BitLocker – Technology News and Information by SeniorDBA

10 Steps to Securely Configuring Windows 10

Windows 10 is the most popular operating system in the world, but it also comes with some security risks. If you want to protect your data and privacy, you need to configure Windows 10 for security. Here are 10 steps you can follow to make your Windows 10 more secure.

Update Windows 10 regularly – Windows 10 updates often include security patches and bug fixes that can prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in your system. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on Check for updates. If there are any available updates, install them as soon as possible.
Use a strong password and a PIN – A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique. It should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A PIN is a four-digit code that you can use to unlock your device instead of typing your password. To set up a password and a PIN, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and choose Password and PIN. Make sure you don’t use the same password or PIN for other accounts or devices.
Enable BitLocker encryption – BitLocker is a feature that encrypts your hard drive, making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the right key. This can protect your data in case your device is lost, stolen, or hacked. To enable BitLocker, go to Settings > System > About and click on Device encryption. If your device supports BitLocker, you will see a Turn on button. Click on it and follow the instructions.
Use Windows Defender Firewall and antivirus – Windows Defender Firewall is a feature that blocks unauthorized network connections, preventing hackers from accessing your device or data. Windows Defender antivirus is a feature that scans your device for malware and removes any threats. To use Windows Defender Firewall and antivirus, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and click on Firewall & network protection and Virus & threat protection. Make sure they are both turned on and up to date.
Enable two-factor authentication – Two-factor authentication is a feature that adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It requires you to enter a code or use an app on your phone after entering your password, verifying your identity. To enable two-factor authentication, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and click on Security key or Windows Hello. Follow the instructions to set up your preferred method of two-factor authentication.
Use a VPN service – A VPN service is a feature that encrypts your internet traffic, hiding your IP address and location from prying eyes. This can protect your privacy and security when you use public Wi-Fi or access geo-restricted content. To use a VPN service, you need to download and install a VPN app from the Microsoft Store or a trusted website. Then, launch the app and connect to a server of your choice.
Disable unnecessary services and apps – Some services and apps that come with Windows 10 may not be essential for your needs, but they can consume resources and pose security risks. To disable unnecessary services and apps, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and click on the service or app you want to uninstall or modify. You can also go to Settings > Privacy and review the permissions that each app has access to.
Use a secure browser and extensions – A secure browser is one that protects your online activity from trackers, ads, and malicious websites. A secure extension is one that enhances the functionality of your browser without compromising your security or privacy. To use a secure browser and extensions, you can choose one of the following options:
- Use Microsoft Edge, which is the default browser for Windows 10. It has features like SmartScreen, Tracking Prevention, InPrivate mode, and Password Monitor that can improve your security and privacy.
- Use Google Chrome, which is the most popular browser in the world. It has features like Safe Browsing, Incognito mode, Password Checkup, and Sync that can improve your security and privacy.
- Use Mozilla Firefox, which is the most privacy-focused browser in the world. It has features like Enhanced Tracking Protection, Private Browsing mode, Lockwise, and Monitor that can improve your security and privacy.
Backup your data regularly – Backing up your data is a feature that copies your files to another location, such as an external hard drive or a cloud service. This can protect your data from accidental deletion, corruption, or ransomware attacks. To protect your data regularly, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup and click on Add a drive or Backup options. Choose where you want to store your backup files and how often you want to backup.
Educate yourself on cyber threats and best practices – The most important feature for securing your Windows 10 is your own knowledge and awareness. You need to learn how to recognize and avoid common cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, or social engineering. You also need to follow best practices, such as using strong passwords, updating your software, and locking your device when not in use. You can find more information and tips on how to secure your Windows 10 on the Microsoft website or other reputable sources.

How to Create a Secure Windows 10 Workstation for Beginners

If you are new to Windows 10 and want to create a secure workstation for your personal or professional use, this blog post is for you. In this post, I will show you how to set up a Windows 10 workstation with some basic security features that will help you protect your data and privacy. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Continue reading “How to Create a Secure Windows 10 Workstation for Beginners”

Windows 10 Security Overview

Windows 10 is the most popular operating system in the world, powering millions of devices from desktops to laptops to tablets to smartphones. Windows 10 offers many features and functionalities that enhance the user experience and productivity. However, Windows 10 also faces many security challenges and threats from hackers, malware, ransomware, phishing, and other cyberattacks.

Windows 10 security settings are the policies and configurations that define how Windows 10 devices are protected from unauthorized access or modification. Windows 10 security settings are important for several reasons. First, they help ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device and the data. By applying appropriate security settings, users can control who can access their device and data and monitor any changes or activities. This prevents data breaches, identity theft, or sabotage by malicious actors.

Second, they help maintain compliance with various regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and NIST. These regulations and standards require organizations and individuals to implement certain security measures to protect the personal or sensitive information of their customers, employees, or partners. By following the best practices for Windows 10 security settings, users can avoid fines, lawsuits, or reputational damage.

Third, they help improve the performance and efficiency of the device and the IT staff. By using Windows 10 security settings to enforce password policies, firewall rules, antivirus software, encryption methods, and other settings, users can reduce the risk of human errors, virus infections, network attacks, or data loss. This also reduces the workload and costs of managing and troubleshooting the device.

In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of the top 5 security settings in Windows 10:

BitLocker
Windows Defender
Windows Firewall
User Account Control
Windows Update

Continue reading “Windows 10 Security Overview”

Securing Windows 10

A Windows 10 laptop right out of the box is not a truly secure laptop. Building a secure laptop using Windows 10 will take a little work. Microsoft has done a good job balancing usability and security, making sure the device is mostly compatible with what an average person wants to do without security getting in the way.

If you want a secure laptop there are some tweaks you need to make to get your laptop to the next level of security. Some are done by default, but you should make sure you have the settings correct, and some of off by default so you’ll need to configure the settings and turn them on.

I’ll go through some of the settings to show you how you can go from default settings to secure, but you have to understand there are always more things you can do to make your Windows 10 device even more secure. Continue reading “Securing Windows 10”

Windows 8 BitLocker Recovery Keys

If you are using Windows 8 BitLocker, you need to be prepared to recovery your drive contents in the event of major issues. In an article by Jeff Bramwell, he describes the process:

With an ever-growing concern around data security, it’s no surprise that many companies (and individuals) make use of Microsoft’s BitLocker drive encryption technology. BitLocker, once enabled, will encrypt your entire drive (or drives) on your computer (e.g. desktop, laptop, or tablet). As long as your computer continues to run “normally”, things are hunky dory.

However, if you end up in a “recovery” situation with your computer, you will need a BitLocker recovery key. Not just any recovery key, but a specific key that will work only with your computer.

If you are using SkyDrive, you may already have a recovery key available.

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