Enable auto-lock on your screensaver and set a strong password
It's important to set a strong password for logging into your computer. In addition, you should enable the screen lock in your screen saver settings to keep your data secure if your need to step away.
Click on the “Start” menu
Click “Settings”
Click “Personalization”
IMPORTANT: Click “Lock screen”
Then scroll down on the main screen and click “Screen saver settings”
The Screen Saver Settings window will appear. Select a screen saver option from the dropdown menu
Adjust the minutes that you would like before the screensaver comes on.
Check the box for “On resume, display logon screen”
Click “Apply”
Click “OK”
Setting a password on your computer is an important important part of protecting your data. This will help keep unauthorized users off of your device and can help if your device is ever lost or stolen.
To access your sign-in options
Click the “Start Menu”
Click the “Settings” icon
Click the “Accounts” icon
Click “Sign in Options”
Windows Hello Face Option
Click “Windows Hello Face”
Click “Setup”
Click “Get Started”
Enter “Windows Hello Pin”
Follow On Screen Prompt
Click “Close” once you see “All Set!”
Windows Hello PIN Options
Click “Windows Hello PIN”
Click “Add”
Enter “Password”
Type preferred “PIN”
Confirm “PIN”
Click “OK”
Windows Hello Fingerprint
Click “Windows Hello Fingerprint”
Click “Setup”
Click “Get Started”
Enter “Windows Pin”
Swipe your finger on the fingerprint sensor
Once you've established your fingerprint
Click “Close” once you see “All Set!”
Security Key Options
Click “Security Key”
Click “Manage”
Insert your Security key into the USB Port
Tap the “Gold Button” when prompted
Then create “PIN”
Confirm “PIN”
Tap the “Gold Button” When prompted
Type name of the Security Key
Click Next
Click All Set!
Password Options
Click “Password”
Click “Change”
Enter “Windows Hello PIN”
Enter Old Password
Enter New Password
Re Enter New Password
Select “Next”
Select “Finish”
Picture Password Options
Click “Picture Password”
Click “Add”
Enter “Password”
Click Ok
Click Select Picture
Browse PC for Photo
Click Open
Drag picture to position it
Select use this picture
Draw First Gesture
Draw Second Gesture
Draw Third Gesture
Select Finish
Make sure Windows Operating System is up to date
Windows 10 offers you the choice of when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely.
How to check for updates:
Go to the “Start” menu
Click “Settings”
Click “Update & Security”
Click “Check for Updates”
Invest in a good computer security software
Windows 10 includes a program called Windows Security, which provides a level of antivirus protection. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats.
WINDOWS SECURITY INCLUDES:
Virus & threat protection: Monitor threats to your device, run scans, and get updates to help detect the latest threats.
Account protection: Access sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock.
Firewall & network protection: Manage firewall settings and monitor what’s happening with your networks and internet connections.
App & browser control: Update settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to help protect your device against potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads. You'll have exploit protection and you can customize protection settings for your devices.
Device security: Review built-in security options to help protect your device from attacks by malicious software.
Device performance & health: View status info about your device’s performance health, and keep your device clean and up to date with the latest version of Windows 10
Family options: Keep track of your kids’ online activity and the devices in your household.
Run a quick scan in Windows Security
Click “Start Menu”
Click “Settings”
Click “Update & Security”
Click “Windows Security ”
Click Virus & threat protection
Click “Quick Scan”
Run an advanced scan in Windows Security
Click “Start Menu”
Click “Settings”
Click “Update & Security”
Click “Windows Security ”
Click Virus & threat protection
Click scan options
Select one of the scan options
Select Scan Now
Use Chrome or Firefox when browsing the internet
What are some safe browser to use?
Google Chrome’s update frequency is second to none, with security patches being rolled out within hours or days of Google discovering a vulnerability. The browser also provides users with a clear warning when they are using an unsecure HTTP connection, and JavaScript can be blocked entirely or for specific websites.
Though pop-ups are blocked automatically, there’s no built-in ad blocker.
Firefox’s update frequency is excellent, and the browser uses Google Safe Browsing to protect its users.
Why not use Internet Explorer?
Microsoft stopped supporting Internet Explorer on January 12th 2016 because of this users are at high risk to potential security breaches.
Be careful when using browser extensions
What is a Browser Extension?
A browser extension is a small software application for customizing a web browser. It helps to add features and enhances the functionality of a web browser in some way.
The use of extensions helps you to:
Integrate with other services you use
Add additional features to your internet browser
Improve the functionality of the internet browser
Modify, add or remove content
Be Aware
Browser extensions typically have access to sensitive data, such as browsing history, and have the ability to alter some browser settings, add user interface items, or replace website content. As a result, there have been instances of Malware & Adware, so users need to be cautious about what extensions they install
Malware and Adware are known to hide in various extensions, so it is recommended to be cautious when adding extensions to your browser.
This article walks you through securing you Microsoft devices
Updated over a week ago