Windows 8: Put its hidden security features to work! - henkeboxistaken

Don't Lashkar-e-Toiba the Windows 8 haters brainswash you: Microsoft actually introduced a few great features in its new operating system, some of which will help prevent you safer from malware and other security threats. Though most of these security enhancements are active by default, you still essential equal active to get the well-nig from them. Likewise, one new Windows 8 feature presents specific security concerns that must be addressed to keep your Microcomputer—and your data—As safe as possible. Let's stand out in and look into.

Buy a new PC as an alternative of upgrading

To take full advantage of Windows 8's new security measur features, your PC needs to run a brand-new kind of boot scheme called Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). This system, which replaces the old Base Input signal/Output System (BIOS), adds many a new kick features and greatly speeds the inauguration process.

Included in UEFI is a feature, called Secure Boot, that helps prevent unauthorized in operation systems and malware from running at startup. This makes it more difficult for data thieves to use bootable discs operating theater flash drives to access your files; information technology also helps preserve rootkits—a form of malware that's hard to detect—from infecting your computer during bootup.

Any PC vendors enclosed UEFI along select systems in the past, but Secure Boot requires a new version, specifically UEFI revision 2.3.1. So if your system of rules originally came with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, it likely doesn't let in UEFI. And if it does include UEFI, it's probably an originally version that doesn't support Secure Boot.

Though some PC and motherboard vendors offering upgrades to UEFI, you might want to consider buying a unaccustomed PC or board that's designed for Windows 8, per se hardware must include UEFI and sustain Secure Boot enabled by default.

Look for new PCs and devices that carry this logo.

If you're technically inclined, however, you backside double-check an older Personal computer's UEFI compatibility before you beetle off and buy a revolutionary system. First, try pressing the traditional BIOS or setup key (so much as F2 or Delete) during booting just subsequently you turn along the system. At that place, you can get your BIOS operating theater UEFI version.

From Windows, you stool typemsinfo32 in the Part menu search field of view or the Run prompt to find oneself the BIOS reading. If it appears you have a orthodox BIOS, you could hold with the arrangement operating theatre motherboard vendor to see if it's offer upgrades to UEFI. And if the UEFI version you have is older than 2.3.1, see if thither are any updates for your Personal computer.

Accept precautions when victimisation a Microsoft accounting

In Windows 8, you can now optionally sign into Windows with a Microsoft account using your netmail address. This describe stores umteen of your personal Windows settings, preferences, and saved passwords, as well as other items equal web browser history, favorites, and Windows 8 apps, on Microsoft's servers. Whenever you log-in to a new Windows 8 device with that Microsoft write u, all your data automatically syncs to your new hardware.

You can change the sync settings via the recent Microcomputer Settings app.

Although this new syncing functionality can be useful, IT does pose a security system risk. If malcontents get your Microsoft describe password, they could log-in to your account statement at other Windows 8 PC and accession your synced data. And if you use Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage service, they'll cursorily be able to access your online files.

To help prevent your Microsoft account from organism hacked, use a beardown password when creating your history in Windows 8. Try to make IT arsenic complex as you can with turn down- and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and fend off words from the dictionary. Also make sure to use a unequaled password. If you simply atomic number 75-use the same old drawstring that gets you into other sites and services, you'ray just asking for problem. Finally, you should avoid storing any truly radiosensitive documents in SkyDrive.

If you already induce a Microsoft (surgery Windows Live) account, you can use it when logging into Windows 8 instead of creating a new account. And if your existing password ISN't brawny, you can always exchange it.

Luckily, your saved passwords from Internet IE, networks, and Windows 8 apps aren't synced to a other system until you confirm it A a "Trusted PC." Once you sign in to a spick-and-span Windows 8 system, Microsoft sends you an email and/or a text-message lively asking you to confirm it. This is a great protection mechanism, but if you're using a Microsoft email address (Hotmail, say), or if someone knows both your Microsoft account and your other email password, he could substantiate the PC helium's using atomic number 3 trusted and then approach all your blest passwords.

To help make the litigate of confirming trusted PCs tied more secure, use a non-Microsoft email address for your Microsoft account, and use a different password for that email account (which you should be doing anyway). Also make a point to enter your mobile number along your Microsoft history and update it when it changes. You rear end e'er add and change electronic mail addresses and nomadic numbers.

Choose your antivirus program sagely

Windows Shielder looks and works much like Microsoft Security Essentials.

Windows 8 comes with reinforced-in antivirus software as part of the updated Windows Defender program. However, if your PC manufacturing business included a 3rd-party antivirus broadcast with your computer, Windows Defender may cost disabled. Either way, make sure you consume much form of antivirus program installed and enabled. And if you'atomic number 75 considering a commercial antivirus suite, compare the different security suites and opt one that offers bully protection—our recent security suite roundup is a good place to start.

Bottom melodic line

We've discussed some security measur concerns with Windows 8 and how to combat them. Recollect, in order to use the new Secure Bring up feature, you pauperism to purchase a bran-new system that is Windows 8–certified, or piddle sure that your current system supports information technology in front upgrading from a old version of Windows.

If you log on to Windows using a Microsoft account, take the extra precautions I've represented to secure your information. Use separate and unique strong passwords for both the Microsoft account and the e-mail account you use. Don't store sensitive files in your SkyDrive online storage account. And preserve your Microsoft account up-to-date with your changeful amoun.

Even though your Windows 8 PC power come with the built-in Windows Defender operating theatre a ordinal-party antivirus political platform turned on, compare your options and choose one of the better antivirus programs.