Today, we will tell you some Windows Security Tips. With these 10 steps, you will be able to configure the security of your Windows account. In addition, you will be the true owner of your personal data and privacy. Technology is a wonderful thing that has been improving people’s lives for centuries. In addition, it has made our daily life easier. For this, allowing us to do things that until now were impossible. It is undeniable how the internet has changed our lives and connected us with people around the globe. However, it also has its drawbacks.
Recent advances in technology have reduced our privacy to a level we have never reached before. Indeed, we no longer need to be a famous star to make our privacy worth a lot of money. Many of the services and tools we use on a daily basis are collecting our personal data without us even being aware of it. In return, they aim to make our lives easier.
Here are 10 essential steps on Windows to be the real owner of your data. They will also help you to know who wants to know where you are or what pages you visit. Even, to avoid that, they spy you through the camera of the computer.
Say no to the quick installation of Windows 10.
Whether it is Windows 10 or an application, we often look for the fastest option in which we have to do as little as possible. Indeed, companies are increasingly offering more and more options for users to disengage from these boring processes. The bad thing is that the more we disengage from the configuration and installation process, the more power we give to the companies to do what they want with our privacy. As tedious as it is, you’re better off taking care of it yourself.
When installing Windows 10 be sure to choose the custom settings to monitor each of the permissions you grant to the system. Then go to the privacy settings. To get to this section, you only have to press the Windows key and I key at the same time. There, you will be able to configure the privacy of Windows 10 to your liking. However, you will not be able to access to the configuration of the rest of applications, you will have to go one by one.
Forget about Cortana
Virtual assistants are very useful in making our lives easier. However, to know us as well as to be really useful, we must give them access to a whole range of personal data. If you work on a computer, you may not be interested in Cortana having access to your company or bank details. Even if in the end you don’t care and let her work with this information, we at least recommend that you take a look at everything she knows or wants to know about you.
In the Cortana settings section, you can delete all the data that this assistant has about you. It is also possible to select those in particular that seem too private.
Turn off your location
Just like cell phones do, Windows 10 automatically tracks your location at all times and saves this information for about 24 hours. What’s worse, it uses it to share it with any third-party apps you’ve downloaded. Once again, in the privacy settings section, you can disable the tracking of your location. On the other hand, you can also activate it in case you need it occasionally. In addition, it is recommended that you review the settings of each of the applications you install on your computer. It is best to be aware of which ones are trying to know where you are. Always modify this option,Always modify this option, it is one of the best Windows security tips.
Block ad tracking
You’re browsing the various online stores looking for a new smartphone. Or you’re simply gossiping about hotels to find out how much it would cost you to go on a weekend trip. If you happen to go to Facebook or check the news in an online media, you’ll see hundreds of ads about what you’ve been looking for.
That’s ad tracking and it’s a pain. However, the good thing is that you can block it. Evidently, by default, Windows 10 has them enabled. Obviously, it’s great for companies to know what you’re thinking of spending your money on. In the privacy settings, you will find a section where you can disable the Allow apps to use my advertising ID option.
Do not allow anyone to access your camera.
Surely you’ve seen movies where hackers are dedicated to control the cameras of other people’s laptops to spy on a girl or his enemy. Well, let me tell you that this is not just fiction. Well, it is a very real possibility and experts warn how easy it is to do this. Therefore, it is more than advisable to lock the camera. Additionally, only activate it when we are going to use it for a family conference or video call, for example.
Disable microphone access
If we block the camera, how can we not block the microphone? It is true that if you want to give instructions to Cortana, you need it. However, if you have decided to mute it altogether, it should also do the same for the microphone.
Who can see your account information?
Another of the data that we give to Windows and that it shares with others is the account data, such as name, email. If we go to the Account information section, we will see that many of the applications we use have access to this data. Customizing this section of the configuration never hurts. In addition to sharing as little data as possible with applications that otherwise do not need them in many cases. Okay, so much for this installment of the best Windows security tips. Bye!