By Staff Post Your Security and Tech Tips Here

[Back3]

To control apps opening on startup, use Microsoft Autoruns and check Logon and Scheduled Tasks.

Autoruns - Sysinternals

See what programs are configured to startup automatically when your system boots and you login.

docs.microsoft.com

 

[Shadowra]

"Keep all your software up to date. They are very often exploited by hackers to install malware without your consent due to security holes"

 

[wat0114]

Disable Autoplay for all devices and drives.

How to Disable AutoPlay in Windows 10 and 11

If you're tired of things playing by themselves, here is how to disable the autoplay feature in Windows 10 and 11

www.makeuseof.com

 

[peterfat11]

Checkout system hardening tools that members of our community have made :
SWH by Andy Ful
( maybe there is more ? Please look into it )

 

[show-Zi]

Unfortunately, there are no perfect defenses. Always plan for when you run into trouble. That's why backups are so important.

 

[forgottenuser79643]

There are no stupid questions, merely stupid answers.

 

[Shadowra]

Do not download crack/keygens/patches or pirated applications from DDL/P2P/Torrent sites. They are very often infected and can harm your computer.

 

[eonline]

Better, do not download absolutely nothing pirated or magic solutions from any site, they usually come with Malware and in many occasions STOP/DJVU ransomware variants.

 

[Back3]

Use an app like Hibit Uninstaller or other to see all your installed apps (and versions), make a capture and save that list in the cloud. Useful if you have to reinstall Windows or some programs. I have my copy of that list on Google Keep.

 

[Thales]

Better, do not download absolutely nothing pirated or magic solutions from any site, they usually come with Malware and in many occasions STOP/DJVU ransomware variants.

What if they say it is safe and just a false positive, so turn off your antivirus and run the keygen.

 

[Back3]

OneDrive Personal Vault brings added security to your most important files. You can put 3 documents in this vault. A zipped folder counts as one document. Easy to zip many documents in one folder.

 

[plat]

Unless you're an Insider, make sure "Optional diagnostic data" in Settings App/Privacy/Diagnostics and Feedback is switched OFF. No one needs to see your Edge browsing history from there.

 

[bayasdev]

Banks will never ask you to verify your account, update your personal information or provide your banking information (PIN / password) via phone, text message or email. You can become a victim of a social engineering attack. When in doubt contact your bank.

 

[Orchid]

@Orchid: If you don't see an option to delete your account, look at the website's Terms Of Service/Privacy Policy.

 

[HarborFront]

Always save your important data offline. Do NOT keep on your PC/laptop to avoid malware infection, hacking and a sudden-death PC/laptop.

 

[Thales]

Always save your important data offline. Do NOT keep on your PC/laptop to avoid malware infection, hacking and a sudden-death PC/laptop.

This is what I always say, redundant backup is one of the most important things.

 

[Trident]

It is always better to use authenticator app instead of codes via text message. Clever attackers may be able to obtain a SIM card and it may be disastrous.

Reduce attack surface by regularly reviewing the list of installed software and removing anything that's not necessary anymore.

Make sure Firewall on Mac OS is on. Go to Setting -> Network -> Firewall. There is an optional stealth mode that's great for hiding the system from certain discovery methods attackers use.

 

[Trident]

Beware profiles offering "easy money" or gifts on social media -- even if they are friends. Their profiles are probably hijacked to create these posts and attackers will try to take over yours too, or even worse - they will try to steal your hard-earned money. If something is too good to be true then it probably is.

 

[Trident]

Identity theft happens easier and faster than you think. Research the available options to monitor your credit file in your country and be vigilant - it’s important to spot and report any fraudulent activity quickly.

Be careful with shopping websites you’ve never heard of, specially when they have very few pages in their top-menu, low prices, uncategorised items, typos and poor about information.

 

[Abnormal]

always put usability in mind when planning your security setup