Windows 11 represents the latest iteration of Microsoft brought up with a number of new features, security improvements, and a modern user interface. Increasing cyber threats and attacks have heightened the urgency on taking proactive actions to secure your system. Therefore, protection-is-as-important as using the device whether one is a home user or a business professional.
In this article, we will walk you through essential tips and best practices to secure your Windows 11 against attacks.
1. Keep Your Windows 11 Updated
It’s important to keep Windows 11 up to date because it is one of the most important steps in securing a system. Security updates are often made available by Microsoft that fixes vulnerabilities and improve the performance of the system. Not applying the updates might expose systems to threats.
How to Enable Automatic Updates:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates to ensure you’re up-to-date.
- Enable automatic updates to download and install updates in the background.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Weak passwords or passwords easily guessed are one of the major reasons for unauthorized access to any system. Windows 11 implements a number of means for the creation of strong passwords, coupled with multi-factor authentication (MFA), thus ensuring another layer of security.
How to Set a Strong Password:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Choose Password and create a strong, unique password. Avoid using easily guessable information such as names or birthdates.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication:
- Use MFE for Microsoft accounts, where it additionally asks for another verification such as phone number or authenticator app.
- Go to the security setting for your Microsoft account and activate MFE for your account.
3. Enable Windows Security and Firewall
Windows 11 mostly comprises a magnificent built-in feature known as Windows Security, which blends many security systems, from the antivirus and firewall to far more. Therefore, it is central to turning this feature on and keeping it updated.
Steps to Enable Windows Security:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
- Ensure that Virus & Threat Protection is active and regularly scans your device.
- Also, verify that the Firewall & Network Protection is enabled to monitor and block potentially harmful traffic.
4. Use BitLocker for Disk Encryption
Encryption is imperative for the protection concerning any sensitive data in case your device gets lost or stolen. Windows 11 Pro has a built-in BitLocker which encrypts your entire drive so that unauthorized users can not access your data at all.
How to Enable BitLocker:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security> Device Encryption.
- If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, BitLocker will be available. Turn it on to encrypt your drive.
5. Protect Your Privacy with Windows 11 Privacy Settings
Windows 11 introduces an upgraded privacy control interface to help protect your personal data. The privacy options allow you to restrict data being sent to Microsoft and third-party apps.
How to Adjust Privacy Settings:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Review and adjust each section, including Activity History, Diagnostics & Data, and App Permissions. Limit access to sensitive data, such as your location, microphone, and camera.
6. Install and Regularly Update Antivirus Software
Windows Defender certainly offers good protection, but many prefer to add more security layers and have a third-party antivirus program installed. This reputable antivirus should find and destroy malware attacks in real-time and protect you from phishing as well as ransomware.
Key Features to Look for in Antivirus Software:
- Real-time protection against malware and viruses.
- Behavioral detection to catch zero-day threats.
- Ransomware protection to keep files safe from malicious encryption.
7. Configure UAC (User Account Control)
On Windows 11, the User Account Control (UAC) is a security device that warns you whenever applications make an attempt to alter your system settings. This is designed to prevent the malicious attack or unauthorized access of any application to the administrative level.
How to Adjust UAC Settings:
- Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.
- Set the slider to the highest setting to get notified whenever apps try to make system changes.
8. Use Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 for Enhanced Security
Windows 11 makes use of the functioning Secure Boot along with TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) for it to be secured by hardware. Secure Boot performs the validation of software before allowing it to launch on your machine during the boot process. Whereas TPM 2.0 is used to enhance security in protecting sensitive data and encryption keys.
How to Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0:
- Restart your system and press the BIOS/UEFI access key (usually F2, Del, or Esc) during startup.
- In BIOS/UEFI settings, ensure that Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled.
9. Avoid Using Administrator Accounts for Daily Use
Utilizing an administrator account for day-to-day tasks elevates the risk that an attacker may breach your system. Therefore, executing common activities with a standard user account is preferable, with the administrator account being used only as a necessity.
How to Create a Standard User Account:
- Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
- Under Other users, click Add account and select Standard user.
10. Beware of Phishing and Malicious Emails
Phishing attacks are one of the very common ways for attackers to gain access to sensitive information. One should be very wary about opening emails, especially with questionable links and attachments.
Tips for Avoiding Phishing:
- Make it a habit to verify the sender’s email address before clicking on links or opening attachments.
- Be cautious of spelling mistakes, unknown domains, and calls to action to get personal information.
- Employ a trustworthy email security tool that checks for malicious content.
Conclusion: Securing Your Windows 11 System
One has inbuilt tools security methodology and awareness of all possible threats to secure the Windows 11 device. The tips mentioned here are good enough to protect data from most cyberattacks.
Remember, it’s an ongoing process, and staying updated on the latest security features and threats will keep your system secure.
