Your operating system (OS) is the core of your computer, and its security is crucial for protecting your data, privacy, and performance. However, threats like malware, hackers, and bugs can compromise your OS and expose you to risks. How can you monitor your OS security and prevent potential problems? Here are some effective ways to keep your OS safe and sound.
One of the simplest and most important ways to monitor your OS security is to update it regularly. Updates are released by the OS developers to fix vulnerabilities, patch bugs, and improve features. Updating your OS can prevent hackers from exploiting known flaws, and enhance your OS stability and performance. You can check for updates manually, or enable automatic updates in your OS settings.
And not just your OS! An easy way for an attacker to get admin access on your PC is also the software that's on it! Lots of vendors offer automatic patching, use it as much as you can!
Don't use patched or cracked software's. Update OS regularly .Use trusted antivirus and don't save passwords. Monitor CPU resources RAM,HDD etc
Updating on a regular basis takes care of OS as well as software patching also.Maintenance schedules should be monitored and tailored to changing needs
Regularly update software and enable automatic security patches to address vulnerabilities. Employ robust antivirus and anti-malware tools while actively monitoring system logs for unusual activities to ensure real-time threat detection and response.
Actualizar el sistema operativo de su computadora o equipo es esencial, sea manual o automáticamente. Pero tenemos que tener en cuenta que si no somos técnicos especialistas en el tema, podría actualizarse una versión o parche no acorde con el hardware del sistema que tengamos, y eso ralentiza los equipos y pierde la razón de ser de la actualización. Hay que tener cuidado y leer bien para que sistemas y placas base o versiones de hardware aplican dichas actualizaciones y luego jamas olvidar que mucho antes de actualizar el sistema operativo, hay que actualizar Bios del sistema placa base y Firmware de dispositivos, mismos que son aún más delicados de actualizar, pero si no aprendemos al andar, siempre será bueno tener un técnico confiable.
Another essential way to monitor your OS security is to use antivirus software. Antivirus software can scan your OS and detect, remove, and prevent malware infections. Malware can damage your OS, steal your data, or hijack your resources. Antivirus software can also protect you from phishing, ransomware, and other online threats. You should choose a reputable antivirus software, and update it frequently.
The best antivirus is the one you have. Have one! Make sure to have it up to date. Also, spend money on the training your employees how to be online safe.
Also run scans frequently. Just because you have a virus scanner rmeber it will not protect you 100%. Antivirus's are like the flu shot - they only protect you about known viruses and how they act, not new or different viruses that aren't in their database.
Av needs to combine with End node, as traditional AV will not help against zero-day attacks. If budget allows, managed security will be the best security solution
These days, I attended a presentation of the Sentinel endpoint solution for protection, and I definitely think it's one of the best and most effective solutions currently available.
To maximize its effectiveness, opt for a reputable antivirus and ensure it stays up-to-date. Customize settings in a sweet spot between robust protection and optimal system performance. Run periodic full system scans, and exercise caution online by avoiding suspicious links or downloads.
A third way to monitor your OS security is to monitor your system resources. System resources are the components of your computer that your OS uses to run processes, such as CPU, RAM, disk, and network. Monitoring your system resources can help you identify any unusual or excessive activity, which could indicate a security breach or a performance issue. You can use built-in tools like Task Manager or Resource Monitor in Windows, or Activity Monitor in Mac, to check your system resources.
This is something that might be best left to people that are highly skilled. It can be tough to understand why a certain process or program is using all of your resources. A good example is that browsers sometimes like to use a lot of system resources. Does that mean that you have been hacked?? Maybe it does and maybe it doesn't. There are some simple signs though. If the machine starts to run slowly or the fans are turning on when not doing something intensive like gaming (hopefully not at work), encoding video, processing large files in programs like CAD, etc. you might have an issue.
