Today, Information Security is the most important thing to be taken care of while using the Internet.
Internet, Being a source of knowledge, learning and entertainment, it is also something that can be misused for malicious and destructive intent.
So what do I mean by "Securing Windows"?
Windows being the most widely used operating system, Its users are vulnerable to data theft, Identity theft and cracking. By taking some precautions and a few good practices, you can secure your Windows computer, easily and effectively.
Security is a big field altogether in the world of computers, there are huge corporations that only specialize in security. This article is for the type of security you can use for your home computer and not it is not for huge corporate setups, since they have a much larger perspective.
To begin with, let me summarize the points that I am going to cover in this article
Understanding Windows processes that run in the background.
Antivirus software, and sources of viruses
Firewall
Security tips and tricks
Understanding Windows Processes
Every software, application we install in our computer runs as a "process", it is a way that the computer can keep track of running software, close it, or even modify it in some cases.
So where can you see them?
You can see the processes by following these steps -
Right-click the taskbar down below, select "Task Manager"
Select the "Processes" tab
Or - You can also open Task Manager by pressing (CTRL+SHIFT+ESC)
Once you get there, you can see all the processes that are currently running on your computer. This gives you a detailed overview of what exactly is going on in your computer. You can see what process is running, and how much of your system memory are they using.
Here is a list of common Windows system processes that can be found there,
Ctfmon.exe
This is involved with the language/alternative input services in MS-Office. Ctfmon.exe will continue to put itself back into the system startup when you run the MS-Office apps as long as the Text Services and Speech applets in the Control Panel are enabled.
Explorer.exe
This is the Windows Shell - the desktop, taskbar, icons almost everything that you see in windows is controlled by this process
Svchost.exe
Svchost.exe (Generic Host Process for Win32 Services) is an integral part of Windows OS. It cannot be stopped or restarted manually. This process manages system services that run from dynamic link libraries (files with extension.dll). Examples for such system services are: "Automatic Updates", "Windows Firewall", "Plug and Play", "Fax Service", "Windows Themes" and many more.
Winlogon.exe
This controls the authentication of Windows users. It is one of the most important system processes.
Rundll32.exe
This program is part of Windows, and is used to run program code in DLL files as if they were within the actual program. DLL files are a part of the Windows programming.
Csrss.exe
This is the user-mode portion of the Win32 subsystem; Win32.sys is the kernel-mode portion. Csrss stands for Client/Server Run-Time Subsystem, and is an essential subsystem that must be running at all times.
When looking at the processes, you can also see the memory they are consuming, using the task manager process list, you can also close a non-responsive program.
From the security aspect, any Virus, Spyware will show up in this list, so this is a very important tool that you can use when you feel you have a virus or a spyware installed on your computer.
Sometimes you can directly say whether a process is running a virus or not, when you click on it, it will just 'slip' out of your mouse pointer and will change its position, these are the advanced viruses designed to evade from being manually removed.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is one of the first and foremost thing that you must install after getting a new system, or after you have re-installed your operating system.
Choosing the right anti-virus software is very important; it is very much dependent how fast your computer is. An Antivirus constantly scans your system's active processes and is vigilant, so as to prevent any threats. With thousands of viruses releasing every day, here are some things to note -
Prevention is better than cure, right?
Antivirus software priority - it should be the first thing you must install after getting a computer.
Never opt for 'Trial version', either purchase a full version, or use the free version with lesser features. The problem with trial version is, that once it is expired, it will stop protecting your system and trouble you with constant security alerts, which means, your computer is at risk while you are battling with security alerts.
Always keep your antivirus software updated, most of the antivirus softwares update automatically. However for some reason if they are not able to, update manually.
So why does it needs to be updated?
Companies that make these softwares release new virus Signatures or 'patterns' every week and in some cases even daily. The antivirus on your computer must learn about those new threats, so it downloads the new patterns from the server, while ensuring that you are protected from the latest viruses.
Virus Sources
There is no prime source of viruses, they can come up from just anywhere. However, here are some things you should be aware of -
EXE Files- Exe files are executable files that windows uses to execute or start any program, application or even a software.
Exe can contain viruses, even spyware designed to track your system, Always scan a file before opening it
Websites - Never accept a link from anyone whom you don't know. There are websites on the internet specially designed to compromise your computer, they may be in a form of internet chat, a forum, a game, or even music.
USB Flash Drives- we all share data, and use USB flash drives to carry our data with us. If you use your disk on an infected system, your disk will catch that virus, and will begin infecting every computer you insert it in. Always scan a USB flash drive before opening it.
Firewall
So what is a firewall?
In simple terms, It is an application that is designed to control and analyze the network traffic coming in and out of your computer.
It is like your pet dog that only allows certain people into your house, while preventing unauthorized people or intruders, at the same time alerting you at various occasions.
So why is a firewall important?
Everything that is in your computer needs to be protected. Your personal documents, photos, financial information, even your passwords. When your computer is connected to the internet, your data is susceptible to theft. Major corporations spend millions of dollars just on firewalls. According to a recent news report, Sony's Play Station was hacked, and a lot of data was leaked. This cost the company millions of dollars.
Taking little bit of care about your computer security and escalating it, can be very beneficial.
Does Windows have an in-built firewall?
For starters, newer versions of windows like the windows 7, has an amazing inbuilt firewall, also known as the windows firewall, It allows granular control over your systems' networking, even defining rules for applications that are installed in your computer.
Windows firewall also has different profiles like 'home network' and 'public network'. This allows easy one click configuration, wherein you change the settings depending on the location you are using.
When you're connected to a public network like a library or a coffee shops' wireless network, you may want to block all incoming connections and can select the public network profile.
At home or work, where you may be sharing files over the network, you can easily switch to the home network profile.
You can access windows firewall by - clicking the Start button clicking Control Panel, clicking Security, and then clicking Windows Firewall.
Make sure that your firewall is set to 'ON'
For advanced users, you can even install a free third-party firewall like "Comodo Firewall". It is one of the most advanced, and free firewalls that I have encountered and the one I personally use. This is however not recommended for basic users, since its configuration requires a very good understanding of the windows operating systems and its architecture, and about TCP/IP.
Security tips and tricks
Be cautious with your computer Administrator passwords, never store them anywhere, always memorize them, they are the key to your system. Someone who is trying to gain remote access to your system won't get through if he cannot guess your password. Try to include a combination of special characters, numbers and letters for your password.
Download softwares only from reputed websites, these include Cnet.com, FileHippo.com, Soft32.com.
These websites never host malicious softwares, and always scan them with an antivirus before hosting them.
Always scan your USB flash drives with your antivirus before opening it.Simply Right-click your disk in My computer, and select 'Scan with' - your antivirus
Run a full system scan every month. This will help removing any viruses that have crawled in.
Never turn off your anti-virus software or your firewall. Many a times people suggest turning them off.
If possible, get a security expert to analyze your computer once a month. A security expert will check your computer in great detail and will suggest you to remove any programs that may compromise your computer.
Windows update - Always use windows update and set it to automatic. Windows updates are critical system patches that escalate your system security or patch any vulnerability that was otherwise found by Microsoft security experts. Many people don't realize the significance of Windows Update,until they are infected.
User account control - User account control is a security feature in windows that should always be 'ON', it prevents the execution of malicious code.
Web Browser - Always update to a newer version of a web browser, they are better, faster and more secure. Because everything today is web-based, security of your web browser is the most important thing.
User Accounts - Always keep the guest account disabled, and create a new administrator account for yourself. Never use the default administrator account.
These are the basic steps that you can use to secure your Windows computer.
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