an important function to keep the equipment safe, since it serves as a barrier between your PC and the outside. We can say, by way of example, that the firewall is like a customs office that monitors who can access the information you have stored. Mainly is responsible that everything you do, the traffic you are driving, is controlled by you.
When you connect to the Internet you access an external network that is composed of thousands of computers of many other users. Your computer sends information, but in turn is also receiving. The problem is that if you have a virus installed on your PC, you could send data without your consent. Or, worse, allow unwanted access. In addition, a cybercriminal could make a connection to your computer without your knowledge and access to all the content. Hence, the importance of having a tool installed to filter the connections that enter and leave the computer.
The operating system itself usually includes a firewall, although most antivirus products on the market also include a firewall option. The important thing is to choose only one and have it activated, but only one. And is that if several are running simultaneously can end up entering into conflict.
INSTALL CLEANING TOOLS
As you make use of the computer, especially during navigation, are being recorded and stored cookies and different files that can put your computer in check while causing a lower performance. Installing a cleaning tool is quite important if you want to avoid this problem. One of the most popular is CCleaner . It is free and you can perform different functions. These are some of them.
- Search and Repair registry errors
- Create a backup of system logs
- Clean temporary system files
- Free space on the hard drive
- Monitor privacy by deleting saved passwords, history or auto-completion information
The installation of this program is simple and its operation very intuitive. You just have to mark those options that you want to execute and wait for them to be made. Be patient because CCleaner takes his time. However, we recommend that if you really care about privacy and security, use it exclusively for this purpose. Do not forget to activate “Windows Registry Files”. With this option, various LOG files that may contain sensitive information will be deleted.
INSTALL THE LATEST UPDATES
The normal thing is that when you are in front of the computer a message appears with the notice of new available updates. As soon as we see it, we recommend you do it without thinking. In this way, you will prevent security flaws from being used by hackers to enter your computer and start doing their own. Keep in mind that when a new security problem appears in the operating system, Microsoft and other rival manufacturers correct it and publish a security update to fix it. Everything is done automatically, so you only have to give the authorization and wait for the security update to finish. Typically, the computer will restart to complete the installation.
CREATE DIFFERENT USER ACCOUNTS
It is highly recommended to protect your new computer that you create different user accounts. One of the most important reasons is that you will prevent someone who is not you from seeing your personal information stored. Imagine that you share the team with other family members or coworkers. It will be like having a single computer for you without running the risk of anyone entering your small plot.
Also, keep in mind that if the PC is infected with a virus you will be able to rescue files and data before having to format it. If for example it is an account with administrator permissions, the virus will end up getting full control of the computer. But, if on the contrary the account has limited permissions, the consequences of the virus will be less dangerous. To create a user account in Windows 10 just select the “Start” button, “Settings” and enter “Accounts, Family & other people”, “Add another person to this team”. Then, enter a username, password, and a password prompt. Then select “Next”.
LOG IN WITH WINDOWS HELLO
Most current computers are prepared to use Windows Hello through fingerprint or iris. This feature allows you to log in to Windows 10 devices with just a touch or look. In this way, when you activate it, you will enjoy greater security without having to waste time typing a password.
To select Windows Hello you only have to enter “Start” and then “Settings”, “Accounts” and “Login options” . You will see several options, for the iris, face or fingerprint. All this if your new equipment has a compatible camera or fingerprint reader. Once you have configured it, you can log in by sliding your finger or with a simple glance.
MAKE A BACKUP
When you have everything running, and all other options updated and installed, do not hesitate to make a backup. In Windows you only have to enter “Control Panel”, “System and Security”, “Backup and Restoration” to start it up. Once you reach the last section you can start to make an image in a storage unit that has enough capacity for it. Having a backup is very important . You already know that the moment something fails, you will have in your possession a very powerful weapon to restore the system as soon as you need it.
ENCRYPT THE HARD DRIVE
If you are going to fill the hard drive of your new computer with sensitive information that you do not want to be exposed to others, do not hesitate to encrypt it. In Windows it can be done through the BitLocker tool, but only in the enterprise versions of the platform. Enter “Control Panel”, “System and Security” and “Bitlocker Unit Encryption”. You can activate both the encryption of the data on the hard disk and that of the removable drives.
To what extent is it worth using this tool? Think that if your computer is stolen or someone ends up accessing your hard drive or removable drive, if they do not have the encryption key they will not be able to enter your hard drive. And that is precisely what is achieved by activating Bitlocker. It is fundamental, especially in professional environments, where security is very important, since files and data may end up being exposed for fraudulent purposes.
When you have everything ready and running, it may take some time until you have to face a crisis situation. But do not trust yourself. Therefore it is important to have everything ready from day one for if it occurs a safety issue, but above all, to prevent it .
