How to Increase Windows OS Security in Your Workplace

Being the world’s most popular operating system, Windows is used in company offices across the globe. Even though its developers are actively working on improving the security of the system, hackers can still find flaws and vulnerabilities if the device is not well protected. Unfortunately, companies often fail to secure their Windows OS devices, which leads to data breaches and other unwanted security incidents.

To increase Windows OS security in the workplace, companies must educate their employees on the dangers of cybercrime, as well as teach them how to avoid potential security threats. There is more to cybersecurity than just installing an antivirus program, even though that is an important part of the process, too. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, the five tips listed below will help you improve Windows security at work.

The first step to ensuring full cybersecurity in the office is to make sure the whole team is on the same page when it comes to understanding the dangers of online security threats. Teach your staff to think responsibly when using office computers, as well as to recognize potential scams and phishing schemes online. It’s recommended to have online security meetings once or twice a month to check how your team is dealing with security challenges and discuss new threats and potential solutions.

Install VPN on windows

• #1 Keep Windows OS Updated

Regularly updating the system is a simple yet often neglected step toward improved security. Each Windows update carries improvements in the necessary security fields. If you don’t upgrade the system, your computer will be more vulnerable to security threats, as it will lack the much-needed protection. Hackers can easily spot devices with holes in security systems caused by the lack of updates. Therefore, make sure to keep your Windows system running at its optimal state with the latest updates installed. You can even set up the automatic update feature, so you don’t even have to put that much effort into keeping the system updated.

• #2 Use the Windows Firewall

The Windows Firewall makes a huge difference in system security. It keeps the device protected from unwanted programs and potential threats. You can enable the Windows Firewall by accessing its settings located in the Control Panel. Besides, there are plenty of alternatives to the Windows Firewall program. You can also purchase and install a third-party firewall program, as all of them serve the same purpose.

• #3 Take Advantage of User Account Control

User Account Control or UAC for short is a feature that lets the system notify you each time a program attempts to make changes on your device. The UAC feature is perfect for a workplace environment, as it allows you to control other users’ authority across office devices. For example, you can set up a second user account on each computer, which will make you the administrator. The employees using the computer will not be able to install any new programs without the administrator’s permission. This way you will be able to prevent employees from installing programs that might carry potential security threats.

• #4 Use VPN for Windows

Using a VPN for Windows is one of the best and easiest ways to secure your devices while surfing the internet or accessing confidential sites online. A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel for your data to go through, meaning all your information is hidden from third parties. It is recommended to use a VPN for Windows each time you are accessing important files so that no one else can track your location and access confidential data. Besides enhancing security and protecting data, VPNs are a great solution for geo-restrictions, as this type of connection allows you to access sites that might be unavailable in your country.

• #5 Stop Using Microsoft Accounts

Microsoft accounts are praised for the convenience they offer, as they allow you to sync all your data across different devices in a few clicks. However, despite being a great time saver, a Microsoft Account can be a vulnerability to your Windows OS security. These accounts store a lot of data, and they can be easily hacked. The best way to avoid the risk of a data breach is to stop using your Microsoft account. If you don’t want to give it up completely, at least don’t connect it to your device in the office, as that can be a risk for the whole company.

• Conclusion

Overall, you don’t have to be an expert to properly secure your Windows OS. Follow these five tips, and you will decrease all the risks of a data breach in your workplace. Keep in mind that the whole team should be informed about potential security threats, solutions, and security measures to keep the company completely safe from unwanted incidents.

How to Increase Windows OS Security in Your Workplace was originally published in Hacker Noon on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.