Windows is undoubtedly the most popular OS among PC users worldwide. It’s easy-to-navigate user interface, affordability, and diversity of PC apps make it a favorite for most PC users out there. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Windows PCs are the most exploited by hackers. Microsoft has been working hard over the years to ensure that their PCs are safe and secure because this is the most important thing for any PC user.
Viruses, Malware, Trojan horses, Adware, Rootkits, and hackers are some of the greatest threats to a windows PC. Some inbuilt windows features help protect against some of these things, but then most times these aren’t nearly enough. If you’re seeking how to protect your computer from hackers and viruses completely, then you’ll need some apps to help you out.
What Is The Best Way To Protect Your Computer and Personal Data
Best Online Protection – Use A VPN
There’s no better way to secure a PC from viruses and hackers online than with a VPN for windows. A Windows VPN will mask your IP address, so hackers can’t have access to sensitive information like your exact location, personal data, apps, and so on. It’ll also stop pro hackers from stealing your identity, especially when you’re on a public WiFi network. A recommended VPN app for Windows is VeePN. It isn’t just a super-fast VPN but is also a free windows VPN that’ll keep you safe online, anytime. It’s rated as one of the top free VPN apps out there, and some users even consider it the best free VPN for PC.
To use a VPN, you just have to download the app and turn it on whenever you’re about to go online. Doing this will automatically mask your IP. Most VPNs will allow you to select which country you’ll like your IP to be marked as. Quality VPNs like the VeePN, always come with a Killswitch. This Killswitch automatically kicks in to disconnect you if there’s a network malfunction, so that your data isn’t exposed/leaked at that moment.
Best Offline Protection – Use An Antivirus
Antiviruses are software that can detect and remove viruses and malware. They also protect the computer system against malware. Malware can infiltrate your computer even if you take every precaution to prevent it from happening. Antivirus software is often referred to as the “last line of defense” in the fight against malware.
Quality antivirus software can also protect against keyloggers, adware, spyware, rootkits, Trojan horses, fraud tools, worms, etc. This is why most times your default windows defender may not be enough if you want that maximum protection.
Other Helpful Apps To Protect Your Windows PC
If you’re wondering how to secure Windows from the many many threats out there, then these apps are recommended for you.
Firewalls
A firewall monitors all network traffic and blocks it from suspicious sources. Hackers and virus files cannot access your machine via the internet. Windows has a good built-in firewall that you can access via the control panel. You may buy software that provides a stronger Windows firewall.
Adblockers
Advertisements waste time and often lead to malware and phishing sites. Shady websites utilize fake notifications or pop-up advertising to get you to download malware, visit a phishing site, or give them your personal information. Ad blockers help you avoid this by blocking all ads.
How To Manually Protect Your PC Without Any Apps
Utilize the windows task manager
The Windows task manager helps keep an eye on your computer. It’s quite likely that you have malware if your machine is acting strangely. When it comes to diagnosing computer issues, the Windows Task Manager is undoubtedly the best place to start. It shows you which programs are currently running on your computer, how much memory they’re using and how much disk space they’re up. It can recognize viruses and malware that are using your computer’s resources.
Updates for Windows
Updating your OS and applications is a simple way of keeping your system safe from hackers.
By doing this, all bugs are fixed, and hackers are prevented from using your system OS and apps as a loophole. Larger programs are more prone to have security flaws that hackers can take advantage of, so never fail on an update.
Data Encryption For Hard drives
To keep your hard disk safe, encrypt it.
If your computer gets stolen, the criminal will have immediate access to your files. Anything on your hard drive is tough to access whenever it is encrypted.
Encryption is done using advanced algorithms that can only be deciphered by the machine that created it. In other words your data becomes a randomized string of characters if you don’t have the password.
Use 2FA
2FA is an abbreviation for “Two Factor Authentication” (2FA).
When utilizing two-factor authentication (2FA), you will be required to enter a password as well as an additional form of verification. Fingerprints, facial scans, and OTP are all viable alternatives for verification. It’s one of the best ways to keep your device and private details safe on Windows.
For further security, try using a password manager to create and manage passwords that’ll be extremely complicated and ensure security on all your devices and browsers.
If you can apply all or most of these apps, and methods, you’ll have nothing to worry about losing your personal data, or getting hacked.