Securing system information tools in Windows 10 & 11 is critical to maintaining the integrity and privacy of your PC’s data. As an intermediate user, you already grasp the basics, so let’s explore specific strategies and tools that can enhance your system’s security.
1. Why Restrict Access to System Information Tools?
System information tools, like System Configuration (msconfig) and System Information (msinfo32), offer insights into your PC’s hardware and software configurations. Restricting unauthorized access prevents potential misuse by malicious actors who might exploit this information.
2. How to Use User Account Control (UAC)?
Ensure UAC is active to prevent unauthorized changes. Go to ‘Control Panel’, select ‘User Accounts’, and then ‘Change User Account Control settings’. Adjust the slider to the second-highest level to receive notifications before any significant modifications.
3. Can You Enable BitLocker for Drive Encryption?
Encrypting your hard drive with BitLocker secures sensitive data. Right-click on your drive, select ‘Turn on BitLocker’, and follow the prompts to set up encryption, ensuring that access to system tools is protected by encryption.
4. How Does Windows Defender Firewall Help?
The built-in firewall monitors and restricts incoming and outgoing traffic. Access it via ‘Settings’, ‘Update & Security’, then ‘Windows Security’. Ensure it’s activated and configure specific rules to allow or block applications that might access system information tools.
5. Should You Use Strong Passwords and Lock Screens?
Set strong passwords for all accounts to prevent unauthorized access. Go to ‘Settings’, ‘Accounts’, then ‘Sign-in options’ to configure a strong password or a PIN. Lock your PC with ‘Windows + L’ when stepping away to secure access immediately.
6. How to Keep Your System Updated?
Frequent updates patch security vulnerabilities. Go to ‘Settings’, ‘Update & Security’, and click ‘Check for updates’ to ensure your system is up to date. Enable automatic updates for continuous protection.
7. Is Creating a Standard User Account Beneficial?
Limit system access by creating a standard account for daily use. Admin privileges are only necessary for installing software or making system changes. Go to ‘Settings’, ‘Accounts’, then ‘Family & other users’ to add a new standard user account.
8. How Does Glary Utilities Enhance Security?
Glary Utilities offers a comprehensive suite that includes privacy protection features. Use its ‘Tracks Eraser’ to clean up traces of your activities, and the ‘File Shredder’ to delete sensitive files permanently. Its ‘Startup Manager’ can disable potentially harmful applications from running.
9. Should You Monitor System Logs?
Regularly check Event Viewer for suspicious activities. Access it by typing ‘Event Viewer’ in the search bar. Examine logs under ‘Windows Logs’ and ‘Security’ for any unusual entries, which can be early indicators of security issues.
10. Why Backup Your Data Regularly?
Regular backups ensure data recovery in case of system compromise. Use the built-in ‘File History’ or third-party solutions to backup system settings and files. Access ‘File History’ via ‘Control Panel’ under ‘System and Security’.
Implementing these practices will significantly enhance the security of your system information tools on Windows 10 & 11. Leveraging built-in and third-party tools like Glary Utilities can further solidify your approach, providing robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches.