How To Secure Your Windows 7 Pc In 2020
If you utilise a Microsoft laptop or desktop running Windows 7, your security is unfortunately obsolete. Microsoft officially ended support for that operating arrangement in January 2020, which ways that the company no longer offers technical assistance or software updates to your device -- including security updates and patches.
The move came as part of a planned effort to phase out Windows 7 software and drift Windows users to Windows 10, the more recent version of your laptop'due south operating system, and the one that will receive all of Microsoft's security patches and updates.
(If you're aWindows 8.one user, you don't have to worry notwithstanding -- extended support for that OS won't cease until January 2023.)
To cut down on your risk of malware from potential flaws and software loopholes, Microsoft recommends that you eitherupgrade your electric current device to Windows ten (you tin practice this for costless), or else buy a new Windows 10 machine. But if you actually want to keep running Windows vii for any reason, there are a few things you tin can practice to go on the unsupported Os as secure equally possible until you upgrade to Windows 10, one way or another.
Keep your antivirus software up to date
Windows vii does have some born security protections, but yous should besides accept some kind of third-party antivirus software running to avert malware attacks and other problems -- particularly since virtually all victims of the massive WannaCry ransomware set on were Windows 7 users. Hackers will likely be going after Windows 7 machines even more than often now that Microsoft back up has ended.
Most of the major antivirus vendors are not yet ending back up for Windows vii devices, according to independent It security research institute AV-Test. These include Symantec / NortonLifeLock, Bitdefender and Trend Micro, which CNET besides recommends for Windows 10 antivirus.
Read more: Everything yous demand to know about Windows 10 now that Windows 7 back up is over
Watch this: How to take Windows 10 screenshots
Remove unnecessary applications and files
Getting rid of former or unused applications and files tin help lower your chances of a privacy breach. To prune your programs, go to Start > Control panel > Programs > Programs and features. Select whatever programs you want to uninstall, and striking Uninstall. There are a few ways to wait through your files, but one is to go to Starting time > Computer > Libraries. From at that place, choose whether you lot want to go through Documents, Pictures, Music or Videos, and delete files equally needed.
Whitelist applications
To prevent malicious software and unapproved programs from running on your Windows vii motorcar, you can whitelist applications that you consider safe, blocking others (so that your banking application doesn't run while you're at a java shop, for example).
To whitelist applications, go to First > Control console > Organisation and Security. Nether Windows Firewall, click Allow a program through Windows Firewall. You'll encounter a listing of your programs, and can bank check a box for Public or Private network. This will make up one's mind which applications can run on which type of network. Click OK to salvage your settings.
Watch this: Windows x fall 2020 update: Hither's what'south new
Educate yourself on phishing and ransomware attacks
Basic cybersecurity best practices can go a long way in protecting y'all from attacks. E'er avoid opening emails, links and attachments from people you don't know, and check sender email addresses carefully to brand sure they are actually who they say they are.
Clicking on a malicious link or zipper can infect your computer with a virus, or lock you out of your files until you pay a fee with ransomware. Enabling ii-factor authentication -- which adds another layer of protection over just a password -- for all of your accounts is another strong step to take to prevent someone from breaking in.
Scout this: Windows x: Features to try now
Invest in a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that creates a individual, secure network betwixt your Wi-Fi connected device and the websites you lot browse, hiding your action and providing a individual connection. A VPN is a great option for a Windows 7 auto, because it will keep your data encrypted and help protect against hackers breaking into your accounts when you're using your device in a public place.
Just brand certain you ever avert costless VPNs. For a trivial more than advice, here's are three features to look for to identify a good VPN, and CNET'southward directory of the best VPNs available.
Use a password manager
Since using Windows 7 machines now come up with increased security risks, reusing passwords won't cut it anymore. Invest in a password managing director that will help you create strong, unique passwords for every business relationship, and go along rails of them. A couple options CNET recommends are LastPass and 1Password. Hither arethe best countersign managers for 2021 and how to use them.
Isolate the machine from the internet and lock down USB ports
This is pretty farthermost, merely to more fully protect your computer, yous would have to isolate it from the cyberspace and avoid using USB ports. Yet, this would likely leave your automobile less useful, and possibly unfit for using, said Gartner analyst Steve Kleynhans.
Ultimately, there is no way to completely protect an unsupported machine, Kleynhans said. "You need to carefully evaluate whether your efforts and coin would exist better spent on modernizing to Windows 10 rather than continuing to prop up an expired platform," he added.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/still-using-windows-7-these-security-tips-will-protect-your-laptop-now-that-support-is-dead/
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