Advanced users know that Windows systems, while feature-rich and widely supported, are frequent targets for security threats and privacy invasions. Protecting both your data and your identity requires a proactive, layered approach that goes far beyond default settings. This guide provides step-by-step methods and real-world examples to tighten Windows security and privacy, leveraging both built-in tools and robust third-party solutions.
How Can You Harden Windows Against Unauthorized Access?
1. Enforce Strong Authentication Policies
– Use a strong, unique password for each account. Avoid standard dictionary words.
– Enable Windows Hello biometrics (facial recognition or fingerprint) for compatible hardware.
– Set up BitLocker drive encryption:
– Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
– Turn on BitLocker for system and data drives.
– Save your recovery key in a secure location, such as an offline USB drive or printed copy.
– Enforce account lockout policies via Local Security Policy (secpol.msc):
– Navigate to Account Policies > Account Lockout Policy.
– Set Account lockout threshold (e.g., 5 invalid attempts).
– Adjust lockout duration and reset time as preferred.
2. Control User and Application Privileges
– Use a Standard User account for daily tasks.
– Assign Administrator rights only when needed using User Account Control (UAC).
– Review and limit local group memberships with lusrmgr.msc.
– Audit the list of installed software and remove unnecessary apps that might introduce vulnerabilities.
What Steps Should You Take to Secure Your Network and Internet Activity?
1. Harden Your Firewall and Network Settings
– Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
– Ensure all profiles (Domain, Private, Public) have the firewall enabled.
– Create custom inbound and outbound rules for sensitive ports and applications using Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (wf.msc).
– Disable network discovery unless sharing files or printers within a trusted LAN.
2. Use Secure DNS and VPN Solutions
– Change your DNS to a privacy-focused provider (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Quad9, or OpenDNS):
– Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
– Click your connection > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
– Set Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server to your chosen provider.
– Use a reputable VPN with a strict no-logs policy to encrypt your traffic, especially on public Wi-Fi.
How Do You Minimize Data Collection and Telemetry in Windows?
1. Limit Microsoft Telemetry and Data Collection
– Go to Settings > Privacy.
– Under Diagnostic & feedback, set data collection to “Required diagnostic data” only.
– Disable tailored experiences and inking/typing data.
– In Activity history, uncheck “Let Windows collect my activities”.
– Use Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) for further restrictions:
– Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
– Set “Allow Telemetry” to “Enabled” and select “0 – Security” for minimal data sharing (available only on Windows Pro/Enterprise/Education).
2. Audit and Disable Unnecessary App Permissions
– In Settings > Privacy, review permissions for Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, and Calendar.
– Disable access for apps that don’t require these features.
What Tools and Practices Help Maintain System Privacy?
1. Regularly Clear Tracking Data and Unnecessary Files
– Use Glary Utilities for comprehensive privacy cleanup:
– Launch Glary Utilities.
– Select Privacy & Security tools.
– Use the Tracks Eraser to remove browsing history, cookies, recent document lists, and other usage traces from all major browsers and Windows components.
– Schedule regular cleanups for optimal privacy.
– Manually clear browser histories and set browsers to delete cookies on exit.
2. Encrypt Sensitive Files and Communications
– Use Windows’ built-in Encrypting File System (EFS) for individual file/folder encryption (right-click > Properties > Advanced > Encrypt contents).
– For additional protection, use VeraCrypt for creating encrypted volumes.
– Prefer encrypted messaging platforms for sensitive communications.
How Can You Keep Your System Secure Against Emerging Threats?
1. Maintain a Robust Update Routine
– Enable automatic updates for Windows, drivers, and software.
– Regularly check for firmware updates for your motherboard and devices.
– Use Glary Utilities’ Software Update tool to identify and update outdated applications, reducing exposure to vulnerabilities.
2. Monitor for Malware and Suspicious Activity
– Ensure Microsoft Defender Antivirus is active, or use a reputable third-party antivirus.
– Enable Controlled folder access in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection.
– Use Glary Utilities’ Malware Removal tool to scan for and eliminate malware traces that may evade Windows Defender.
– Review Windows Event Viewer for unusual login attempts or process activity.
3. Implement Application Control
– Use Windows Defender Application Control or third-party solutions to block unauthorized or unsigned applications from running.
– Use Applocker (available in Windows Pro/Enterprise) to create rules that limit software execution based on publisher, path, or file hash.
What Advanced Privacy Steps Should You Consider?
– Use a privacy-centered browser (like Firefox or Brave) with tracking protection enabled.
– Routinely audit and remove unnecessary services and scheduled tasks.
– Disable Cortana and other voice assistants if not needed.
– Use local accounts instead of Microsoft accounts if cloud syncing is unnecessary.
– Regularly review and update privacy settings after major Windows updates, as they may reset some preferences.
Conclusion
Windows security and privacy require vigilance and a multi-layered strategy. Advanced users must leverage native features like BitLocker, firewalls, and group policies, while also integrating dedicated privacy tools such as Glary Utilities to automate cleanup tasks and fill in any gaps. By combining strong authentication, network hardening, privacy enforcement, and regular maintenance, you ensure your Windows system remains secure and your personal data stays private.