Computer security
You can protect your computer from most internet threats by following simple safety rules.
Update your operating system
Higher versions of an operating system are more securely protected (for example, Windows 10 is safer than Windows 8.1).
Enable automatic updates:
Automatic updates are always enabled.
To check for updates and set the update time:
- Click Start → Settings.
- Go to Main page → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Hover over the lower-right corner of the screen and then move up.
- Select Settings → Change PC settings → Update and recovery → Windows Update.
- Click Choose how updates get installed.
- Under Important updates, enable the Install updates automatically (recommended) option.
- Click Start → Control Panel.
- Select Windows Update.
- On the left, open Change settings.
- Under Important updates, enable the Install updates automatically (recommended) option.
- In the menu, select Apple → System Preferences → Software Update.
- Enable Automatically keep my Mac up to date.
If there is no Software Update item in your macOS system settings, use the App Store to get updates.
Configure browser auto-update
Most browsers (for example, Yandex Browser) are updated automatically. If this doesn't happen, download the latest version on the official site and install it. Check whether auto-update is enabled in the settings.
Clear the device's memory
It's a good idea to clean up your system from time to time by clearing the cache or deleting duplicate photos and videos.
Free utilities:
Install an antivirus
You can install an antivirus such as Kaspersky or Dr.WEB.
Or you can use a free antivirus.
Reports from AV-Comparatives consistently name Kaspersky, AVG AntiVirus FREE, and K7 Total Security as some of the best antiviruses.
Some of these antiviruses are free.
Note
If the device is connected to the internet, antiviruses are updated automatically.
To turn on the firewall
A firewall protects your device from unauthorized access. It filters internet traffic according to the rules you set. For example, you can prohibit backdoor access.
To turn on the firewall:
- Click Start → Settings.
- Go to Main page → Update & Security → Windows Security → Firewall & network protection.
- Enable Microsoft Defender Firewall for the private, public, and domain network.
- Hover over the lower-right corner of the screen and then move up.
- Go to Settings → Change PC settings → Control Panel.
- Click System and Security → Windows Firewall.
- In the left menu, open Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
- Turn on the firewall for all networks: private and public ones.
- Click Start → Control Panel.
- Select Windows Firewall (or System and Security → Windows Firewall).
- In the left menu, open Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
- Turn on the firewall for all networks: private and public ones.
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In the menu, select Apple → System Preferences.
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Click Privacy (or Security & Privacy).
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Go to the Firewall tab.
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Click the lock icon at the bottom left and enter the administrator's name and password.
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Click Turn On Firewall or Start.
To configure firewall settings, go to Firewall Options...
Use Windows accounts
Note
If multiple users share your computer, use a different browser profile for each individual user.
Use an account with restricted access. It's safer: a virus can't infect the system even if it accesses user data. Protect the administrator account with a password and only use it when administrator rights are required.
By default, the user doesn't have administrator rights.
To add a new local user without administrator rights:
- Click Start → Settings → Main page → Accounts.
- Go to Family & other users (or Other users).
- Click Add someone else to this PC.
- Select I don't have this person's sign-in information.
- Select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
- Enter the username and password, select security questions, and click Next.
To grant administrator rights to a local user:
- Click Start → Settings → Main page → Accounts.
- Go to Family & other users (or Other users).
- Select the user's account and click Change account type.
- Under Change account type, select Administrator and click OK.
Note
If you want to make a local user an administrator, select the account that's marked Local account and doesn't have an email specified. Otherwise, administrator rights will be granted to the Microsoft account instead of the computer user.
By default, the administrator account is disabled for security reasons.
How to enable it:
- On the desktop or the left pane in File Explorer, right-click Computer (This PC) and select Computer Management in the context menu.
- In the management console that opens, expand the System Tools → Local Users and Groups items on the left.
- Select Users.
- Right-click Administrator on the right and select Properties in the context menu.
- Deselect Account is disabled and click OK.
Remember to set a password for the administrator.
By default, the administrator account is disabled for security reasons.
How to enable it:
- On the desktop or the left pane in File Explorer, right-click Computer and select Computer Management in the context menu.
- In the management console that opens, expand the System Tools → Local Users and Groups items on the left.
- Select Users.
- Right-click Administrator on the right and select Properties in the context menu.
- Deselect Account is disabled and click OK.
Remember to set a password for the administrator.
If multiple users share your computer or you have multiple accounts, create a personal browser profile for each of them.
Store your data securely
Save copies
If you don't trust third-party resources, regularly save copies of your files on external disks, flash drives, CDs, or DVDs.
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
As a rule, public Wi-Fi access points (for example, at an airport or a cafe) don't use encryption. Anyone sitting next to you with a laptop or smartphone can intercept or substitute your personal data and read your correspondence.
Don't enter your personal data, card numbers, phone numbers, and other important information when using a public Wi-Fi network. It's not safe.
Use a VPN connection in public places: it encrypts your personal details and makes data interception pointless.
Make sure you're connected to an official public network rather than its twin created by hackers. For example, they can set up a network with a name similar to the name of a restaurant and take advantage if you're careless.
Protect your passwords
To learn more, see Password protection.
Use licensed software
Download software only from official websites. Don't use pirated software. Launching pirated programs is risky because attackers infect installation files with viruses.