User Account Control (UAC) prompts end users for consent when each application requires the administrator access token. The only exception is the relationship between parent and child processes, where child processes inherit the user’s access token from the parent process.
Both parent and child processes must have the same integrity level. To protect processes, Windows marks their integrity levels as measurements of trust. A high-integrity application performs tasks that modify system data, such as disk partitioning, while a low-integrity application performs tasks that could potentially compromise the operating system, like a web browser.
Applications with lower integrity levels are unable to modify data in applications with higher integrity levels. UAC is a powerful Windows cybersecurity tool, but there are many more features and capabilities to protect against hackers. We will go further and focus on built-in security systems, but we will also touch on external windows cybersecurity tools.
How To Improve Windows Cybersecurity?
Authentication System
For Windows deployments, there are three primary options for pass wordless authentication.
- The first option is using Windows Hello for Business, which includes biometric authentication. To enable Windows Hello for Business for cloud-only deployments, you require Windows 10 version 1511 or later, a Microsoft Azure Account, Azure Active Directory (AD), Azure Multi-factor Authentication, and Modern Management (Intune or supported third-party MDM) . Optionally, you can have an Azure AD Premium subscription for automatic MDM enrollment when the device joins Azure AD. For hybrid deployments, you need Windows 10 version 1511 or later and be either Hybrid Azure AD joined or Azure AD joined.
- The second option is the Microsoft Authenticator app. You can also use the Google Authenticator app for two-factor verification. This option may work well if your applications support the Authenticator app, and your users can use the same platform for multiple cloud applications. According to Microsoft’s documentation, the underlying technology used is similar to Windows Hello. To deploy it, you need Azure Multi-Factor Authentication with push notifications allowed as a verification method.
- Finally, passwordless solutions can be implemented using FIDO 2.0 security keys. For this, you need a device like Yubikey, which supports a resident key, client PIN, HMAC secret, and multiple accounts per relying party (RP).
Use A Safe Browser
One of the best in the security area is the Tor browser. In fact, a safe Tor browser is not absolute either. You should figure out how real Tor security is and where the line is that it’s better not to cross.
In practice, an additional security measure in the form of VeePN, even in a free trial period, will significantly improve the situation. This way you will eliminate potential risks that the Tor browser itself cannot completely mitigate.
Create An Administrator Account Password
The initial account on a Windows computer belongs to the Administrators group and possesses privileges to install software and modify system configurations.
Creating a password for the administrator account is imperative and remembering it is crucial to prevent unauthorized system alterations. Without a password, system modifications can be made by anyone, including children, relatives, or co-workers.
Stay On Your Account With Regular Rights
If you haven’t already, create and start using the standard user account immediately to ensure the protection of your system from unwanted or accidental changes, as well as prevent unwanted software installations. When you open an application or a file that requires system changes, the system will prompt you to input the Administrator password.
Before entering the password, make sure you understand the purpose or reason for the changes the file intends to make. If you encounter a situation where the system asks for Administrator confirmation when opening a document or image, it’s advisable to exercise caution as usual, such actions do not require Administrator permissions.
Use A VPN Service
Using a VPN is an excellent way to enhance your online safety. A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, creates its own network and encrypts your data. This prevents hackers and others from accessing your actual information. You can download VPN in different formats.
One popular option is a VPN extension, but there are also separate applications. If you enjoy browsing the internet, utilizing a VPN is a valuable tool, as network security and internet security are intertwined.
Backup
Backing up is crucial for computer security tips. Regular file backups protect against data loss due to sudden hard drive failure or viruses. Losing all your photos, documents, and valuable data can be a costly setback, particularly on a work computer.
Backing up to internal or external storage is essential, but it’s also recommended to utilize cloud storage like Google Drive for automatic data backup. With cloud storage, your data remains accessible even if your hard drive gets damaged, ensuring uninterrupted work. Additionally, Google’s system scans every file, enhancing your computer security.
Avoid Crack Software
Many cracked software programs contain malicious software such as malware, spam, and ransomware. Some cracked software even requires you to disable your antivirus and firewall during installation, allowing the software to carry out activities without your knowledge.
This poses a significant risk, as using cracked software opens a door for malware to enter your system. It’s not worth compromising computer security for a piece of software that may not be essential. The benefits you gain may not outweigh the potential losses you’ll experience.
Your computer may seem fine at the moment, but when the time comes, attackers may target your system. Don’t leave your operating system vulnerable to hackers. Always download software from trusted sources.
Results
The listed Windows cybersecurity tips will help you protect yourself from many types of vulnerabilities: most types of malware, viruses, hacker attacks, etc. Most likely, you will regret that you did not take proper security measures very soon. It’s better to be conscious about your data and devices to protect yourself from any threats in the future.