Windows and Mac security settings to check now
It’s never good to go too long without checking your security settings. Now and then, you should brush up on your protections. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, all devices are vulnerable to attacks.
On the bright side, there are tons of built-in features you can take advantage of for your safety. For example, Windows Defender can help protect your PC from lurking threats. However, many native protections might be a bit hard to find on your own.
Luckily, we have you covered. We collected some essential security features on your Mac or PC. If you haven’t checked them in a while, it’s time for a quick visit!
1. Windows users: Turn on Tamper Protection
Microsoft first released this free security feature in 2019. It prevents third parties from disabling your protection against viruses and other threats.
That’s right: Criminals will try to delete security updates on your computer. They want to shut down behavior monitoring programs that protect you in real-time.
Luckily, Tamper Protection blocks any changes other programs try to make to your Windows security settings. The only way anyone can change settings is through your administrator account.
To turn on Tamper Protection, follow these steps:
- Type Windows Security in the search bar at the bottom left of your screen. Then, open the app.
- Next, select Virus & threat protection.
- Click Virus & threat protection.
- Hit Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings.
- Scroll down to the Tamper Protection header. If it isn’t turned on, enable it.
Your screen will look like this:
FIREWALL VS. ANTIVIRUS: What’s the difference? Do you need both?
Update your PC to patch 6 zero-day flaws, 90 vulnerabilities
The first major updates of the year from software developers pack a bit of a punch. Microsoft released a swath of vulnerability fixes in what has become known as Patch Tuesday. Tap or click here to find out why you are seeing more ads on Microsoft Edge.
Update your PC - New Windows fix patches 55 bugs and major vulnerabilities
Microsoft released another round of updates on what is commonly known as Patch Tuesday. The November edition is a significant one, as it fixes several zero-day exploits. No more passwords? Microsoft says you can ditch yours and use one of these secure methods instead.
Have a Windows PC? Don't fall for this bogus Windows Defender charge
Online scams come in all forms, including phony links, apps, files, phone numbers and websites. Scammers reach out to victims via phone, email and text message. It’s not always easy to spot a scam, but there are signs you can look out for.
Microsoft Patch Tuesday: Update now to fix 9 zero-days, 117 flaws
Microsoft recently revealed details about the upcoming Windows 11 operating system. It takes a completely different look, and many Apple Mac users might find it familiar. But just because it has a new OS on the horizon doesn’t mean that security patch support for Windows 10 has stopped.
Windows 10: Everything new in Microsoft's May update
Microsoft regularly rolls out patches for its Windows operating system. Past updates included new functions, design overhauls and security tweaks. A new update has just been released and implements some suggestions from the community.
5 free security downloads every computer needs
We’re constantly seeing spikes in phishing attacks, malicious websites and other dangers lurking on the web. All that adds up to big money. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost more than $3.3 billion to fraud in 2020.
5 free downloads to keep your PC or Mac secure
The FBI has seen a significant spike in cybercrime reports since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hackers, scammers, and snoops are having a field day. Be sure to check for any updates to your gear.
A bug has been found in 79 different popular router models that let hackers remotely take over your devices. Tap or click here for the complete list of affected routers and how to protect your network. Phones are targets, too. Tap or click here for a specialized app that will tell you if your iPhone has been hacked.
Update your browser now to keep your computer from being hijacked
There are tons of security issues circulating for many big tech companies right now. Microsoft has released a critical patch for Windows Defender, and Samsung phones have been plagued with a new privacy bug.
Now, there are new reports that internet browsers like Chrome, Edge and Firefox have several vulnerability issues. Tap or click here to read about a hacker who exposed 99% of all Parler messages and posts, including location data.
CCleaner for Windows: Is this wildly popular download safe to use?
At Komando.com, we’re crazy about free tools you can use to keep your system clean. It’s hard enough keeping malware and spyware away from your computer as it is, so why make things more difficult by having to pay for such essential tools?
Windows 10 flaw: Opening a large image allows hackers to take over
Microsoft’s slew of update-related bugs may be annoying, but we have to give the company credit for quickly issuing fixes for major issues like security flaws — which are far more dangerous and urgent.
Usually, when a bug is discovered by independent researchers, a report is sent to Microsoft for the company to analyze. Then, they release a patch that can be easily downloaded. This usually happens in a matter of days or weeks at most, which helps prevent the issues from being exploited. Tap or click here to see why the NSA urged people to update Windows.
Dangerous new malware installs keylogger to swipe your banking info
Data breaches and cyberattacks are so common these days that you may have been affected by one without ever knowing. According to reports, the average American had their data stolen at least four times during the past year, and that’s not only people with weak passwords or lackluster security settings.
Windows 10 update breaks Windows Defender - here's how to fix it
Did you really think you could go a day without hearing about yet another nasty Windows update? Well, despite COVID-19 changing much of the world, some things remain the same. The sun rises in the east, water is wet and Microsoft can’t push out a stable update to save its life.
Urgent Windows update: Patch fixes 3 zero-day flaws, 113 bugs
It’s no exaggeration to say COVID-19 has turned the whole world upside down, which is why any sign of normalcy can seem like a comforting bit of good news. And nothing says “normal” like another barrage of critical Windows updates.
Microsoft Defender is coming to Android and iOS to fight malware on your phone
Cybercriminals have been finding ways to rip people off since the early days of the internet. Phishing attacks, ransomware, spoofed websites that infect your device with malware — it’s all out there.
We’ve even seen a new version of an old-school virus making the rounds recently. Tap or click here to find out how to stop it.
Free antivirus program sells your data, remove it now
With so many viruses and malware attacks floating around the web, it can be difficult to trust computer programs. But this line of thinking almost never applies to antivirus software, which we trust to keep our computers safe from harm.