An enterprise grade SIEM is worth it's weight in gold. The ability to report these metrics in an easily digestible format can't be appreciated if you haven't had it. You can quickly recognize network issues in a particular site, find endpoints that are having issues, or not checking in so much faster when you have a more holistic view of your environment with the ability to drill down to a specific node. This does wonders to help support your helpdesk in tangible ways.
Resources are good to watch but unless you're fluent in thinks like process hacker and know how services are called and who their owners SHOULD be it's difficult. Most bad guys name their injections something that look normal until you dig. I think the frequent virus scanning and always second guess Downloads would be more helpful. Often times just bad coding on an application can cause Resources to ping high and a reboot fixes it.
Your PC's system resources are like its vital signs. ????? Monitoring CPU, RAM, disk, and network is like keeping an eye on its pulse and breathing. ???? Spotting weird spikes in these "vitals" can be a heads-up to something fishy, maybe a security issue or just a hiccup in performance. ???? It's like noticing your car's engine running hotter than usual - better check it out! ???? Windows Task Manager or Mac Activity Monitor are your stethoscopes, letting you listen in and keep things running smooth. ??????
Monitoring system resources is essential to ensure optimal performance and detect any issues that might affect the system. Here are some key resources to monitor: - Monitor CPU usage to ensure that processes are running efficiently and to identify any potential bottlenecks or excessive usage. - Keep an eye on memory usage to prevent the system from running out of available memory, which can cause slowdowns or crashes. - Monitor disk space and usage to prevent running out of storage capacity, which can impact system performance and cause errors. - Monitor network activity to identify any unusual traffic patterns, potential security threats, or excessive bandwidth usage.
A fourth way to monitor your OS security is to audit your system logs. System logs are records of events that occur in your OS, such as errors, warnings, or actions. Auditing your system logs can help you troubleshoot problems, detect anomalies, or trace intrusions. You can use built-in tools like Event Viewer in Windows, or Console in Mac, to access your system logs.
This is for sure a good thing to do but let's be honest, unless you're part of a corporation who had an EDR, you're not likely to do this. What you could do if you wanted is create PowerShell scripts to watch for thinks like commands run or security logs for logins and the low hanging fruit to at least have a bit of an idea of what's going on.
Logs may be useful for incident evidence procurement. Never rely upon them as a reporting mechanism, as any damage from compromise will already have been done at that point. And any truly skilled threat actor will also have covered their tracks. This is why real "hackers" from decades past were never caught - they leave no trace. But for general troubleshooting purposes, logs can certainly be reviewed to isolate specific errors and assist with resolutions thereof. This is a primary purpose of having a SIEM in SMB and Enterprise environments, where logs from a multitude of systems can be assimilated and collated for the purposes of alerting and reports.
This is a double edged knife. It can be tough to look through all of the system logs. There can be a lot of warning and such that can be ignored. Again if you are just randomly looking but not actually sure what you are searching for it might be a frustrating struggle. Logs are definitely helpful but if you aren't part of IT they might not be helpful.
Your system logs are like your PC's diary. ???? They jot down everything happening in the OS - errors, warnings, even just regular actions. ????? Diving into these logs is like detective work. ????? You're on the lookout for clues of odd behavior or uninvited guests (intruders). It's like reading a mystery novel and spotting hints that something's off. ?????♂? Windows Event Viewer or Mac Console? They're your magnifying glasses to zoom in on these clues. ????
Ordinary users may lack the expertise to audit system logs for OS security monitoring. Utilizing an antivirus program that automatically audits system logs and notifies users would be beneficial in enhancing security.
A fifth way to monitor your OS security is to encrypt your data. Encryption is the process of converting your data into a code that only you or authorized parties can decipher. Encryption can protect your data from unauthorized access, theft, or tampering. You can use built-in tools like BitLocker in Windows, or FileVault in Mac, to encrypt your data.
Encryption is something that should be done to any and all devices in this day and age. There is really no excuse why a device shouldn't be encrypted. It does a great job at protecting information. An important thing that goes along with this is device/screen looking and requiring a password as well when waking the device. If you device is encrypted but always logged in and unlocked nothing is protected. Long and strong passwords also goes along with this too. If my drive is encrypted but my password is 123456 to unlock everything that makes the encryption mostly pointless.
