How do you optimize network security on your computer?

Updating software is crucial to protecting your devices. A best practice for home computers is to set your computer to auto update your applications and operating system. In an enterprise environment, It's important to have a vulnerability scanner deployed and build an effecting 3rd party software patching workflow.

By making sure security program/application is up to date with latest "version", alsonuser does thier part by making sure not to download unfamiliar program or strange emails..etc

Optimizing network security on your computer involves several key steps. Start by keeping your operating system, software, and antivirus programs up to date to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and regularly back up your data to prevent data loss in case of a breach. Enable firewalls, and disable unnecessary network services and ports. Be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links, avoiding suspicious sources. Encrypt sensitive data and use a VPN for added privacy.

Even though complexity makes a strong password, it's not the most convinient to our memory. We should move to use passphrases with a bit of complexity, which are easier to remember and long enough to provide good protection. Overly complex password = user writing it down somewhere in plaintext. Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a must.

Removing Administrative access helps to reduce the chance of malware and malicious software installation. Elivate to a higher privileged account when there is a valid need to install/uninstall software.

There is little benefit to frequent password changes, and the recommendation has been removed from most security guidelines such as NIST in recent years. Use of password managers and strong, unique passwords in combination with two factor authentication (2FA) offers superior protection in most scenarios.

Although strong passwords are absolutely necessary, secure your accounts with a second factor with an authenticator app or a Yubikey. Attackers can easily break a password and also use SIM swapping to defeat SMS based MFA.

Using a VPN while connected to an insecure, public network, another valuable use of encryption worth mentioning. Non-tech users should be more aware of this.

Full Disk encryption is absolutely necessary. Without it, An attacker can gain unwarranted access to your device and sensitive files.

I agree with Clayton, only in cases where we also have a good backup in the cloud for our data because if we have hardware failure and we have to move the hard drive, and we don′t have a backup of the key, it will be very inconvenient not to be able to access your own information. Also encrypting the hard drive also gives you protection from new undected randsomware.

Perform periodic phishing/vishing/spam detection training as a matter of regular user ongoing training will help them hone their skills to spot them, and prevent a potential problem.

It is important to always stay "in the know" on the latest topics and news in computing and cybersecurity. Even though you may think you know everything, this industry changes overnight and there is always more to learn. Find websites, blogs, or other media outlets that provide news and updates on the latest developments in the Information Technology field. Never stop learning, never stop being engaged.

Let's not forget the areas where cyber and physical security meet. Exercising good security practices is invaluable to protecting digital assets. Basic practices like, logging out of your work station, not writing passwords down, not sharing passwords, and not connecting personal media devices to work computers are all helpful in maintaining security of assets and the network. Keep laptops secure whilst traveling. Hotel safes aren't the most secure solution, but its better than leaving computing equipment out in the open. Suggest keeping your laptop on your person and never leave it in your vehicle. Remember, you may have the best cyber security, but if an adversary can physically touch your assets, then you've just been comprised.

Maintain constant vigilance and avoid complacency when it comes to security. The absence of prior incidents should not be misconstrued as immunity from future risks. Notably, individuals tend to undervalue their privacy, often enthusiastically divulging personal information on social media platforms.

One of the things that can improve your computer’s performance and security is removing unneeded or unused software. Software, like your operating system, requires regular maintenance and updates to function properly. Moreover, software can increase your computer’s attack surface, which is the area that hackers can exploit to gain access to your system. Therefore, it is advisable to uninstall any software that you do not use or need, as this will reduce your attack surface and free up some disk space.

Keep in mind that the default Windows account settings provide full admin powers. Even if you only have one person using a computer, standard initial setup protocol should include setting up a Local "CompanyAdmin" account (don't use the built-in Administrator account) and changing all other users to standard accounts. This will significantly reduce the chances of installing anything unwanted.