Windows Security | Information Security | SIU

Antivirus
Windows Defender is now built into Windows and defends your device against virus and malware. If your device is running Windows 7, you can download Microsoft Security Essentials for free. You do not need any additional antivirus software.

Updates
Keeping your software up-to-date is essential for maintaining and securing your device.

In Windows there are various settings you can set to improve security on your device.

Secure Windows Accounts
Rename the Administrator account on your device. This helps prevent attacks targeted at the generic Administrator account. You can also setup a decoy Administrator account without privileges, to keep hackers out. 

Set an Account Lockout Policy
Set Windows to disable any user account after multiple failed login attempts. Windows allows you to set the number of failed attempts.

Passwords
Use passwords with a minimum of sixteen characters and a special character. Avoid personal dates and names. These can be guessed easily.

Secure Downloads

• Do not open links/content from sources you do not recognize.
• Do not download software from non-trusted websites.
• Check for any unwanted extra files when downloading content.
• Refuse options to change default settings on your device and within apps.
• Disable apps that are unwanted or suspicious.
• Install web apps such as Web of Trust. These prevent you from accessing harmful sites and warn you about unsafe downloads. 
• When downloading something, check for any unwanted extra files or options to change your default settings and apps. Disable anything that is unsafe or unwanted.

Secure Links

• Type URL’s in your browser, or navigate through your bookmarks instead of clicking links in emails or messages.
• Hover your mouse pointer over links attached in emails or referenced in other websites. The true destination of the link will be displayed in the bottom left corner of your browser.
• Look for websites that have padlocks in the URL address bar of your browser. If you are on a site without a padlock, do not enter your personal information. It is not a secure link.

Secure Browsers
Use secure browsers. Mozilla FireFox and Google Chrome are great alternatives to Internet Explorer.

Encrypt Files
Encrypting your files or your entire hard drive is an extra measure to secure your data. Encryption can be done with an Entrust Account, a digital signature, or within Microsoft Office.

MoveIT
MoveIT is a web-based file transfer system. MoveIT allows users to securely send and receive files.