Encrypting your data is like turning it into a secret code. ???♂??? Only you and those you trust can crack it. Imagine your files as a treasure chest; encryption is the magic spell that keeps it locked from pirates. ??♂????? It’s a shield against prying eyes and digital pickpockets. Think of it like sending messages in a language only you and your friends understand. ???? Windows BitLocker and Mac FileVault? They're like your personal code-making wizards, casting those protective spells on your digital valuables. ??♂???
It is helpful to have a online backup image of the so and all the data as ransomware cases grow up . Periodical backup and encryption are just a piece of the security plan.
Also look to making copies of data either in an offline, or cloud based solution and ensure they are encrypted. There are many solutions that will do this for you in an automated way and do a good job of giving you a break-glass restore option.
I don't think encrypting your drive is a way to monitor it; it is a way to secure it. And yes, encrypt the drive...all of them. The processor overhead is negligible. There is no reason to have an unencrypted drive given today processing power.
A sixth way to monitor your OS security is to use strong passwords. Passwords are the keys to your OS and your accounts, and they should be hard to guess or crack. You should use passwords that are long, complex, and unique, and avoid using common or personal information. You should also change your passwords regularly, and use a password manager to store them securely.
Make sure to use unique passwords for different accounts, mix up the characters, and avoid any guessable info. These steps can make your OS more secure against unauthorized access and potential breaches.
In my experience, all must use strong passwords and never use the same password for all systems is complicated sometimes to remember, but always you can use a note or use a password manager (SSO). and very important change your password frequently about one time each 60 days or something like that.
While maintaining password security can be a pain point for many users, it is impossible to understate how important this is. Think about it like this, you would never leave your car parked in a bad neighbourhood with the doors unlocked and the windows down, and believe me, the internet is a BAD neighbourhood! To help alleviate the pain, there are several very good options for password management ranging from free services like your browsers builtin password management to high-end paid software. While the free options may be sufficient for your average home user remember you get what you pay for.
Strong password can be imposed to workers but depend of the level of training . Some of them use the same pattern when we rise the security level and they are not unique.
Use long passwords. I always prefer longer passwords to those with many special characters. Because a long string with a frase (ilikecoffeesomuchandcantstopdrinkingit :))is more catchy for you than a passphrase containing ? or #, right? You get thosse symbols mixed up, next thing you know, you'll completely mess it up.
Embracing a zero-trust model, coupled with vigilant data surveillance, reinforces robust cybersecurity. Incorporating sound network and user security practices significantly bolsters this defense. Stringent measures, including the implementation of robust passwords, multi-layered user authentication, and the deployment of advanced data encryption techniques, collectively fortify the security posture. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive shield against diverse data threats, fostering a resilient and adaptive security environment.
Back up your data. And use multiple sources? I use Time Machine, one of the most inefficient backup systems I have ever seen, but it is fast and easy. I also you an internet based tool to backup remotely so it is stored offsite. If your house burns down, have a great backup system at home is useless.
Limit the number of users on shared computer systems (i.e. at home and/or in the workplace) and assign access and user account privileges only when absolutely necessary. Do not allow users to connect removeable media devices, such as hard drives and USB memory pens, without some form of security scan beforehand or on access. Never allow a non-admin user to access critical data or other user's data and/or credentials on the system or network.
One of the Most essential things that you have to consider is a good firewall. Once you spend some time to configure the programs that are allowed to have I/O (input/output) traffic, you are good to go. Your firewall will notify you for any future I/O requests that will appear once you install a new application (and you can approve or decline), or once an attack will take place in any of the ports of your operating system.
Use two entry accounts to log in to a shred computer sure one is an administrator and the other is limited guest ! Although this is simple idea but can benefit a lot in shared environment end level desktop office computers!