What are the essential steps to secure your operating system?

One additional measure to enhance OS security is to regularly update third-party software, such as web browsers, office suites, and media players. Keeping these applications up-to-date ensures that potential security loopholes are patched, reducing the risk of cyberattacks. Moreover, enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords for all accounts can further bolster your OS's security and safeguard your sensitive data.

OS can be secured by these ways: Keep Software Updated: Regularly install security patches and updates to protect against vulnerabilities. Use Strong Passwords: Employ complex, unique passwords for accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Firewall Protection: Enable a firewall to monitor and filter network traffic for potential threats. Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus software to detect and remove malware. Limit User Privileges: Restrict user permissions to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Regular Backups: Back up data regularly to ensure recovery in case of data loss or ransomware attacks. Educate Users: Train users to recognize phishing scams and practice safe online behavior.

Create and use application catalog for the application being used by business. Make sure to have security advisory watch for all the application part of the catalog for any critical security updates or vulnerability fix. Make sure to follow and implement application recommendations by security advisory for any application in use.

Update for patches. Strong passwords, MFA. Firewall for defense. Antivirus, updates. Limit admin access. Encrypt sensitive data. Secure Wi-Fi, encryption. Disable unused services. Regular data backups. Safe browsing habits. Keep software updated. Trusted sources only. Monitor with IDS/IPS. Educate users. Regular security audits

Maintain an active on-device firewall, employ top-tier EDR solutions, and diligently vet all software to prevent any potential infiltration by malicious actors.

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection to your user accounts. MFA requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before accessing an account, such as a password and a one-time code sent to a mobile device. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

Passwords should be easier for you - and hard for an attacker. Do try to create long passwords that have complexity in them; but make them rememberable to you. One piece of advice is to create a mixture of things that makes sense to you, but not to others. Encryption should be thoroughly looked at and implemented correctly to avoid issues with your hard drive. It's better to use native OS encryption [for example, BitLocker] if you're not completely certain how your Encryption software works.

1- Strong Passwords: Craft varied, complex passwords with a mix of characters. Use password managers to generate and securely store unique credentials for each account. 2- Encryption Tools: Employ trusted encryption software to safeguard sensitive data. Encrypt files and communications to prevent unauthorized access. 3- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for an additional layer of security beyond passwords. This verification method, like a code sent to your phone, enhances protection against unauthorized access. These combined measures fortify your system against diverse cyber threats, ensuring a robust defense for your operating system and sensitive information.

Use a methodology for your passwords of it helps you remember them afterwards. You can use a pattern that means something to you and make it more complex, like a phrase where you can use first letter of each word and add numbers or marks at the end of each line

Must be updated all patches to skip vulnerabilities. Must have updated AV. The system should have a strong password and must be changed periodically. No third-party free application is installed on the system, which means always trust license versions. Try to secure the data with encryption and must use a trusted cloud to backup the important data.

Opt for contemporary EDR/MDR software and, if feasible, have it overseen through a SOC/SIEM service for enhanced security oversight.

Caution with antivirus gaming mode manual scan exceptions. You might need to override default security settings occasionally but be vigilant

Depending on your OS, you might have already anti-virus software installed that comes with the OS. Be aware of the protection mechanisms your OS vendor already implemented in the OS. Beware of fake "wannabe" antivirus software and only download and implement known and reliable software.

Microsoft Defender is way better than it used to be; use it in conjunction with another reputable AV/Spyware company and you can feel pretty safe.

Prefer mobile broadband that publicly accessible wireless networks. You might enjoy the idea of free internet but anonymity is better guaranteed between you and a mobile carrier than between you and a wifi provider

If you are using a publicly accesible wireless network you might want to install and use a VPN client to secure your communications.

You should check your permissions and security settings because some softwares has accesses that they didn’t need at all and can collect sensitive data.

Implement a zero-trust network model for your system's connections. Safeguard all data in a securely encrypted and backed-up environment. Refrain from reducing default permissions for applications or the operating system.

It can be a pain, but its also best to have child or guest accounts. Letting anyone who sits down at your PC have full admin willy nilly access is inviting unwanted access\bloat\virus contagion.

Ideally you should be operating and using your resources as a user and only elevate privileges when necessary. Therefore even if you are compromised your permissions will be restricted this damage might be reduced

Separate local administrator and regular user accounts. 95% of viruses will not work if you are logged in as a regular user. If you need to install/update software, scan it with anti-virus and then run it as administrator. You can use the local group policy to limit what actions a user can take.

Backup is the cornerstone of security When all fails a solid backup solution will save the day. You need to test and maintain proper backup options at server or even workstation level

In addition to what has been noted already: Enabling BitLocker, which is a feature that encrypts the entire drive and protects the data from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. BitLocker can also be used to encrypt removable drives, such as USB flash drives or external hard drives.

To further enhance the security of the backup you can also store the backups offsite or in the cloud. You should also automate the backups as much as possible to eliminate the possibility of forgetting to run the backup process.

I can't count how many systems could have been saved or at least much of the data if people would have just been using Windows Restore points. It's easy, free and works pretty well.

O backup deve ser feito regularmente para garantir seguran?a aos dados armazenados. Ambientes em Cloud também já s?o administrados com toda a seguran?a necessária e pode ser um ótima op??o de backup.

Download and install applications from reliable sources. Make sure that the applications are upto date so that it doesnt tamper the security of the OS.

Another step is to remove all unnecessary software packages from your systems. Services or other pieces of unused software can be vunerable and then explored by an attacker to gain remote or local access to your systems.

It is crucial to establish a routine of verifying updates with some regression tests before implementing them on production systems.

Consider Disk Encryption Disk encryption helps protect you and your customers from data theft or accidental loss, by rendering data stored on hard drives unreadable when an unauthorized user tries to gain access. Hard disk encryption software makes it very hard for data to be accessed or stolen by hackers.

Testing security patch or hot fix in Dev or lab environment is very important,to avoid any impact that can cause before implementing the update on production environment